Five-cylinder Cupra Formentor VZ5 heads to the UK
Fri, 10 Oct 2025
- Top-of-the-line Cupra Formentor goes into production in 2026
- Limited to 4000 units worldwide
- 2.5-litre petrol engine makes 390PS and 480Nm
- Specific VZ5 bodykit with 20-inch alloy wheels
Cupra has confirmed that the revised Cupra Formentor VZ5 will go into production at the start of 2026 and the 390PS SUV will head to the UK for the first time.
The previous Cupra Formentor VZ5 was never made in right-hand drive, but that changes in 2026, which means those in Britain can finally have a taste of the all-wheel-drive, five-cylinder family car. However, the Formentor VZ5 will only be available in small numbers, with just 4000 being built.
Power comes from a 2.5-litre petrol engine with 390PS and 480Nm of torque. You'll be able to spot the VZ5 model by its beefier-than-standard bodykit, with a model-specific front bumper, replete with a splitter engraved with the VZ5 logo.
It's fitted with copper-coloured 20-inch alloy wheels under widened arches, with a new diffuser housing copper-tipped exhausts.
Rival cars will likely include the same-engined Audi RS3, the forthcoming new Volkswagen Golf R and the BMW M340i.
2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 prices and release date
What we know about the new Cupra Formentor VZ5 so far is that it will go into production in the first quarter of 2026, which hopefully means we can expect UK deliveries to start soon after that.
No firm price has yet been given, but given the cost in Europe of the existing VZ5, somewhere around £60,000 seems likely. The Audi RS3 starts at just over £62,000.
2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 styling, interior and technology
The flagship Cupra Formentor VZ5 sets itself apart from the rest of the Formentor line-up with a more aggressive front splitter engraved with ‘VZ5’, widened wheel arches and a bespoke exhaust setup featuring four copper-tipped round tailpipes.
Step inside and you’ll find ‘CUPbucket’ sports seats, designed with deeper side bolsters for more support compared with the standard seats in lower trims. We haven't seen any photos of the car's interior yet, but Cupra says there's ambient lighting and various Cupra-branded interior details to "elevate the driving environment".
2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 engine, gearbox and performance
The new Formentor VZ5 gets a 2.5-litre petrol engine with 390PS, 480Nm and all-wheel drive, paired with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. No performance information has been revelaed yet, but Cupra says it will have torque-splitting technology and lateral torque control for improved handling.
When does the new Cupra Formentor VZ5 go on sale?
No firm date has been given for the new Formentor to arrive on UK soil, but given that production starts in Q1 2026, around that time seems likely.
Why didn't the previous Cupra Formentor VZ5 come to the UK?
Although the Cupra Formentor VZ5 has topped the range in other countries, Cupra previously decided not to make it available in right-hand drive.
How fast is the new Cupra Formentor VZ5?
No performance information has been released yet, but with 390PS, 480Nm of torque and all-wheel drive, you can bet that the new Formentor VZ5 will be rapid in a straight line.
