Compare performance (300 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (28800 £ vs 31800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or CUPRA Leon?
When it comes to the compact class, two titans stand out: the BMW 1er Reihe and the CUPRA León. With their unique styles, impressive engineering, and advanced technologies, both vehicles cater to driving enthusiasts seeking performance and practicality. In this comparison, we will delve into the key technical aspects and innovations that set these hatchbacks apart and help you decide which one deserves a spot in your garage.
Both the BMW 1er Reihe and the CUPRA León sport a sleek hatchback body type, making them appealing for city driving while still providing adequate space for passengers and luggage. The BMW measures 4361 mm in length, 1800 mm in width, and 1459 mm in height, with a trunk capacity of 380 liters. On the other hand, the CUPRA León is slightly larger, with dimensions of 4398-4399 mm in length, 1799 mm in width, and heights range from 1444 mm to 1467 mm, offering a trunk capacity of 270 liters.
The 1er Reihe presents a diverse lineup of engines, including petrol, diesel, and electrified MHEV options. With power outputs ranging from 122 to 300 HP, the 1er Reihe offers a variety of choices tailored to driving preferences. It boasts impressive torque figures up to 400 Nm, contributing to thrilling acceleration times ranging from 4.9 to 9.8 seconds for 0-100 km/h.
In comparison, the CUPRA León also provides a robust array of powertrains, including petrol MHEV, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options. The León can deliver between 150 and 300 HP, with torque soaring to 400 Nm as well. Acceleration times are competitive, ranging from 5.7 to 8.9 seconds, offering a similar thrill factor as its BMW counterpart. Both vehicles feature automatic transmission options, with the BMW utilizing a double-clutch automatic setup for seamless shifting.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the 1er Reihe has an edge, boasting consumption figures as low as 4.3 L/100 km, depending on the variant. Meanwhile, the CUPRA León’s petrol engines record consumption rates from 4.8 to 7.7 L/100 km. Each vehicle presents its respective carbon dioxide emissions, with the BMW showing figures ranging from 112 to 173 g/km, while the León showcases a spread from 124 to 175 g/km. Notably, the León excels in its plug-in hybrid variant, offering an electric range of up to 131 km with a battery capacity of 19.7 kWh.
The interiors of both vehicles are designed with driver comfort and technology in mind. The BMW 1er Reihe emphasizes a high-quality feel, with spacious seating for five and a holistic infotainment system that integrates seamlessly with the driver’s smartphone. Its dashboard layout is intuitive, providing access to various driving modes and vehicle configurations.
The CUPRA León, on the other hand, embraces a sportier ambiance, featuring bucket-style seating and a driver-centric cockpit. It is equipped with advanced connectivity options and a digital cockpit, focusing on performance data and driving dynamics. Both vehicles come with comprehensive safety features, ensuring you drive with peace of mind.
When it comes to driving dynamics, the BMW 1er Reihe leans towards a more refined and responsive handling characteristic, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive architecture in certain variants, providing an engaging driving experience. The all-wheel-drive options further enhance stability and traction, particularly in challenging conditions.
In contrast, the CUPRA León focuses on a spirited driving experience, with its front-wheel-drive setup delivering thrilling acceleration and cornering agility. With multiple driving modes available, the León allows drivers to customize their driving experience to match their preferences, from everyday comfort to adrenaline-pumping performance.
The BMW 1er Reihe and CUPRA León both present compelling cases within the compact hatchback segment. While the 1er Reihe leans more towards luxury with a balanced performance-oriented platform, the León offers a sportier vibe with innovative technology and robust engine options.
The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Are you inclined toward a more refined, luxury driving experience or a sport-focused, technologically advanced performance hatch? Each model caters to a specific set of needs and driving styles, making them both worthy contenders. Regardless of the final choice, both the BMW 1er Reihe and the CUPRA León promise an exhilarating drive and practicality for the modern driver.
Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.
BMW 1 Series has a a bit advantage in terms of price – it starts at 28800 £ , while the CUPRA Leon costs 31800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2957 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: CUPRA Leon manages with 1.30 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the BMW 1 Series with 4.30 L. The difference is about 3 L per 100 km.
Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.
When it comes to engine power, the CUPRA Leon has a hardly perceptible edge – offering 325 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 25 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is to a small extent quicker – completing the sprint in 4.90 s, while the CUPRA Leon takes 5.40 s. That’s about 0.50 s faster.
In terms of top speed, the BMW 1 Series performs barely noticeable better – reaching 250 km/h, while the CUPRA Leon tops out at 229 km/h. The difference is around 21 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: CUPRA Leon pulls minimal stronger with 420 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 20 Nm difference.
Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In curb weight, CUPRA Leon is minimal lighter – 1371 kg compared to 1465 kg. The difference is around 94 kg.
Boot capacity is identical – both offer 380 L of storage.
In maximum load capacity, the CUPRA Leon performs hardly perceptible better – up to 1301 L, which is about 101 L more than the BMW 1 Series.
When it comes to payload, BMW 1 Series hardly perceptible takes the win – 510 kg compared to 493 kg. That’s a difference of about 17 kg.
The CUPRA Leon holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The BMW 1 Series is a compact premium hatchback that injects a proper sense of driving fun into everyday life, with sharp handling and a cabin that punches above its class. It’s a great pick for buyers who want sporty manners without losing practicality, and yes, you’ll still get that unmistakable BMW grin behind the wheel.
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The Cupra Leon blends sporting intent with everyday practicality, serving up sharp handling and a cabin that feels more premium than its hatchback looks might suggest. It's a driver's car in commuter clothing — lively, distinctive, and clever enough to make daily driving feel a little less routine without screaming for attention.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
28800 - 51100 £
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Price
31800 - 50900 £
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Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L
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Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.6 L
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
124 - 131 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
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co2
112 - 173 g/km
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co2
28 - 172 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
49 L
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Fuel tank capacity
40 - 45 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1465 - 1625 kg
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Curb weight
1371 - 1708 kg
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Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
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Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
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Length
4361 mm
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Length
4398 - 4399 mm
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Width
1800 mm
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Width
1799 mm
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Height
1459 mm
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Height
1444 - 1467 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1135 - 1200 L
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Max trunk capacity
1191 - 1301 L
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Payload
475 - 510 kg
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Payload
432 - 493 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
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Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
122 - 300 HP
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Power HP
150 - 325 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.9 s
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Max Speed
210 - 250 km/h
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Max Speed
215 - 229 km/h
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Torque
230 - 400 Nm
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Torque
250 - 420 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
90 - 221 kW
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Power kW
110 - 239 kW
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Engine capacity
1499 - 1998 cm3
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Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2024
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Model Year
2025 - 2026
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, F
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Brand
BMW
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Brand
CUPRA
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The BMW 1 Series is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.
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