Compare performance (300 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (28,800 £ vs 35,200 £ ) 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.
Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.
BMW 1 Series is markedly cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the CUPRA Leon costs 35,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,385 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Leon uses 1.3 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the BMW 1 Series with 4.3 L/100km. The difference is about 3 L/100km.
Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.
When it comes to engine power, the CUPRA Leon offers very slightly more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 25 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the CUPRA Leon takes 5.4 s. That’s about 0.5 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the CUPRA Leon delivers very slightly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 20 Nm more.
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 terms of curb weight, CUPRA Leon is barely lighter – 1,371 kg compared to 1,465 kg. The difference is around 94 kg.
Boot capacity is identical – both offer 380 L of storage.
When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries very slightly more – 510 kg compared to 493 kg. That’s a difference of about 17 kg.
The CUPRA Leon is clearly superior overall 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
28,800 - 51,900 £
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Price
35,200 - 50,900 £
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Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
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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
-
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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
-
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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
-
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Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
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Curb weight
1,371 - 1,708 kg
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Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
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Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
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Length
4,361 mm
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Length
-
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Width
1,800 mm
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Width
1,799 mm
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Height
1,459 mm
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
1,135 L
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Max trunk capacity
-
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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
Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
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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 - 226 km/h
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Max Speed
-
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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
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2024
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Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
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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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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España