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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs CUPRA Leon comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 35,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or CUPRA Leon?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs CUPRA Leon: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • noticeably more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly more trunk space
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CUPRA Leon

  • somewhat cheaper
  • significantly more efficient
  • markedly more electric range
  • slightly lighter
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By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Series Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

CUPRA Leon is somewhat cheaper – starting at 35,200 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,757 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Leon uses 1.3 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the BMW 3 Series Saloon with 2.4 L/100km. The difference is about 1.1 L/100km.

As for electric range, the CUPRA Leon offers markedly more range – reaching up to 131 km, about 30 km more than the BMW 3 Series Saloon.

Leon

Engine and Performance:

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 BMW 3 Series Saloon offers noticeably more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 325 HP. That’s roughly 205 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the CUPRA Leon takes 5.4 s. That’s about 1.9 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Saloon delivers noticeably more torque with 700 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 280 Nm more.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

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 slightly lighter – 1,371 kg compared to 1,575 kg. The difference is around 204 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers markedly more boot space – 480 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 100 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 3 Series Saloon carries only slightly more – 495 kg compared to 493 kg. That’s a difference of about 2 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is slightly ahead 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.

from £39,900
3 Series Saloon

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 96 - 101 km
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CUPRA Leon

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series saloon is a driver's car in a suit, blending poised handling with a cabin that feels more premium than its practicality suggests. It’s composed enough for daily duties yet playful enough to keep weekend drives interesting, making it a sensible choice for buyers who still want to have fun.

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Reviews BMW 3 Series Saloon

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CUPRA Leon

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
Price
39,900 - 91,000 £
Price
35,200 - 50,900 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
124 - 131 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
28 - 172 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,371 - 1,708 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,799 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
432 - 493 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
150 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
250 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
110 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, F
Brand
BMW
Brand
CUPRA
Is the BMW 3 Series Saloon offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.