Compare performance (325 HP vs 300 HP), boot space and price (31,800 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – CUPRA Leon or BMW 1 Series?
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 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.
BMW 1 Series is slightly cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the CUPRA Leon costs 31,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,957 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Leon uses 1.3 L/100km and is significantly 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 marginally 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 moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the CUPRA Leon takes 5.4 s. That’s about 0.5 s quicker.
Looking at top speed, the BMW 1 Series is marginally faster – 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: the CUPRA Leon delivers marginally more torque with 420 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 20 Nm more.
Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.
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.
For maximum load capacity, the CUPRA Leon offers marginally more capacity – up to 1,301 L, about 101 L more than the BMW 1 Series.
When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries only 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 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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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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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
31,800 - 50,900 £
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Price
28,800 - 51,100 £
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Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
124 - 131 km
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
28 - 172 g/km
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co2
112 - 173 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
40 - 45 L
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Fuel tank capacity
49 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
1,371 - 1,708 kg
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Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
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Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
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Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
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Length
4,398 - 4,399 mm
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Length
4,361 mm
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Width
1,799 mm
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Width
1,800 mm
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Height
1,444 - 1,467 mm
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Height
1,459 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1,191 - 1,301 L
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Max trunk capacity
1,135 - 1,200 L
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Payload
432 - 493 kg
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Payload
475 - 510 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
150 - 325 HP
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Power HP
122 - 300 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.9 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
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Max Speed
215 - 229 km/h
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Max Speed
210 - 250 km/h
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Torque
250 - 420 Nm
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Torque
230 - 400 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Power kW
110 - 239 kW
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Power kW
90 - 221 kW
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Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
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Model Year
2,024
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, F
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
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Brand
CUPRA
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Brand
BMW
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España