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CUPRA Leon vs BMW 3 Series Saloon comparison

Compare performance (325 HP vs 530 HP), boot space and price (35,700 £ vs 39,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – CUPRA Leon or BMW 3 Series Saloon?

CUPRA Leon vs BMW 3 Series Saloon: Key differences

CUPRA Leon

  • moderately cheaper
  • substantially more efficient
  • visibly more electric range
  • a bit lighter
details

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • clearly more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly more trunk space
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Leon

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

CUPRA Leon is moderately cheaper – starting at 35,700 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 4,264 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Leon uses 1.3 L/100km and is substantially 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 visibly more range – reaching up to 131 km, about 30 km more than the BMW 3 Series Saloon.

3 Series Saloon

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 clearly 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 markedly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 280 Nm more.

Leon

Space and Everyday Use:

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 a bit 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 visibly 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 marginally 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 holds a narrow 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.

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
details

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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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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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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Costs and Consumption
Price
35,700 - 50,900 £
Price
39,900 - 92,200 £
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
124 - 131 km
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
28 - 172 g/km
co2
54 - 227 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

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

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

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

The CUPRA Leon is offered with Front-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.