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Mercedes C-Class Saloon vs CUPRA Leon comparison

Compare performance (680 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (41,300 £ vs 35,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes C-Class Saloon or CUPRA Leon?

Mercedes C-Class Saloon vs CUPRA Leon: Key differences

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

  • clearly more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • moderately more trunk space
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CUPRA Leon

  • a bit cheaper
  • substantially more efficient
  • considerably more electric range
  • markedly lighter
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

C-Class Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

CUPRA Leon is a bit cheaper – starting at 35,700 £ , while the Mercedes C-Class Saloon costs 41,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,647 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the CUPRA Leon uses 1.3 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mercedes C-Class Saloon with 4.5 L/100km. The difference is about 3.2 L/100km.

As for electric range, the CUPRA Leon offers considerably more range – reaching up to 131 km, about 120 km more than the Mercedes C-Class Saloon.

Leon

Engine and Performance:

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 Mercedes C-Class Saloon offers clearly more power – delivering 680 HP compared to 325 HP. That’s roughly 355 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.4 s, while the CUPRA Leon takes 5.4 s. That’s about 2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes C-Class Saloon delivers significantly more torque with 1,020 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 600 Nm more.

C-Class Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, CUPRA Leon is markedly lighter – 1,371 kg compared to 1,695 kg. The difference is around 324 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon offers moderately more boot space – 455 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 75 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon carries somewhat more – 570 kg compared to 493 kg. That’s a difference of about 77 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The CUPRA Leon stands well ahead of its rival 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 £35,700
Leon

CUPRA Leon

  • Engine Type Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 124 - 131 km
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

The Mercedes C‑Class is the compact executive that dresses like it owns the boulevard, with an interior that blends modern elegance and plush comfort to make everyday driving feel unexpectedly special. On the road it pairs poise with a hint of cheeky agility, rewarding drivers who want refinement without forfeiting a touch of fun — and yes, it still looks great in the driveway.

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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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Reviews CUPRA Leon

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Mercedes C-Class Saloon
CUPRA Leon

Costs and Consumption
Price
41,300 - 103,400 £
Price
35,700 - 50,900 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
11 km
Electric Range
124 - 131 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
119 - 205 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
1,695 - 2,165 kg
Curb weight
1,371 - 1,708 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 455 L
Trunk capacity
270 - 380 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,820 - 1,900 mm
Width
1,799 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
485 - 570 kg
Payload
432 - 493 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
183 - 680 HP
Power HP
150 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.4 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 8.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 1,020 Nm
Torque
250 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
135 - 500 kW
Power kW
110 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
1,496 - 1,999 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, F
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
CUPRA
What drivetrain options does the Mercedes C-Class Saloon have?

The Mercedes C-Class 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.