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Mercedes C-Class Saloon vs SEAT Leon comparison

Compare performance (680 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (41,300 £ vs 24,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes C-Class Saloon or SEAT Leon?

Mercedes C-Class Saloon vs SEAT Leon: Key differences

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

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

SEAT Leon

4.4 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
  • clearly more electric range
  • noticeably lighter
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

C-Class Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

SEAT Leon is substantially cheaper – starting at 24,800 £ , while the Mercedes C-Class Saloon costs 41,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 16,520 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the SEAT Leon uses 1.2 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mercedes C-Class Saloon with 4.5 L/100km. The difference is about 3.3 L/100km.

As for electric range, the SEAT Leon offers clearly more range – reaching up to 133 km, about 122 km more than the Mercedes C-Class 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 Mercedes C-Class Saloon offers clearly more power – delivering 680 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 408 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 SEAT Leon takes 7.7 s. That’s about 4.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes C-Class Saloon delivers considerably more torque with 1,020 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 660 Nm more.

C-Class Saloon

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, SEAT Leon is noticeably lighter – 1,344 kg compared to 1,695 kg. The difference is around 351 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon offers somewhat 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 very slightly more – 570 kg compared to 521 kg. That’s a difference of about 49 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The SEAT Leon is far ahead 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.

from £24,800
Leon

SEAT Leon

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.2 - 5.5 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 133 km
Mercedes C-Class Saloon
SEAT Leon

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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SEAT Leon

SEAT Leon pairs sharp, modern styling with a cabin that's sensible and slightly sporty, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want flair without fuss. It drives with eager composure and offers a neat balance of comfort and agility, so you get everyday usability with a wink of fun.

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Mercedes C-Class Saloon
SEAT Leon

Costs and Consumption

Price
41,300 - 103,400 £
Price
24,800 - 36,800 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
11 km
Electric Range
133 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
119 - 205 g/km
co2
28 - 126 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
1,344 - 1,657 kg
Trunk capacity
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
473 - 521 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
183 - 680 HP
Power HP
116 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.4 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.7 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 1,020 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
135 - 500 kW
Power kW
85 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,496 - 1,999 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
SEAT
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.