Cupra Leon

Cupra León at a glance

From León Cupra badge to Cupra León

For two decades "Cupra" was the name of the fastest SEAT León. The first-generation León Cupra R reached 165 kW (225 PS), the second-generation Cupra R 195 kW (265 PS), and the third generation ran from the Cupra 265 of 2014 to the Cupra 300 of 2017 and a 228 kW (310 PS) Cupra R limited to 799 cars. The full story of the SEAT car is in our SEAT León hub.

SEAT launched Cupra as a standalone brand in January 2018. The fourth-generation SEAT León was presented on 28 January 2020, and the Cupra León followed in February 2020 as a model of the new brand. The brand's development is told in our Cupra history.

Mk4 engines from 2020 to 2024

The first Cupra León offered a choice of 2.0 TSI petrol engines and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid. ADAC's German listings show these main versions:

The 1.4 e-Hybrid combined a 1.4 turbo petrol engine with an electric motor for 400 Nm. The Sportstourer was also sold with 4Drive all-wheel drive and 228 kW (310 PS), a version reserved for the estate.

Facelift engines and performance

The 2024 facelift brought the front-end style of the Tavascan, a larger 1.5 e-Hybrid system and, from February 2026, a 239 kW (325 PS) 2.0 TSI VZ. ADAC lists these German versions in November 2026:

The 2.0 TSI VZ drives the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG and is limited to 250 km/h. It replaced the 221 kW (300 PS) facelift version sold from July 2024 to February 2026. Both e-Hybrid versions use a 25.8 kWh battery with 19.7 kWh usable, a six-speed DSG and an 85 kW (116 PS) electric motor; they charge at 11 kW on AC and at up to 50 kW on DC, where 10 to 80% takes 26 minutes. The stronger VZ tops out at 229 km/h, the 150 kW version at 220 km/h, and both drive on electricity alone up to 130 km/h.

Hatchback, Sportstourer and the e-Hybrid boot

The facelifted hatchback measures 4,398 mm long, 1,799 mm wide and 1,444 mm high on a 2,686 mm wheelbase. Its boot holds 380 litres (13.4 cu ft) in petrol form and 1,301 litres with the rear seat folded. The plug-in hybrid loses space to its battery: ADAC lists 270 litres and 1,191 litres for both e-Hybrid hatchbacks, 110 litres less than the petrol and diesel models with the seats up.

Kerb weights in ADAC's data run from 1,371 kg for the manual 1.5 TSI and 1,479 kg for the 2.0 TDI to 1,507 kg for the 2.0 TSI VZ and 1,708 kg for the e-Hybrid VZ. Fuel tanks hold 45 to 50 litres in the petrol models and 40 litres in the e-Hybrid.

Safety rating

Euro NCAP tested the fourth-generation León in 2020 and awarded five stars, with 92% for adult occupants, 88% for child occupants, 71% for pedestrians and 80% for safety assist. ADAC also shows five stars for the facelifted Cupra León, with a score of 84 out of 100 and a test date of November 2025.

Prices and special editions

ADAC's German price list in November 2026 starts at EUR 37,790 for the 1.5 TSI with a manual gearbox and EUR 40,590 for the 1.5 eTSI DSG. The 2.0 TDI DSG costs from EUR 43,090, the 1.5 e-Hybrid from EUR 44,715, the e-Hybrid VZ from EUR 49,620 and the 2.0 TSI VZ from EUR 50,805. From September 2026 ADAC also lists "VZ Custom by ABT" versions at EUR 51,975 (e-Hybrid) and EUR 53,160 (2.0 TSI).

Rivals and which Cupra León to choose

Inside the group the Cupra León competes with the Volkswagen Golf, whose Mk8 shares the MQB platform, engines and DSG gearboxes. Outside it, hot hatchbacks and fast estates make up the field; our best hot hatches list covers the alternatives. Cupra's own catalogue is on the Cupra brand page.

The 2.0 TSI VZ is the version that carries the old León Cupra's role, with 239 kW (325 PS) and 5.4 seconds to 100 km/h. For company-car drivers the 150 kW e-Hybrid makes more sense than the VZ plug-in: it costs EUR 4,905 less in Germany, has the longer electric range at 131 km and still reaches 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. The 2.0 TDI, at 4.8 l/100 km, suits drivers who cover long motorway distances without home charging. Buyers who mainly want the looks can choose the 1.5 TSI, the lightest Cupra León at 1,371 kg and EUR 13,015 cheaper than the 2.0 TSI VZ.

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