VM Test Cupra Leon e-Hybrid: The Plug-in Paradox

Doesn't Go Far: The EV Mode Reaches 34 Kilometers

Somewhat sheepishly, we drive away. However, entirely without the combustion engine. Because, of course, for the test drive, we activated the electric drive right from the start. A bizarre mix: V8 rumble paired with electric whirring. What were the people at Cupra thinking? This might impress teenagers who are into computer games. But when placed next to the smoothly silent Tesla Model S, which we have for comparison, it comes off more like a child's toy department. Alright, enough of this. We turn off this somewhat "late adolescent" feature and enjoy the now largely prevailing silence, as the conserved sound continues only very subtly in the background as an AVAS warning noise substitute.

The 1.4-Liter TSI is Not Up to Date

However, the peace doesn’t last very long. Even shorter than with the Octavia RSiV, the 13-kWh lithium-ion battery holds at a chilly five degrees Celsius outside temperature, with gentle ventilation and a cabin temperature set to 19 degrees. After just 34 kilometers, the battery is exhausted - half of the claimed 67 km - and a tired, crossly diligent and aged, not at all "Cupra-like" 1.4-liter TSI reawakens from its slumber. It performs its duty in the nearly 1.8-ton hybrid wagon (essentially a technical twin of the Skoda) with considerable effort, especially if a brisk pace is required. The setting somewhat resembles a bodybuilder arriving to run an 800-meter race: impressive physique, small heart.

Traction Issues: When 400 Nm of System Power Pulls

Accordingly, fuel consumption rises even sooner than with the Octavia, which managed 43 kilometers. Perhaps it’s also due to the ultra-wide 235 Pirelli tires, which make a lot of noise and don’t provide particularly good traction when both drives briefly unleash 400 Nm of system torque on the front wheels. Perhaps, as the Octavia had slightly narrower Conti Winter Contact tires. Yet, it's a matter of a few kilometers here and there.

The electric reserve is modest on both counts, especially as the Cupra is also equipped with the same sluggish 3.6 kW AC charger, requiring four and a half hours of charging for those few EV kilometers. And thus, you get the PHEV-receipt: apart from a few recuperation phases where the corporate plug-in drive recovers some energy,  fuel consumption for the significantly heavier car due to the plug-in drive (about 160 kg more) increases with the trip length.

The Longer the Trip, the More Disadvantageous the PHEV Package

Good for the Cupra that our test route ends at 158 kilometers. With a poor result: 5.8 l/100 km when refueling, 5.5 l/100 km showed the onboard computer, plus 5.6 kWh/100 km of electricity. On the moderately driven final highway stretch, it settled at 7.0 l/100 km; formally, through hilly Hallertau, we recovered just 0.1 kWh/100 km of energy. On the country road, it was 3.8 l/100 km added to 9.5 kWh/100 km, and in the city, due to a brief intervention by the combustion engine, 0.6 l/100 km and a substantial 30 kWh/100 km electricity consumption. This is not efficient compared to the significantly more powerful Tesla Model S Long Range, which completes the same city route with about 20 kWh. Another longer trip resulted in 4.1 l/100 km of petrol over 419 kilometers and an average of 10 kWh/100 km of electricity with intermediate charging. This is okay, but we managed to be more environmentally friendly with the natural gas variant of the old Leon ST, under 4 kg/100 km, almost climate-neutral thanks to biomethane.

Fast Only When Both Engines Work Together

But can the Cupra at least be fast? Here we come to another "Cupra paradox": it looks very fast and can be fast. But it isn’t fast for long. The 4.66-meter wagon rushes to 100 km/h in about seven seconds, with its wide tires chugging, if both engines with their 245 system-PS (85 kW electric motor, 110 kW petrol engine) work hard and you give the front axle a moment to gain traction. If needed, up to 225 km/h, which should be avoided for consumption reasons. Despite the impressive acceleration, a plug-in hybrid does not achieve the seamless and effortless acceleration quality of a pure electric drive, working discreetly through DSG stages. Nor its efficiency. And the individual 85 kW electric drive doesn’t exactly "take the sausage off the plate" by pure BEV standards.

Disadvantages: Smaller Trunk, Limited Load Capacity

Thus, as with the Skoda, the question arises whether considering the general qualities of this actually fine car, though significantly reduced in trunk and load space due to the battery and harsh with 19-inch wheels, it's not better to opt for a completely different choice under the Seat roof, which, unlike Skoda, is yet to be available: a Seat Leon ST with TGI natural gas engine, fed consistently with biomethane.

This would provide a modern petrol engine in the form of the new 1.5-liter unit with 130 PS, coupled with a 7-speed DSG, reaching up to 440 km, and an environmentally friendly 500 km range for significantly less than the €39,000 gross of the Cupra. More load capacity - the manufacturer has meanwhile added the option of combining a trailer (up to 1,500 kg, 12% gradient). High-mileage drivers (and the environment) are still probably better served with the cleaner 2.0-l TDI diesel (Leon ST TDI DSG: €30,686 gross), which should manage 4.4 l/100 km, 620 l trunk space, and 1,600 kg towing capacity, and thanks to a 50 vs. 40-liter tank capacity, true long-distance qualities. Also, aspects of "Transport efficiency".

Or one could be consistent and wait for the "El Born" due in 2021 with a 62 kWh battery and up to 420 km pure EV range. The sharper ID.3 could then resolve the current "Cupra paradox": racy looks combined with racy performance - then sportiness and efficiency no longer have to be contradictory. 

VM Conclusion Cupra Leon ST e-Hybrid:

Even with the only Leon under the Cupra label, the universal PHEV promise of clean mobility for short and long distances only holds if you're constantly plugged in. This takes long and, on the other hand, the efficiency of the electric drive is not impressive, the range poor. For that, you accept high costs, significant technical complexity, lower load capacity without a trailer option, and less trunk space. And in return, you get an outdated 1.4 l TSI engine with a 6-speed DSG. Sorry, Volkswagen, but this menu is not particularly appetizing, unlike the MEB menu, which might be worth the wait. Or the TGI version with a modern 1.5-liter engine. High-mileage drivers are better off with the diesel - and ultimately, the environment due to significantly lower CO2 emissions too. The plug-in hybrid remains a paradoxical, inherently contradictory concept: quick on short trips, not very enduring (relatively thirsty) on long trips.

Technical Data: Cupra Leon ST e-Hybrid

• Drive: 1.4-l TSI turbo petrol engine (150 PS/110 kW, 250 Nm) + electric motor 85 kW (330 Nm); system 400 Nm
• Dimensions LxWxH: 4,657x1,799x1,460 mm; turning circle: 10.5 m
• Weights (measured): empty 1,785 kg (including driver 75 kg); GVW 2,090 kg; payload 305 kg; test weight 1,935 kg; towing capacity: 750 kg (unbraked); 1,500 kg (braked up to 12% gradient)
• Trunk space: 470/1,450 l
• Battery: Lithium-ion 13 kWh net
• Charging technology: 3.6 kW AC Type 2
• Prices: €39,084 (including 16% VAT)
• Standard equipment (including): plug-in hybrid drive, sports suspension with DCC, sports bucket seats, LED lights front/rear, Keyless Go, parking sensors, rain/light sensor, FAS with city emergency braking assistant, cruise control, active lane keeping assistant, fatigue assistant; virtual cockpit with 10.25" display, infotainment system with 10" navigation, 6 speakers, air conditioning
• Extras (selection): panoramic glass roof €1,072, driver assistance package XL including ACC, blind spot warning, traffic sign recognition €887, reversing camera + parking assistant €516
• Test consumption: 5.8 l/100 km + 8.0 kWh/100 km (real); city: 0.6 l/100 km + 30 kWh/100 km; country: 3.8 l/100 km + 9.5 kWh; highway: 7.0 l/100 km - 0.1 kWh/100 km (according to the onboard computer)