Over 0–100 km/h, Leon e-Hybrid wins (7,54 s vs 8,89 s).
Simulated drag race 0 → 1,000 m in real time. Synchronised speed counters and stopwatch. Physics calibration on 7 manufacturer measurements.
| Measure | Leon e-Hybrid | CLA 180 Limousine | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h | 7.54 s | 8.89 s | 1.35 s · Leon e-Hybrid |
| 400 m standing start | 15.48 s | 16.44 s | 0.96 s · Leon e-Hybrid |
| 1,000 m standing start | 27.56 s | 29.95 s | 2.39 s · Leon e-Hybrid |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 225 km/h | 218 km/h | 7 km/h · Leon e-Hybrid |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 6.76 kg/hp | 10.87 kg/hp | better ratio · Leon e-Hybrid |
Standing-start drag race, calibrated on manufacturer splits. The gap shows at each stage.
| Stage | Leon e-Hybrid | CLA 180 Limousine |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30 km/h | 2.12 s | 1.75 s |
| 0–50 km/h | 3.54 s | 3.07 s |
| 0–80 km/h | 5.71 s | 6.05 s |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.54 s | 8.89 s |
| 0–120 km/h | 9.72 s | 12.40 s |
| 0–160 km/h | 16.35 s | 22.81 s |
| 0–200 km/h | 29.36 s | 42.16 s |
| 400 m standing start | 15.48 s | 16.44 s |
| 1,000 m standing start | 27.56 s | 29.95 s |
| Top speed | 225 km/h | 218 km/h |
Physics model calibrated on manufacturer splits. The limited top speed is not the real aerodynamic top speed of the vehicles.
Manufacturer technical specifications. The power-to-weight ratio is the key physical factor in a drag race.
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 241 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 350 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 630 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | 6-speed DSG |
| Characteristic | Value | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 156 hp | Pending |
| Torque | 280 Nm | |
| Weight | 1 695 kg | manufacturer kerb weight |
| Drivetrain | Traction | |
| Gearbox | Unknown |
Off the line, the Leon e-Hybrid hits 100 km/h in 7.54 s versus 8.89 s for the CLA 180 Limousine. The instant torque of 350 Nm from the electric motor makes the difference. Despite the faster sprint time, the CLA 180 Limousine is 2 m further along the track at this moment: stronger low-speed acceleration offsets a slower run beyond 100 km/h.
At 200 metres, the Leon e-Hybrid is doing 125 km/h against 111 km/h for the CLA 180 Limousine. The gap is 0.28 s. The challenger starts to claw back ground.
At 400 metres standing start, the Leon e-Hybrid crosses the line in 15.48 s versus 16.44 s. The 0.96 s gap represents roughly 36 m of track - a gap visible to the naked eye.
Past 400 metres, the Leon e-Hybrid continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 174 km/h versus 155 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the Leon e-Hybrid finishes in 27.56 s versus 29.94 s, with a 2.39 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (225 vs 218 km/h), preventing any comeback.
Both rivals are electronically governed, but not at the same level: the Leon e-Hybrid is capped at 225 km/h, the CLA 180 Limousine at 218 km/h. This isn’t a physical engine limit - it’s a manufacturer choice, usually for tyre safety or homologation reasons. Neither car reaches its true aerodynamic top speed.
Instant electric torque gives an advantage off the line. The higher top speed of the combustion engine gives an advantage over longer distances. The distance at which one catches the other depends on the top speed differential.
In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 14.63 seconds. The 1.35 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.
Over 0–100 km/h, Leon e-Hybrid wins (7,54 s vs 8,89 s).
Leon e-Hybrid goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,54 seconds (calibrated simulation).
Leon e-Hybrid: 241 hp, ratio 6,76 kg/hp. CLA 180 Limousine: 156 hp, ratio 10,87 kg/hp.
Leon e-Hybrid: 225 km/h. CLA 180 Limousine: 218 km/h.