SEAT Leon X-Perience Lands at the Paris Motor Show

Starting with the exterior, the Leon X-Perience boasts with a jacked up suspension (by 15 mm / 0.6 inches compared to the normal Leon ST) and some plastic trim beautifying the wheel arches, as well as the front and rear bumpers. Think of it as the SEAT equivalent to models such as the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack, Audi A4 allroad quattro and Skoda Octavia Scout. 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels round off the exterior styling.

Anything else worth mentioning aside from the slightly different exterior aesthetics?

Why yes, there's actually a lot to talk about the SEAT Leon X-Perience. That 4DRIVE all-wheel drive is a fifth-generation Haldex coupling system, pretty much the same thing as what you get on the VW Golf VII 4Motion. As simply put as possible, this system sends power to the front axle most of the time, but when the going gets slippery or rough, 4DRIVE aids the driver by distributing power to the rear as well.

Already available to order and priced from £24,385 in the United Kingdom, the first Leon X-Perience units are to be delivered this December. The Barcelona-based manufacturer offers the model with a choice of three engines: a 1.8 TSI gasoline mill rated 180 PS and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft), a 1.6-liter turbo diesel with 110 PS on tap, as well as a 2-liter TDI that comes with two outputs: either 150 or 184 PS.

Customers are offered a run-of-the-mill stick shift as standard, while a DSG double-clutch transmission is an optional extra except for the most powerful TDI, which is mated exclusively to this smooth gearbox. EDS control and an XDS electronic differential lock come as standard on all trim levels, together with a twin exhaust tailpipe layout, rear parking sensors, black roof rails, dual zone climate control, leather, orange stitching and special X-Perience badging.

What about notable optional extras?

We deem necessary to point out that the show car's exterior color can be changed with a lot of other more visually enticing hues, while optional LED headlights are a must if you don't want to spoil the looks of the front fascia. If the standard cloth seats with simile leather bolsters aren't your cup of tea, then the black leather-wrapped or Alcantara and simile leather seats might do the trick for you. An electrically adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, chrome roof rails, power folding mirrors and a panoramic sunroof are other highlight options customers might be interested in.

In terms of technology and gadgets, this soft-road worthy SEAT can be kitted with the 5.8-inch Media System Plus infotainment system that incorporates proximity sensors to enhance the touchscreen user experience, sat nav, DAB radio, the lot. Furthermore, a TFT screen flanked by the instrument cluster's gauges can display anything the driver wants, including navigation instructions. As for safety, the Leon X-Perience comes laden with them even in standard guise. Notable systems include lane keep assist and multi-collision assist, which applies the brakes to prevent a secondary impact in the event of a crash.