New Leon X-Perience is Seat’s Temporary Answer to its SUV Problem

Until Seat gets its very own SUV – that will happen within the next two years, the Spaniards are relying on the new Leon X-Perience to satisfy European appetites for SUVs and crossovers.

Making its first public outing at the 2014 Paris Auto Show, the X-Perience is based on the Leon ST estate.

Unlike many other vehicles in the category that rely solely on their body cladding to justify their crossover designation, the Leon X-Perience stands 27mm higher than the base model and comes with standard permanent all-wheel drive system featuring a Haldex multi-plate clutch with hydraulic actuation and electronic control.

Furthermore, it gets a dynamic control four-wheel EDS (electronic differential locks on both axles) and XDS (expanded electronic differential lock for improved traction in corners), in addition to the ESC system (electronic stability program) that has been recalibrated for off-road use.

Other than that and some bespoke touches to the interior, it’s the same car as the standard Leon ST with a capacious 587-liter boot that can rise to 1,470 liters with the rear seats folded.

It can be equipped with TDI diesel and TSI gasoline engines with a power output ranging from 110 to 184 PS and manual or DSG gearbox.