- Latest evolution of stylish SEAT design DNA
- Concept boasts powerful, confident styling
- Innovative interior shows precision and quality
SEAT will unveil its new IBL concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month. The SEAT IBL, is a sports saloon concept that combines a clean, minimalist exterior with an innovative, premium interior that clearly conveys its quality and precision.
“The IBL is the perfect representation of SEAT brand values – with its distinctive look, its precision and its premium feel. Over the next few years, SEAT will embark upon a product offensive that will see the spirit of the IBL reflected in several series-production models,” said James Muir, President of SEAT S.A.
The SEAT IBL fits into a premium, individual lifestyle that sets great store by clarity and quality, technological excellence and precision dynamics.
Dr Matthias Rabe, Vice-President of Research and Development at SEAT, said: “In SEAT’s Technical Centre (CTS) we have combined the latest technology that the Volkswagen Group offers with our design language to achieve products as exciting as the IBL.”
Pure precision and a determinedly sporty character
The new IBL concept car delivers an enticing, perspective on the continued development of SEAT design. The pure forms, precise lines and exact surfaces of the IBL depict the distinctive design language that not only sustains the modernity of the SEAT identity, but also clearly strengthens it.
Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, the new Head of SEAT Design, explained: “IBL is all about emotion. Love at first sight. But this first impression is something that is meant to last thanks to its timeless, elegant, design.”
The genetic pool for the next generation
“The IBL was created from the unique design DNA that will prevail right across our next vehicle generation,” says Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos. “The IBL is certainly more than a saloon; it is the SEAT interpretation of a very sporty four-door. With it, we are also demonstrating that we can apply our elegant dynamics and our youthful character to a full-size vehicle concept, too, making it unique and unmistakable.”
Based on powerful proportions
At 4.67 metres long and 1.85 metres wide, the SEAT IBL falls into the full-size saloon category. Its long wheelbase of 2.71 metres gives it short overhangs front and rear, and enables powerful proportions – the essential basis of every good design. At the front, the IBL is distinguished by the familiar ‘arrow’ nose, the classic core element of SEAT design. The front end features the arrow form, with a clear centre line along the bonnet. The grille also bears the characteristic, five-sided arrow shape, expressed here in a very wide, flat form.
“We are very satisfied with the result achieved. Under the skin of a sporty vehicle, the IBL offers a surprising degree of ergonomics with comfort and practicality, thanks to the use of the latest technologies in materials and processes,” says Dr Rabe.
Exterior: design features
- The full LED headlamps are designed as sharp strokes: precise in their appearance and state-of-the-art in their function. The individual segments of this light sculpture fulfil the various lighting functions, ranging from a main beam with variable illumination, to indicators, to daytime running lights.
- The profile of the SEAT IBL is dominated by its mighty wheels – at a diameter of 20 inches and with a sophisticated design featuring single and double spokes, they are not only extremely sporty, but also pleasingly elegant. Their stature is further emphasized by powerfully defined wheel arches – the entire car seems to grow towards its wheels with the extremely muscular flanks firmly fixed to the road.
- Details such as the small fold-out door handles and the aluminium feet of the exterior mirrors bear testament to the consistently minimalist approach. The SEAT IBL is form at its purest level, the essence of SEAT design.
Interior: luxuriously sporty ambience
Clean, minimised to the essential, exceptionally precise and premium in its look-and-feel – this is the SEAT IBL interior philosophy. Innovative technology and perfect execution come together here to create an ambience of relaxed and luxurious sportiness.
Light, matte leather dominates the surfaces and brings breadth and a lightweight feel to the generously proportioned interior of the four-seater. Contrast is offered by leather surfaces in clear, sporty black and trim elements in the rich red of the exterior paintwork. The form of the dashboard, which almost seems to hang suspended in space, further adds to the impression of lightness.
State-of-the-art, programmable information system
The information hierarchy and colour choice can be selected from three programmes – ‘Travel’ for relaxed driving, ‘Sport’ for concentrated driving fun or ‘Efficiency’ when the focus is on the fuel efficiency of the plug-in hybrid drive. The second display in the centre of the dashboard is dedicated to the extensive communications and information systems.
The navigation system, for example, incorporates data from Google Earth and real-time traffic information into its route recommendations. The information systems are operated intuitively via two touch pads integrated into the steering wheel spokes.