SEAT Altea XL 2006-2009 Photos, engines & full specs

Even though the MPV segment was almost dead in 2006 in Europe, SEAT tried its luck introducing the Altea XL, a minivan with car-like handling.

As its name suggested, it was the XL version of its smaller sibling, the Altea MPV. SEAT built both vehicles on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf MKV but with extended overhangs. On top of that, the carmaker developed a taller bodywork, resulting in a roomy interior.

From the front, the Altea XL showed the same front fascia as its Altea sibling. Its SEAT-specific headlights with feline-eye shape followed the new-edge design concept with flowing lines and sharp angles. Walter da Silva sketched the car, and he continued their profile with a waved line sculptured on the door panels. The XL version was 187 mm (7.4”) longer than the Altea.

At the front, the high seating position and the curved dashboard looked like SEAT carried it over from the Leon compact hatchback. Its specific instrument panel layout, with a center-mounted tachometer, was unusual for an MPV. The Altea XL offered room for five, like its smaller sibling, but with a generous trunk space that provided 532 liters (18.8 cu-ft) with all the seats in place and 1,604 liters (56.6 cu-ft) with the rear seats folded. A significant improvement for the car was the sliding rear bench, which allowed more legroom or trunk space, depending on the situation.

There were not too many surprises under the hood as the Altea XL carried over the same drivetrains from its shorter brother, although it was also available with an all-wheel-drive system, which made it better on loose surfaces.