2010 Geneva Auto Show: SEAT IBE Concept

Just like the rest of the industry, SEAT is stepping into the all-electric vehicle sector with the launch of the IBE concept, a model presented today at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The concept is 3.78 meters long, 1.80 meters wide and has an overall height of 1.22 meters, which means it is 25cm shorter than an Ibiza, 22cm lower but 10cm wider.

Full LED headlights, two air intakes in the front bumper plus the 19-inch alloy wheels contribute to the overall sporty appearance of the car.

Obviously, the main attraction is the electric drive which provides zero emissions and burns absolutely no gasoline or diesel. The engine develops 102 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque, which means it could go from 0 to 50 km/h in 3.4 seconds, to 80 km/h in 6.3 seconds and to 100 kmh in 9.4 seconds. The continuous power rating is limited to 68 horsepower, with the speed reaching 160 km/h. Battery capacity is 18 kWh.

“With the IBE, we are demonstrating that, for SEAT, electric mobility will always be combined with excellent design and outstanding driving fun,” says James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A.

“The IBE is in the best SEAT tradition of always offering the boldest and most youthful cars in its class. On top of that, our first electric concept car represents the continuation of our strategy for the future; after the huge success of the highly efficient ECOMOTIVE models, we are now working intensively on electric mobility; and that includes plug-in hybrid drive, as well as an all-electric vehicle.”