SEAT has unveiled this IBX PHEV crossover concept on the eve of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
The SEAT IBX urban sports utility vehicle concept combines the powerful character and sporty design language of the Spanish brand with a self-confident look and distinctive proportions.
The SEAT IBX also boasts exceptional utility and outstanding versatility, as well as sustainable mobility through resource conservation. Its drive would come from an advanced hybrid powertrain that combines local zero-emissions electromobility in the city with the extensive cross-country range of an internal combustion engine.
Following the IBE from 2010, the IBX offers a further, extremely promising insight into the ongoing development of the SEAT Design world. The pure forms, the precise lines and the exact surfaces of the IBX convey the same distinctive design language that, in its modernity, sustains and strengthens the SEAT identity.
As the first evolution of this new design line, the IBX demonstrates just how well this design language works in combination with a completely different vehicle architecture and significantly larger dimensions. In its proportions, the IBX is a sports utility vehicle, but in its appearance it is clearly a sports coupe – it is hard to imagine a more accurate expression of the word ‘crossover’.
At a length of 4.26 meters, the SEAT IBX is relatively compact. However, its width of 1.80 meters and height of 1.62 meters ensure powerful proportions. And even though the IBX possesses the full versatility and utility of an SUV, with its two doors, stretched roofline and distinctive rear roof pillar it forms the perfect crossover between sports utility vehicle and classic sports coupe.
The front of the SEAT IBX is defined by full LED technology headlamps that are as sophisticated as they are distinctive. They display the characteristic V that is a hallmark of the SEAT arrow design. The entire front end bears this arrow shape, with radiator grille and bonnet also picking up the V-form.
The surfaces above the wheel arches are clearly accentuated in their lines like carefully toned, sinuous muscle. Equally distinctive are the air intakes low down on the front end and featuring integrated fog lamps – their wide positioning reinforces the impression of width and power.
Meanwhile the side view of the IBX emphasizes its powerful stature – a clearly defined shoulder, the powerful, three-dimensional flanks and the sharply differentiated surfaces underscore the dynamic look, as do the large wheels featuring an aerodynamic five twin-spoke design. Typical of SEAT are the two distinctive scores that run from the front wheel arch into the door and over the rear wheel arch.
The length of the stretched roofline is further emphasized by the rear spoiler and the narrow horizontal of the glass surfaces along the sides, with the distinctive, trapezoidal roof pillar creating an impression of exceptional solidity. The sharply cut exterior mirror is mounted on the door, as on a sports car. Sharp precision is also evident in the slender, recessed door openers.
The rear end adopts the characteristic form of the front and reinterprets it. The rear lights in LED light-guide technology and the rear windscreen with its additional angle in the centre also bear the arrow motif, while the suggestion of a diffuser beneath the bumper surface derives its form from the front air intakes.
Importantly the entire vehicle bears no extraneous ornamentation. Every single line has the function of structuring the volume and surfaces of the car, each of the muscles emerging from the form emphasizing the sporty design. The reduction of form consistently applied and the precision in every detail are fixed features of the SEAT Design philosophy.
The powertrain concept is perfect for the mobility requirements of an urban area, while meeting personal expectations of freedom. The vehicle, with its electric range of 45 kilometers, can cover many everyday journeys – with zero local emissions and sustainable responsibility. And yet its range is not limited. Personal freedom is always guaranteed and unlimited mobility supplied courtesy of the internal combustion engine.
Possible combustion engine candidates are the state-of-the-art direct injection TDI and TSI engines from the modern SEAT line-up. And, of course, the IBX is equipped with all the efficiency technologies from the Ecomotive program. In its base configuration, the IBX is set up for front wheel drive. However, a modern 4WD system might be an option for further enhanced mobility.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
