SEAT IBE Coupe

SEAT has pulled the wraps off an electric coupe concept at an event held the evening before the start of the Paris Motor Show.

The IBE electric 2+2 coupe is an updated version of a car that SEAT displayed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier in the year and promises to match a clean 102ps electric engine with sporty handling.

The key differences between this car and the model shown earlier in the year is that its design, technology and interior have been further developed. At just 3.83 metres in length it undercuts the successful SEAT Ibiza by around 20 centimetres. Yet, at an unusually wide 1.77 metres and only 123 centimetres high, the IBE has proportions similar to that of a sports car.

The SEAT IBE is an all-electric vehicle, with the drive motor is located together with the power electronics at the front of the car. The lithium-ion battery is positioned in the rear.

A compact independent rear suspension layout allows the energy storage unit to fit beneath the floor of the luggage compartment. There's a maximum output of 75 kW (102 PS) and 200 Nm of torque with 0 to 50 km/h (31 mph) taking only 3.6 seconds; within 6.6 seconds, the IBE has reached 80 km/h (50 mph), and after only 9.7 seconds it arrives at 100 km/h (62 mph).

The continuous power rating is limited to 50 kW (68 PS), with the top speed pegged at 160 km/h (100 mph) - which is more than enough to cut an impressive figure even on urban motorways. Battery capacity is 18 kWh and set up for a range of around 130 kilometres (81 miles).

The SEAT IBE concept is also being used to showcase some of SEAT's future connectivity and infotainment systems. In the Paris show car the driver can use a wireless application to connect his smart phone, such as an iPhone, to the car and conduct an on-line check of its systems, including the battery and a trip computer display.

An album or a song can be selected from the smart phone and played through the car's sound system by pressing the ‘drag to car' option. The dash screen and the steering wheel touch controls simplify operating and navigating the integrated infotainment menus.

‘SEAT is working very hard on future electro-mobility,' said James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A.

‘Following the great success of our highly efficient Ecomotive models, hybrids and electric vehicles are further steps in our clear corporate strategy. And the IBE leaves no room for doubt - the future will find SEAT offering the most innovative, bold and youthful cars in their respective segments, without sacrificing anything in terms of usability.'

The SEAT IBE takes a unique approach to combining dynamic design and compact sporting character with exceptional usability. It is conceived for the urban conurbations of Europe such as Paris, London, Berlin or Barcelona. Here is where the IBE will come into its own with zero-emissions driving fun, fabulous manoeuvrability, an impressive amount of space - and, of course, a cool look courtesy of its clear and extroverted design language.

‘Zero-emissions mobility in urban areas is becoming increasingly important,' said Frank Bekemeier, Executive Vice-President for SEAT responsible for Research and Development.

‘SEAT is developing innovative concepts for these new challenges. The IBE is a very special combination of compactness, usability and style, which makes it unique.'

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