Seat, a division of the Volkswagen family, has unveiled a new concept for the Frankfurt Motor Show that blend sleek and slim styling with sporting fun – all in a sedan (or saloon, if you prefer) format.
The Spanish automaker says that the IBL is “the perfect representation of SEAT brand values,” pointing to its distinctive styling, attention to precision details and overall premium-product feel.
Seat has previously unveiled other IBL variants, but the saloon is its own vehicle and take on the series of concepts. The wheelbase is a measures 8.9 feet, with a total vehicle length of 15.3 feet – all packaged with a popular coupe-like design to make a sporty and elegant saloon.
The design, Seat says, is not intended to simply wow the auto show crowds, but instead provides a peak into the future of Seat design, “The IBL was created from the unique design DNA that will prevail right across our next vehicle generation,” said Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, newly appointed head of design at the automaker.
In addition to putting considerable effort into molding the sheet metal of the car, Seat also put more than a few hours into other exterior details, including the full-LED headlamps with their sharp design. The head lamp housing allows for the LEDs to fulfill several lighting functions, ranging from a main beam with variable illumination, to indicators, to daytime running lights.
Wheels measure 20 inches in diameter, formed in a dual-spoke design that attempts to blend sportiness and elegance into a single wheel. Continuing from the front to the rear of the vehicle, one will notice the continued application of LED lighting to the tail lamps as well.
Inside, Seat made use of sporty black leather and trim elements – tying in to the red of the exterior paintwork. The form of the dashboard, which is intended to give the impression of hanging suspended in space, further adds to the impression of lightness Seat is attempting to convey throughout the car.
Of course, no modern concept car would be complete without some form of advanced displays and infotainment system, to which the IBL responds with a one-piece curved glass surface that forms the complete instrument panel including the secondary display. The displays are fully digital and can be switched based on driver preference to display in either digital or analog formats.
The information system offers three modes: Travel, Sport and Efficiency. Travel is intended for “relaxed driving,” and modifies vehicle behavior accordingly. As you likely already guessed, Sport is for sport-minded driving and Efficiency will improve economy.
The navigation also makes use of the latest technology, using Google Earth and real-time traffic information to give the best and most complete directions possible.
Conspicuously missing, of course, is information pertaining to the powertrain – to which Seat only suggests that the vehicle is a plug-in hybrid, but offers nothing more in the form of details.
Live photos by Mark Elias.
