Seat el-Born Concept (2019)

Improved aerodynamics play an enormous role along the side of the vehicle, with an air curtain incorporated into the design, an elegant yet practical answer to the conundrum of balancing performance with aesthetic appeal.

This is perhaps highlighted in no better way than at the wheels. With 20" wheels, the need to maximise performance was crucial. The turbine design creates a positive flow of air that not only improves aerodynamics but also ventilates the brakes to maintain dynamism. The wheels provide the perfect balance between aerodynamics, heat evacuation and lightness.

At the rear of the vehicle a double layer spoiler contributes to the aerodynamic performance of the SEAT el-Born too, making sure that air flow remains smooth and turbulence is minimised. It also provides an awareness of the vehicle's dynamic and performance virtues.

Inside, space is maximised thanks to the all-electric powertrain, giving the opportunity to offer a completely new experience.

The sculpted cabin gives a feeling of lightness and floatability, but also technological advancement, with the integration of the digital cockpit, a 10" infotainment and connectivity screen perched in the centre of the dashboard.

Once inside, the immediate focus is on the driver, with all the lines in the dashboard pointing towards whoever is behind the steering wheel.

Space is no longer a premium inside the cabin, with all occupants enjoying more room to relax into their cocooning seats, thanks to the increased internal proportions, but the space is also used to maximise practicality and functionality. There is also greater storage space too; the ability to stow a bag between the two front seats is a simple and effective example of this maximised capacity.

Powered to perform

SEAT el-Born is a true game changer in the market with performance that matches the customers desire and the necessity of real world driving, unlike any vehicle has before now.

With a power output of up to 150kW (204PS) the vehicle can reach 100km/h in as little as 7.5 seconds - enough to meet the demands of any driving scenario. But that is only half the story.

Electric vehicles aren't solely judged on their performance, but also their ability to travel further on a single charge of their batteries and minimise the time taken to recharge once the stored energy has been depleted. A metric that the el-Born excels in.

With a real world range of up to 420km based on the WLTP drive cycle from its 62kWh energy dense battery pack respectively, the vehicle is ready to travel wherever the customer needs to. And with compatibility with up to 100kW DC supercharging, the battery can be returned from 0 to 80% in as little as 47 minutes.

The vehicle also integrates an advanced thermal management system to maximise vehicle range in the most extreme of environmental conditions. The vehicle's heat pump can reduce the electrical heating consumption, saving up to 60km in autonomy - useful in countries where temperatures can drop and occupants need to use climate control systems.

Technology that delivers

As our roads become increasingly congested, cars need to take some of the strain from the occupants. SEAT el-Born does just this, integrating the latest developments in autonomous functionality and connectivity to relieve some of the pressure of modern life.

The SEAT el-Born benefits from autonomous level two systems, giving partial automation to the vehicle so it can control steering, acceleration and deceleration events. Add to this amongst other Intelligent Park Assist and the SEAT el-Born is a concept car that encapsulates the future of driving.

SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting 80% of its vehicles, and is present in over 80 countries on all five continents. In 2018, SEAT sold 517,600 cars, the highest amount in the brand's 68 years of history.

The SEAT Group employs more than 15,000 professionals and has three production centres - Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza, Arona and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Tarraco in Germany, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia.

The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focussed on developing innovation for Spain's largest industrial investor in R&D. SEAT already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company's global digitalisation process to promote the mobility of the future.