The SEAT IBX is one of the most important concept cars in SEAT's history. Unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, it was a compact sports SUV that anticipated the brand's first SUV, the future Ateca… (read more)
Launch: 2011
Number built: 1
Hybrid 4 cylinders in-line + electric
Position: At front, transversal
Bore x stroke: 76.5 mm x 75.6 mm
Capacity: 1.390 cc
Valve gear: DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Fuel system: Direct injection
Power output: 163 CV
Top speed: 180 km/h
Drive: All-wheel drive
Front/rear: Discs
235/45 ZR19
Body: 3-door SUV, 4 seats
Length/width/height: 4260/1800/1620 mm
Wheelbase: 2620 mm
Weight: 1750 kg
The SEAT IBX is one of the most important concept cars in SEAT's history. Unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, it was a compact sports SUV that anticipated the brand's first SUV, the future Ateca.
The IBX was the brainchild of the SEAT Design centre then headed by Luc Donckerwolke. Its design language was based on the IBE prototype launched the previous year, adapted to a sports SUV. For example, just like the IBE and the forthcoming SEAT Leon III, the IBX featured the characteristic double side blister in the bodywork.
So, the IBX was the starting point for the development of SEAT's future production SUV. It was to be the Ateca, a model launched five years later, at the same Geneva Motor Show in 2016. Today, SUVs are the brand's priority segment, hence the importance of the IBX prototype for SEAT's new model family.
However, the IBX was not the beginning of the road to SUVs. This journey had already begun at the SEAT Technical Centre in Martorell in 2000 with the Salsa Emoción concept car, a cross between a hatchback and an SUV. Next up was the Tribu, designed by Donckerwolke in 2007, when SEAT was already beginning to seriously consider the production of an SUV. Not surprisingly, the Altea Freetrack, based on the Altea XL but close to the SUV concept, was launched that year.
The IBX continued the SUV layout of the Tribu, but with sharper lines, according to the brand's future design language. It was the third SEAT concept car to be named "IB". It was preceded by the IBZ in 2009, a preview of the Ibiza ST (estate), and the aforementioned IBE in 2010, an all-electric prototype and inspiration of the Leon III.
Later in 2011, the IBL was unveiled (the last “IB” prototype), a high-end saloon that could have been the Exeo's replacement. But SEAT prioritised the development of the IBX and was absolutely right, as the SUV segment is currently in high demand in the market.
The IBX also included some cutting-edge technological features. It had full LED headlights and was designed to be powered by a state-of-the-art hybrid powertrain. Thus, its technology also anticipated the future development of current production models.
The SEAT IBX concept car is part of the SEAT HISTÓRICOS Collection on the Nave A122, together with the other "IB" prototypes.