Following our earlier look on VW Group’s latest EV concept, Seat officially revealed the el-Born, an MEB-based electric car that’s set to hit the market by 2020.
The el-Born is the second EV based on VW’s MEB platform, following the VW ID Hatch. Compared to its German cousin, the el-Born is designed to look sportier and more emotional, honoring Seat’s philosophy.
The automaker claims that the production version will be able to deliver up to 260 miles (420km) of driving range on the WLTP cycle from its 62kWh battery pack, as well as a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in 7.5 seconds when combined with the range-topping 201hp (204PS) electric motor.
The battery-electric hatch is also compatible with up to 100kW DC fast-charging, so it’ll be able to charge its battery from 0 to 80 percent in as little as 47 minutes.
The concept is riding on 20-inch turbine-design wheels that improve its aerodynamic efficiency, which plays a huge role for an electric vehicle. Seat says they incorporated an “air curtain” into the el-Born’s design in order to find the balance between performance and aesthetic appeal.
Other features include an advanced thermal management system, which uses a special heat pump that can reduce the electrical heating consumption to save up to 37 miles (60km) of driving range. This will prove useful to users in countries with colder climates.
As with the VW ID Hatch, the el-Born was able to maximize interior space thanks to the great packaging of the MEB platform. The dashboard’s design is less futuristic than you might expect and more production-ready, featuring a 10-inch infotainment system with plenty of connected features.
Seat’s first all-electric model will also feature Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, Intelligent Park Assist and a wide range of driver assistance systems.
*Article updated with live images from the VW Group Night’s presentation