Under the supervision of the Volkswagen Group, Seat
will launch its second EV, after the Mii Electric, in 2020. The model was previewed by the
El-Born near-production study at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and is based on the
same platform as the upcoming Volkswagen I.D. Hatch.
The versatile architecture has been specifically
designed for battery-electric models and, as it stands, the El-Born promises a
range of 420 km in the WLTP cycle. Powering the top-of-the-line, 204
PS electric motor is a 62 kWh battery pack with DC
fast-charging that allows it to be charged to 80 percent in 47 minutes, while
naught to 100 km/h takes 7.5 seconds in Seat’s MPV-ish EV.
On the outside, the El-Born sports an enclosed
grille as there’s no need for engine ventilation, headlights with a similar
pattern to other modern Seats and 20-inch wheels. Open the door and you will see
the minimalist-looking cabin, with a 10-inch infotainment system angled towards
the driver, and a fully digital instrument cluster. Thanks to clever packaging,
there are lots of storage spaces and a 380-liter (13.4 cu-ft) boot, according
to AutoTrader, who got the chance to closely check out the show car.
The El-Born can drive itself under different
scenarios, taking care of the acceleration, braking and steering thanks to the
Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, and also sports a self-parking function. Once it hits the market, it’s
estimated to cost between £ 25,000 and £ 30,000 in the United Kingdom, or about the same as the Nissan
Leaf.
