How Useful Are Powered (Electronic) Seats?

September 27, 2021

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The creature comforts in a modern vehicle start with the seats. These seats are also one of the things that are differentiating factors between an affordable car and a high-end car. But with technology advancing at a steady pace, some techs that were once in high-end vehicles are now available in mainstream cars. One of the technology is the powered front seats.

Which is the topic of discussion for today. Many modern cars in India (sub ₹20 lakh mark) come with powered seats. For those who are not aware, these seats are also called electronically adjustable seats. These allow the driver and co-driver (in some cars) to adjust the seats with just the touch of a button. So, now the question comes, are these seats functional? Is the high price justified? If yes, how useful are these? Let’s take a look.

Powered Seats | Working

The essential operation of electronically adjustable seats is carried out by several motors depending upon the level of adjustment the seats offer.

Some cars offer a function to move the seats back and forth. Alongside, the driver or the passenger can also adjust the rake electronically. For that, only two motors are used.
Now, as the degree of movement increases, the number of motors also increase.
Each of these motors is concealed underneath the seat, hidden in plain sight.
And these motors are further connected to the switches that are located at an ergonomic position. The controls are the contact points from where the seats are operated.

Electronically Adjustable Seat Adjustment

For you to know, conventional manually adjustable seats offer two and fro movements, rake adjustment, driver height and, in some, lumbar support and that’s about it. But when we are considering powered seats they can have as many as 22 movements (mind blown). This way, the driver could precisely find a comfortable position without much of a hassle.

In Addition to the above movements, some electronically adjustable seats also feature adjustments for;

Under thigh support
Lower back
Height of the front seat portion
Height of the rear portion of the seat
Headrests
Upper back
Side bolsters
Level of Seat cushioning

The seats that offer such a high degree of movement also support seat massaging features.

Are Powered Seats Any Useful?

Coming to its uses, powered seats are abounded by positives; let’s have a look.

You don’t have to apply any force or load to adjust the seats in electronically adjustable seats, which is a boon, especially for grannies and grandpas.
Many cars have a function called memory seats. This is where two to three people can programme a button for their driving position. So next time if they find that the seats have been tampered with, they’ll get the same position as they saved (programmed) with just one button.
A person can easily adjust the seats on the go, and this is primarily an arduous task in mechanically adjusting seats when the car is in motion.
It is possible also to adjust the cushioning of the car seats.
Seats with a lot of seat adjustments often also have massaging features. Well, you could get a massage on the commute to your office, Cool isn’t it?
Next, something that is also possible in mechanical seats but is more convenient in powered seats is the co-driver seat adjustment from the back seat. You know, for more legroom!

But having soo many positives do power seats have downsides?

Well, apart from adding weight to the vehicle and coming a little expensive there are none other. But considering the convenience, we think the extra price is so justifiable.

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India cars that come with powered seats

Or is it? Let us know in the comment section below. With that out of way, if you are in the market for a new car that comes equipped with power seats, we have saved you from the hassle. Here are 10 mainstream cars in India that are pampered with powered seats.

PS: These are usually the top-end trims of the respective cars that have electronically adjustable seats.