GM Has an Idea for Car Seats That Can Physically Change Size

GM’s New Seat Concept

Modern car seats have become so advanced that many automakers – such as Lincoln with its Perfect Position Seat feature – offer electronically adjustable settings that allow occupants to fine-tune their seating positions and support preferences. However, a newly uncovered General Motors patent aims to push adjustability even further by enabling seats to physically grow in size.

According to the report, the technology – covered under patent 20250376097, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in July 2025 and published in December – relies on a specialized comfort layer positioned between the seat frame and the seating surface. This layer incorporates one or more air-adjustable bladders, allowing occupants to modify the seat’s shape and firmness to suit their preferences better.

Rethinking Seat Adjustability

At first glance, the concept may sound similar to massaging seat functions already offered in several vehicles, such as the Ergo Motion Seat system found in the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Palisade. What appears to set GM’s patent apart, however, is its emphasis on adjustability that allows the seat itself to adapt to the occupant’s body, rather than requiring the occupant to adjust to a fixed seat design.

The bladders – which are inflated and deflated by a pump system – can be individually controlled, allowing for a high degree of customization. When expanded, the bladders provide firmer cushioning, and vice versa when deflated.

Firmer cushioning is particularly well-suited for long-distance driving, as it helps reduce slouching, and for more spirited driving situations where keeping occupants firmly supported is important. Softer cushioning, on the other hand, generally prioritizes comfort by absorbing road harshness more effectively and minimizing pressure points.

The report also states that sensors could be integrated to automatically adjust the seat based on an occupant’s size and seating position. In addition, it notes that the technology could be applied beyond automotive use, potentially extending to other areas such as ergonomic office seating.

Still Just a Patent—for Now

It is worth noting, however, that this remains a patent, meaning it does not necessarily signal that GM plans to bring the technology into production anytime soon. If it eventually reaches the market, it would join a growing list of modern seating innovations, including memory seat systems, the use of sustainable materials, and a heating function – a feature that BMW previously offered via a subscription-based model.

Brands that could benefit from the seating technology include those under the GM umbrella, such as Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC.