Volvo is recognising the needs of its executive customers and proving that a unique passenger experience is possible with modern material and innovative thinking. The Volvo Lounge Console comes about by removing the front seat and fitting a very modern box of tricks that stores everything from jewellery and make-up (vanity mirror included) to providing a large work table that can be rotated in different positions. Bigger media screen is another variation. And, naturally there’s more legroom on offer and greater visibility creating the impression of a more spacious cabin.
We started this work by looking at the executive lifestyle. With our progressive approach to premium design and functionality we analysed the needs and perspective of the chauffeur driven executive, designing the car around him or her in the spirit of our brand’s aim,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Car Group. “A key element in our thinking was how to make the available interior space work for the occupants in an optimal and luxurious fashion. Removing the passenger seat enabled us to create an open space that dramatically changes the dynamics of the interior and led to a firework of ideas and new possibilities.”
While the idea is simple, our first thoughts are, ‘this would work brilliantly with autonomous driving.’ Volvo is working on that aspect too. If this sort of workstation and leisure space can be created by removing just one seat, imagine the possibilities that designers can conjure up in the future.
