Volvo Unveils Breathtaking New Lounge Console Concept in Shanghai

People associate Volvo with safety, and while that’s just fine, there’s a lot more filling the Swedish automaker’s design armory than a steadfast commitment to building safer cars. Instead of shaking its deserved reputation, though, Volvo wants to add to it with a new design concept recently unveiled at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show.

Labelled the Lounge Console, the cabin concept highlights the possible future of Volvo interior design. Aimed at busy chauffeur-driven individuals – or anyone that appreciates being pampered – it replaces the front passenger seat with an executive seat installed at the rear.

Along with the more leg room, the lounge-style seat gifts passengers with a wealth of functions and amenities, including a large work table that opens to reveal an illuminated vanity mirror. The work table can even rotate 90 degrees, acting as a large 17-inch media screen that provides the full in-car theater experience.

“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,” explained Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Car Group in a press release. “The intention with this concept is to showcase two things – firstly that Volvo Cars is aware of the needs of our executive customers and secondly, that with design innovation and modern materials we can effectively create passenger experience that is unique in the premium car segment.”

Because the Lounge Console has been placed inside a small to mid-size frame, ever inch was utilized to maximum effect. So a cushioned leg rest is so much more, opening up to reveal extra storage space for shoes or other personal items.

As Volvo describes it, the Lounge Console is designed for “people on the move” that need some “luxury time and the opportunity to relax”. And from the images alone we feel like it’s mission accomplished for Volvo’s innovative design team.

Sadly, we might be waiting awhile for something like the Lounge Console to see real-world introduction, but is exciting to see Volvo’s thoughts on the future of interior automotive design. Until then, we’re happy to show you our current selection of comfortable, luxurious, and, yes, safe Volvo vehicles.

For more information, contact or visit us at Volvo Cars Silver Spring.