Many executive sedans and SUVs have loads of features specifically tailored to maximize the comfort of the rear seat passengers. At this year’s Shanghai Auto Show, Volvo took in-car executive luxury to the next level with its reveal of The Lounge Console cabin design concept.
What the Lounge Console does is remove the front passenger seat, replacing it with the titular console that expands the storage and amenities of the vehicle. The console itself is wedge shaped and can be tucked away beneath the glove compartment when not needed, or left out to be used as a foot rest. Beneath the cushioned foot pa is a storage area for shoes, if the executive passenger wants to get cozy.
The console is much more than an automated ottoman, however. A tray can be extended up to the passenger for use as a laptop workstation or opened up to reveal a mini vanity station for on-the-go touch ups. If the passenger is just looking to unwind, simply flipping the tray upwards reveals a 17” flat-screen monitor that will allow them to watch films or videos en route to their destination.
“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,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Car Group. This gave Volvo the freedom to cater to the needs of a chauffeur-driven executive, giving them both extra functionality and comfort.
Volvo showcased the Lounge Console concept in its capacious XC90 SUV, but this hardly means the idea can’t be adapted to full-size sedans. No word yet on when Volvo will offer the Lounge Console on future vehicles, but we’re looking forward to taking a load off in style whenever it comes our way.
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