Volvo reveals the ultimate chauffeur-spec XC90 with Lounge Console Concept

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Volvo has revealed the Lounge Console Concept at the Shanghai Motor Show featuring everything the pampered chauffeur-driven executive could need in an XC90.

Volvo’s new XC90 signalled the real start of the ‘New’ Volvo, with new engines, new platforms and a new drive to challenge the German Premium marques wherever they can – but on their own terms.

We haven’t driven the new XC90 yet (although we have one coming in a few weeks) but it looks to do what it’s designed to do on its own terms, and in its own way. And Volvo see it as far more than just a replacement for the previous XC90.

We already know there will be a mainstream performance version in the T8 Twin Engine, and it seems highly likely that will just be a starting point for a proper Polestar version at some point.

We also know there is an XC90 Excellence on the way offering real Swedish luxury (although, sadly, not for the UK) with a delicious interior, cosseting occupants in a sybaritic Swedish cocoon.

But supposing the XC90 Excellence still seems not quite as indulgent as you’d like? Then Volvo looks to have the answer with the Lounge Console for the XC90 Excellence, revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show.

Essentially the ultimate toy for a chauffeur-driven Executive, the Lounge Console does away with the front passenger seat and replaces it with a toy box for pampered and indulged execs on the move.

There’s a large work table that opens to reveal an illuminated mirror, storage tray for jewellery, make-up and accessories and can rotate 90 degrees to become a 17″ media screen, padded footrest under which there’s storage for a change of shoes and a lockable storage box too. All this in addition to the Excellence spec.

Thomas Ingenlath, Volvo Design VP, said:

We started this work by looking at the executive lifestyle…we analysed the needs and perspective of the chauffeur driven executive, designing the car around him or her.

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.

It’s clear Volvo are aiming this chauffeur-spec XC90 at the wealthy Chinese buyer who prefers to be driven rather than drive, as we already know they have a fondness for a back seat that is built to make them feel special.

But the XC90 Lounge Console will probably have wider appeal than just the wealthy Chinese.

Volvo XC90 Excellence Lounge Console Video