Volvo reveals new super luxurious car without front passenger seat

Volvo unveiled a concept vehicle at the Shanghai auto show that doesn’t have a front passenger seat. No, it isn’t a supercar meant for the track, but a super luxurious SUV.

Called the Lounge Console, it’s a seat that stretches from the back featuring a leg rest and fold-out 17-inch screen in place of the passenger seat on the XC90. Under the leg rest is a compartment for shoes, because in order to fully relax, you should take off your shoes. There is also a lock box for watches, cufflinks or jewellery.

“We started this work by looking at the executive lifestyle,” said Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice-president of design at Volvo Car Group, in a statement. “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 firework of ideas and new possibilities.”

Car and Driver reports that because Volvo is owned by Chinese auto maker Geely, the Lounge Console is likely to reach production.

“People who are on the move and have a hectic lifestyle going from event to event or meeting to meeting need some space, some luxury time, and the opportunity to relax and refresh themselves for the next engagement,” said Ingenlath. “This is ultimately what the Lounge Console is designed to facilitate.”