With the S90 and V90 station wagon presented at Detroit and Geneva respectively, Volvo takes its second step (after the XC90 SUV introduced last year) along the path to renew its entire range. \u201cIt\u2019s a holistic approach to our portfolio\u201d, explains Thomas Ingenlath. \u201cWhen before have you ever seen a carmaker renew its entire range in just a few years? This has let us achieve a consistent look, while still giving each model its own character and identity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ingenlath is chief of Volvo design, while exterior and interior design are headed respectively by Maximilian Missoni and Robin Page. These are the minds responsible for bringing the concept of Scandinavian design back into the automotive world.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe started from the concept of functionalism laid down in the 1950s and \u201860s, adding technology and innovation to the mix, expressed clearly and logically but also with a measure of discretion, to ease the relationship between the human user and this design, which should offer pleasure and comfort\u201d says Ingenlath. This doesn’t mean doing away entirely with decoration, he stresses, but using decorative elements with moderation, taste and elegance: \u201cOur cars will never say \u2018look at me, I\u2019m a star\u2019. But they are beautiful to those who use them and in their relation with the environment that surrounds them, with a long-term effect.\u201d \u201cThe surfacing is without frills\u201d says Missoni. \u201cA single character line, which switches from positive to negative at the shoulder, is the only thing we\u2019ve done to emphasise the quality of the design.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>
![\"Volvo](\"http:\/\/autodesignmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/2017022702_Volvo_S90V90.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div>The projects for the saloon and wagon both started in 2012, in parallel with the SUV, with the precise goal of strengthening Volvo\u2019s foothold in this premium segment, and in the premium wagon segment in particular, which has been emblematic of the Swedish brand ever since the Duett, 60 years ago. But even for the segment itself, say the designers at G\u00f6teborg, the new car represents a bold step forward in terms of style, materials and trim. In the front and tail in particular, much of the character of the V90 reflects the Estate Concept from two years ago. \u201cThis car \u2013 says a smiling Ingenlath \u2013 has two more doors and is longer (4.96 metres, ed.), but has the same spirit. It\u2019s a very elegant car, with class and style.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>
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