\u201cScandinavian design, safety, technology\u201d. These, according to Robin Page \u2013 Volvo\u2019s head of design until next May 1st when he will become senior style consultant and will be replaced by Jeremy Offer \u2013 are the four key words of the EX90, the new seven-seater, zero-emission SUV that the Swedish manufacturer is proposing as the successor to the XC90. The 2021 Concept Recharge show car gave a glimpse of new shapes and technological solutions and, indeed, several have been kept for the series production too.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"Volvo](\"https:\/\/autodesignmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2023021702_VolvoEX90.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The Concept Recharge Legacy<\/strong><\/span> Plenty of sensors<\/strong><\/span> Attention to aerodynamics<\/strong><\/span>
\n\u201cConcept Recharge and EX90 bear a very close resemblance to each other. Just look at the front: the completely full grille could be the mouth of a man, while the subtle light signature headlights could be the eyes. We have tried to work deeply on the humanisation of the styling to achieve, even on a superficial level, a better relationship between man and machine\u201d, Page continues. While some typical Volvo styling cues have simply been developed \u2013 like the Thor hammer headlamps which now open and change shape at night with the help of matrix LEDs \u2013 others are completely new.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\nFollowing this line of thought, all the sensors of the driver assistance systems are hidden or concealed by surfaces. All except one: the large LiDar positioned high up in the centre of the windscreen. \u201cThe reasons for this choice are functional\u201d, explains Mayer, \u201cit is the best possible position for a LiDar, all others would have limited its range. For Volvo, safety comes first\u201d. Not only. Page points out: \u201cMaking such an important element visible, also means communicating that the EX90 is probably the most technological car of the moment. We must never lose sight of our goal: zero accidents, as soon as possible\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\nThe large SUV body of the EX90 induced the designers to refine every possible element that was not in favour of aerodynamics. Hence, in addition to the almost completely closed grille, the designers created low-resistance wheels for the model, handles flush with the bodywork and pillars as sunken into the bodywork as possible. Volvo\u2019s trademark is also represented by the vertical lights, revised for the EX90 into two separate elements with a segmented top section but, Mayer reassures us, \u201cstill highly recognisable even at night\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>