Volvo Cars has revealed its S90 Ambience Concept, designed as a sensory experience that synchronizes visuals, sound and scent for in-car luxury.-¯ Based on Volvo’s top-of-the-line S90 Excellence three-seater executive sedan, the vehicle is ride-share-ready with attention to chauffeured passengers in the rear seat.
The passengers can personalize the car’s atmosphere by using an intuitive smartphone app to choose one of seven visual themes synchronized with audio and scent.
“The Ambience Concept redefines luxury by taking it beyond material choices, creating a car that connects with your senses,” said Robin Page, head of design at Volvo Cars. “The design explores how people feel inside the car and enables them to influence their own mood and well-being.”
The visual element transforms the car ceiling according to the selected theme-with choices including Northern Lights, Scandinavian Forest, Swan Lake, Archipelago and Rain-”each providing a different mood scaling from relaxing to invigorating. There is also a Nocturnal theme for resting and Freedom gives a boost of fresh and uplifting energy.
The synchronized audio plays through the car’s Bowers and Wilkins premium sound system, which includes small tweeters in the headrest for an immersive sound experience. Each theme is matched with one of four bespoke scents, created by Byredo, which deploys simultaneously from a portal in the center console.
“We’re known for our human-centric approach to design and as an industry leader in advanced safety technology,” Page said. “Ambience reinforces this and shows our broader focus on human care, which starts with safety and also extends to general well-being.”
The Ambience Concept was created primarily for the Chinese market and provides a contrast to China’s sometimes hectic city environments, said Martin Andersson, senior commercial product manager at Volvo Cars’ Special Vehicles department.
“The S90 Ambience Concept will reinforce our premium brand values in this important region,” Andersson noted.
