Volvo Cars has unveiled a new concept at the Shanghai Auto Show that takes executive relaxation to a new level. The Lounge Consol offers busy chauffeur-driven business people the ultimate executive accessory.
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The Lounge Console replaces the front passenger seat, providing a wealth of functions and amenities. Volvo Cars' designers provide a large work table which opens to reveal an illuminated vanity mirror, including a storage tray for jewelry and personal accessories or make-up. The table rotates 90 degrees and simultaneously powers forward to display a large 17" media screen for a full in-car theater experience. Below the cushioned leg rest is an additional area for shoes. For added security Volvo Cars has included a lockable storage box.
The removal of the front passenger seat allows for full forward vision creating a uniquely spacious environment. Along with this new concept, Volvo made the most luxurious vehicle ever built in its 88 year history - a refined version of its recently launched XC90. It is based on Volvo's all new XC90 sports utility vehicle, but the similarity ends there. The XC90 Excellence has just four seats compared to the original's seven, creating enormous space for rear seat passengers.
This space is utilised to offer a First Class experience that begins with broad, spacious individual reclining rear seats with massage, ventilation and increased leg room, a retractable control touchscreen, folding tables, a refrigerator with bottle and glass holders, a heating/cooling cup holder and handmade crystal glasses Orrefors. There are also footrests, ambient lighting, illuminated storage and unique leather, a luggage compartment dividing screen, additional sound insulation and Pirelli Noise Cancelling System tyres (PNCS).
XC90 Excellence passengers will also enjoy a specially-augmented Bowers & Wilkins audio system that adds an extra speaker to its 19 speaker system, resulting in unrivalled high fidelity sound reproduction and surround effect in the rear seats. The XC90 Excellence also comes with an integrated ionic air cleaner in the CleanZone climate system. The ionic air cleaner works by positively charging electrons in airborne particles (dust or smoke for example) so they are removed from suspension in the cabin environment. ■
