Volvo S90 Ambience Concept revealed at Beijing

Volvo Cars has turned up the volume on its luxurious S90 large sedan, with the new three-seat Ambience Concept that broke cover at the Beijing motor show this week.

In 2016, Volvo revealed a top-of-the-line version of its flagship large sedan called the S90 Excellence; a China-only model that did away with the front passenger seat in favour of a workstation to accommodate chauffer-driven customers that wish to work-on-the-go.

The new Ambience Concept builds on that philosophy, sporting a similar three-seat layout and luxury-focused interior design, but with a new suite of audio, visual and scent features designed to influence passenger's mood, according Volvo Cars senior vice-president Robin Page.

“The Ambience Concept redefines luxury by taking it beyond material choices, creating a car that connects with your senses,” he said. “The design explores how people feel inside the car and enables them to influence their own mood and well-being.

Passengers can tune the car's “atmosphere” with seven visual themes synchronised with audio and scent. (image credit: GoAutoMedia)

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The visual element casts various designs across the car's ceiling. (image credit: GoAutoMedia)

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“We’re known for our human-centric approach to design and as an industry leader in advanced safety technology. Ambience reinforces this and shows our broader focus on human care, which starts with safety and also extends to general well-being.” 

Passengers of the Ambience Concept can tune the car's “atmosphere” with seven visual themes synchronised with audio and scent, including Northern Lights, Scandinavian Forest, Swan Lake, Archipegao, Rain, Nocturnal and Freedom.

The visual element casts various designs across the car's ceiling, meanwhile, synchronised audio is played through a Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, while one of four scents is deployed through a portal in the centre console.

Volvo says that while the vehicle is just a concept, the Swedish carmaker hopes to roll the new technology into the production S90 Excellence that is available in China.

“The Ambience Concept was created primarily for the China market and provides a contrast to China’s sometimes hectic city environments,” explained Volvo Cars’ Special Vehicles senior commercial product manager Martin Andersson.

“The S90 Ambience Concept will reinforce our premium brand values in this important region.”

Do you like the idea of “mood” settings in luxury cars? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.