“Concept You,” which debuted at the Frankfurt Motorshow is an evolution of the “Concept Universe” that was presented to the public earlier this year. Both concept cars are being used as design studies to obtain input from the global car buying public, and offer insight into what to expect from the next large Volvo sedan.

Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation, says Concept You blends “contemporary Scandinavian design, exquisite craftsmanship and intuitive technology that will appeal to luxury car buyers all over the world.”

The Concept You combines a sleek coupe-like exterior with a luxurious high-tech interior that keeps the driver in command via intuitive smart pad technology. Its interior gives luxury sedan customers a full experience of the craftsmanship and intuitive technology that will be the hallmark of future Volvos.

While collecting global feedback through both surveys and by monitoring social media, Volvo took the most valuable comments to heart when designing the Concept You. Peter Horbury, Vice President of Design at Volvo Cars says, “This car features a more daring, coupe-like profile than Concept Universe, while the front moves towards a more classic Volvo look.”

He added, “The fastback profile mirrors a strong trend among European buyers. With growing signs that Chinese ‘taste buds’ are moving rapidly in the same direction, our main aim is to explore how daring our next large sedan should be in order to be a global success. We are very eager to hear what people think about the Concept You.”

As part of their new strategy, Volvo says they aim to make people’s lives less complicated and more enjoyable while strengthening the company’s established commitment to safety and the environment. Jacoby concludes, “Volvo’s cars are intuitive and uncomplicated. Our customers don’t have to give away driving pleasure to drive safely. They can be environmentally conscious and still indulge in the pure joy of owning a luxury car.”

Some features include:

Touch-control cockpit and pure craftsmanship

The Concept You control center consists of four main areas: A digital Driver Information Monitor, a heads-up display on the windshield, where a driver can flip data from the central touch-screen to the heads-up display, a touch-screen in the upper part of the center console and a touch-screen between the two individual rear seats. The wood/leather steering wheel has aluminum and glass paddles with integrated touch-screens.

Unique air-powered sound system

The Infotainment system also integrates a high-end sound system from Alpine. It features the unique “FreshAir” subwoofer – a not yet released technology that uses the air outside the car to create the ultimate listening experience.

Comfortable and cultivated

The interior is driver-oriented in the front and comfortably relaxed in the rear. The dark color scheme in the front seats fade seamlessly towards the rear until it fully transforms into a light rear seating area. Also, the interior molds into the rear seat and becomes part of the seating environment.

Leather, suede, and suit fabric

The four individual seats blend chrome-free leather from Bridge of Wear with Dinamica ecological suede. The off-black front seats have suede in the center to create optimum grip. The soft beige rear seats are designed for pure comfort with leather in the center and suede on the sides. 

The Concept You also integrates the luxurious qualities of a tailor-made suit into the car. The back of the front seats and the door panels feature exclusive Italian fabric and designs from Swedish fashion house Oscar Jacobson.

The wooden floor, which echoes Scandinavian homes, is covered with a specially designed hand-tufted carpet from world-famous Swedish brand Kasthall. Just like the rest of the interior, it fades from Dark to light in the rear. The front texture has a sporty firmness, while the rear part of the carpet is luxuriously soft.

Inspiration from Georg Jensen

The Concept You is finished in a light blue, liquid metal paint from DuPont and is fitted with ventilated disc brakes that are developed by Volvo’s racing specialists Polestar. Up front, the Concept You grille – which has a more classic appearance than the Concept Universe – features details with the same beautifully polished craftsmanship.

“The design of the wheels, the grille and details in the innovative headlamps have been inspired by the exquisite works of world-famous Danish design house Georg Jensen,” says Peter Horbury. “Their precious items capture the essence of Scandinavian design - Uncluttered, organic surfaces and superb craftsmanship that radiate timeless luxury.” He adds, “This external beauty of Georg Jensen design is what we are aiming for with the whole concept car. Just like the finest luxury goods, this design should feel handcrafted and stand the test of time.”