Next S60 cabin crystallises

VOLVO has taken the unusual step of providing only interior shots of an upcoming concept car.

As its name suggests, the S60 Concept previews the next-generation mid-sized Volvo sedan, and will be the third-generation front-wheel or all-wheel drive competitor against the BMW 3 Series since the Volvo 850’s 1991 debut.

Detroit’s North American International Auto Show will be the venue for the whole car’s unveiling, but for now we have images of the S60 Concept’s unique cabin, which comes courtesy of “world-famous Swedish glass artisans, Orrefors, to create a floating centre stack of hand-made crystal…”, according to the press blurb.

Essentially this is a front-to-rear centre console, spanning around 1.6 metres, and taking on a wave-like form complete with a “shimmering glow” that can apparently match the driver’s mood.

Volvo’s head of design, Steve Mattin, explains why Volvo is hooked on crystal.

"If you want to explore the full scope of Scandinavian design, Sweden's glassworks are a natural source of inspiration. Large glass areas are also very much part of modern Swedish architecture, creating the special, light transparency."

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