The concept also provides storage for small items beside the seat and a storage space underneath for diapers, blankets, or other larger items and enough space for a tote bag at the front of the seat under the dashboard.
The Excellence Child Seat Concept, which also provides a function to help small children safely lean back and sleep, is based on Volvo’s belief that small children should travel rearward facing as long as possible (at least up to the age of 3 or 4). This is mainly due to the lack of muscular strength in the necks of small children and the disproportionate head size and weight* in relation to the body.
“For us the safety, convenience, and emotional factors outweigh everything else," said Volvo Cars Concept and Monitoring Centre chief designer interiors Tisha Johnson.
"Being able to maintain eye contact with your child from the rear seat , or being able to keep a bottle warm in the heated cup holders in the XC90 Excellence, would go a long way towards making life easier for parents taking their small child on a trip. Such alternative seating arrangements will become increasingly important as we move towards autonomous vehicles,” said Johnson.
The child seat concept follows the Shanghai reveal of the XC90 Excellence and the Lounge Console Concept, which marked a bold step forward for the Swedish car brand.
According to Johnson the idea originated in a conversation with Volvo Cars’ owner Li Shufu when he reviewed the XC90 Excellence Lounge Console Concept earlier this year and thought about how else the space left by removing a front passenger seat could be used. The design team at Volvo Cars took on the challenge and in the process re-imagined the way in which small children can travel.
