New Age Car Design Focuses on Fine-Tuning Sound, Materials and Storage

For Volvo, cars aren't just a mode of transportation, they're a sanctuary. And the company has a unique point of view for delivering a premium ecosystem to the customer where technology, materials, comfort and design intersect.

With the recently launched EX30 and EX90 battery-electric SUVs, Volvo has taken advantage of the design benefits electric vehicle architecture provides to give customers new space solutions. "Electrification offers our interior designers more room to experiment with forms and materials. In EX90, this is shown by the flat floor, which creates a feeling of roominess for everyone inside the car and in the center console, offering more storage space," Lisa Reeves, head of interior design at Volvo Cars, told Newsweek.

"EX30 is extremely versatile with a combination of tunnels, different storage spaces and a sliding system that allows you to choose exactly how you want to use the space. The top of the cupholder can be slid out to hold your latte or smartphone or moved back for more storage. The lower tunnel has a protective storage [area] for small items such as your sunglasses or ear pods, and you can place a bag in the large open space above," she said.

Those spots are swathed in premium materials from natural, recycled and renewable sources. The finery has become a Volvo trademark.

"When our designers create our car interiors, they aim to redefine luxury by using more sustainable, lightweight materials. Excess and conventional fabric make way for materials that are natural, recycled and certified. Materials that feel tactile are of great premium quality and create lasting impressions. Our biggest inspiration when finding new materials is Scandinavian nature, fashion design and home decor, as well as Scandinavian design principles," Reeves said.

Interiors aren't just about what's in them; they're also shaped by what is kept out. Volvos are noted for their serene interiors that hold at bay much of the wind and road noise that can come with driving.

"The Volvo philosophy is to have a balance between different sources, [such] as road, wind and propulsion noises. To balance the road and wind noise with the quiet electric propulsion, a high effort is put on reducing the road and wind noise. A quiet compartment enables people in the car to communicate easily between the front and rear seats. At the same time, high focus is also put on the sound design of feedback and information sounds and on eliminating unwanted noises," said Per Alenius, technical leader for vehicle noise, vibration and harshness and sound quality at Volvo Cars.

Some noises are necessary, like warning chimes from the advanced driver assistance system. Volvo has taken a fine-tooth comb to those as part of the design process. They are part of a curated multisensory experience.

"We wanted users to hear the sound only when necessary, so when it is needed, it is heard clearly. We reduced the sound length to minimize the impact and deliver a clear and concise message. Additionally, we selected a different key to differentiate our sounds from those widely used in the music industry," Anna Arasa Gaspar, senior UX design manager, and Fredrik Hagman, interactive sound designer, at Volvo Cars told Newsweek.

They said: "Following our principle of designing for reusable knowledge, we grouped sounds into semantic categories. All sounds within a category share the same characteristics. For example, a 'turning off' sound consists of a higher tone followed by a lower tone. This consistency makes it easier for users to understand other sounds within the same category. We also evaluated and reduced the number of variants when possible.

"For cars equipped with headrest speakers, we play the obstacle detection sounds from the direction of the obstacle, creating a multisensory experience that enhances the understanding of the obstacle's position. This approach also reduces cabin noise, creating a more relaxed experience for passengers."

For their attention to the details that make a premium model stand out among its in-class peers and those priced well above, the Volvo Cars design team is Newsweek's 2025 Design Disruptor of the Year.

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