Luxury cars are certainly nice to drive. What you usually get is very comfortable leather seats, loads of space, plenty of headroom, and everything you want at the touch of a button. Such cars can offer a nice feeling, and make you think “aah, this is the life”.

Volvo has decided to show-off what they consider to be the next level in luxury driving with their "Lounge Console" concept – and we must say, they’ve done so with style. The manufacturer has unveiled their "Lounge Console" design at the Shanghai Auto Show, and the new XC90 is the vessel for this comfort. The concept offers those who are chauffeur-driven the "ultimate executive accessory". Volvo has replaced the front passenger seat with this "Lounge Console" - and what's on offer is simply superb.

Within this concept is: A large work table (which can turn into a vanity mirror and a storage tray for make-up); 17-inch media screen for a "full in-car theatre experience"; Special area for shoes; Cushioned leg rest; Lockable storage box; and lots more.

Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Car Group, said, “We started this work by looking at the executive lifestyle. With our progressive approach to premium design and functionality we analysed the needs and perspective of the chauffeur driven executive, designing the car around him or her in the spirit of our brand’s aim."

He continued by saying, "A key element in our thinking was how to make the available interior space work for the occupants in an optimal and luxurious fashion. Removing the passenger seat enabled us to create an open space that dramatically changes the dynamics of the interior and led to a firework of ideas and new possibilities.”