This is Volvo’s new design language as it transitions into a full-EV brand. Volvo says the Concept Recharge that you see here is a manifesto for the next generation of all-electric Volvos. It’s also the basis for the new flagship model that is expected to replace the Volvo XC90, slated to arrive in 2022.

Let’s begin with the design, and it’s a quite statement. For one, Volvo is pretty much suggesting that SUVs are the future, on top of being electric. However, since it’s not bound by the constraints of having an internal combustion engine, they’re able to make some radical changes.

By removing the engine, transmission, drivelines, and fuel tank, the entire floor of the cabin can be lowered despite having a battery pack. This allows the roof line to be lowered, which gives it a jack-up estate/wagon look.

They’ve also lowered the bonnet height and reduced the windscreen angle. These changes are said to help increase aerodynamic efficiency. The wheelbase is also stretched, resulting in less front and rear overhangs.

Volvo also said that wheel size has been increased, but the conservative side of us may fear the consequence in running costs. Being an EV, the front grille doesn’t require an opening and the result is just a clean stamp of the logo. The signature “Thor’s Hammer” headlights carry on as a design identity.

Inside, it’s one step closer to what some have described as “lounge on wheels.” Without a traditional centre tunnel, it frees up cabin space and adds a sense airiness.

Head of design at Volvo, Robin Page, said, “The interior integrates our latest user experience technology with beautiful, sustainable and natural materials. Each part of the interior is like a piece of art and could stand alone as individual furniture in a room.

"We use the latest technologies but not for their own sake. We always focus on the benefits that technologies can bring.”

There’s a massive 15-inch portrait touchscreen display taking centre stage. It’s powered by Android Automotive OS with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play built-in. This is part of the Volvo Cars.OS - an umbrella of the various operating systems in electric Volvos across the car and the cloud.

Volvo have teamed up with Northvolt to to further increase the energy density in its battery cells. Their target is to achieve 1000 km of real-world driving range. Charging times are expected to be halved by 2025.

Volvo is working to get all future models to be equipped with LiDAR sensor, including the upcoming new flagship model.

CEO of Volvo, Håkan Samuelsson, said, “By having this hardware as standard, we can continuously improve safety features over the air and introduce advanced autonomous drive systems, reinforcing our leadership in safety.”

Also read: We need to talk about Volvo, but not about its safety