Inside a sleek coupé-like shape, the Volvo You concept’s luxurious high-tech interior keeps the driver in command via intuitive smart pad technology.

The You picks up where the Universe, revealed at Auto Shanghai earlier this year, left off. Volvo says the concept shows off the craftsmanship and intuitive technology we can expect in future Volvos.

“The new roofline stretches all the way back to the tail lamps, creating that dynamic fastback look that is very much in vogue among European car buyers at the moment,” says Peter Horbury, Volvo’s vice-president (design).

It explores new territories in a search for the ultimate intuitive car that makes the owner’s manual a thing of the past. “Smartphones and smartpads have brought mobile infotainment into a new era. Here, we use a number of touchscreens to replace buttons and controls to make the driver totally connected, totally in control. The technology also helps us to create a refreshingly uncluttered interior,” Horbury says.

The Concept You control centre consists of four main areas: a digital Driver Information Monitor (DIM), a head-up display on the windscreen, a touch-screen in the upper part of the centre console and a touch-screen between the two individual rear seats. The wood/leather steering wheel has aluminium and glass paddles with integrated touch-screens.

The touch-screen in the upper part of the centre console remains in sleeping mode until the driver looks at it. A hidden infrared camera registers the eye movements and information is displayed on the screen.

Another sensor registers hand movements and triggers the infotainment system’s control mode, depending on whether the screen is approached by the driver or by the front passenger. Certain functions, such as surfing the Web, are accessible only from the passenger side while the car is rolling.

The driver can “flip” data from the central touch-screen to the head-up display – and can exchange data with the rear passengers. A light guide in the free-floating centre console indicates file transfer.

The infotainment system also integrates a high-end sound system from Alpine. It features a unique “FreshAir” subwoofer. This technology, not yet in production, uses the air outside the car to enhance the sound inside it. We can’t wait to find out how.

In crafting the interior, Volvo partnered with several other famous brands to create a genuine feeling of luxury with the right Scandinavian touch. The four individual seats, inspired by ultra-comfortable chairs, blend chrome-free leather from Bridge of Wear with Dinamica ecological suede. The back of the front seats and the door panels feature exclusive Italian fabric and designs from Swedish fashion house Oscar Jacobson, and there are large walnut accent panels, aluminium detailing and a wooden floor covered with a hand-tufted carpet from Swedish brand Kasthall.

The design of the wheels, the grille and headlamps details have been inspired by Danish design house Georg Jensen.