Ex‑Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath Returns as Volvo’s Chief Design Officer
Ex‑Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath Returns as Volvo’s Chief Design Officer – Impact on Future Models
Image: Ex‑Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath Returns as Volvo’s Chief Design Officer – Impact on Future Models – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Thomas Ingenlath is back at the helm of Volvo’s design studio, nine years after he left the Swedish automaker to launch and run its high‑performance electric sibling, Polestar. His comeback has sparked a wave of excitement among designers, engineers, and Volvo enthusiasts who remember the visual overhaul he delivered for the XC90, V90 and XC40. In this article we explore what his return means for Volvo’s upcoming line‑up, how his Polestar experience will shape the brand’s EV strategy, and what we can expect on the road in the next few years.
Ingenlath’s Design Legacy at Volvo
When Ingenlath first joined Volvo in 2012 as senior vice president of design, the brand was still known for its boxy, safety‑first silhouettes. Within five years he introduced a cleaner, more scandinavian aesthetic that emphasized strong shoulders, minimal clutter, and a pronounced sense of purpose. The result was a family of models that felt modern yet unmistakably Volvo.
- XC90 – the flagship SUV that combined a sleek “twin‑laser” front end with a spacious, premium cabin.
- V90 – a fastback wagon that blended elegance with practicality, quickly becoming a best‑seller in Europe.
- XC40 – a compact SUV that proved the new design language could work at any size.
Beyond production cars, Ingenlath also penned the futuristic Concept Coupé and the 40.2 concept, which later evolved into the Polestar 1 and Polestar 2. Those concepts hinted at the electric future that would later become his primary playground.
From Design Chief to Polestar CEO
In 2017, Volvo spun off its performance‑electric arm as a separate brand. Ingenlath was tapped as CEO of Polestar, a role that let him marry design intuition with business strategy. Over seven years he broadened the lineup with the Polestar 3 SUV and Polestar 4 crossover, while expanding retail presence to 27 markets. His leadership helped Polestar become a benchmark for ADAS integration, minimalist interiors, and turbo‑petrol hybrids that feel pure electric.
What His Return Signals for Volvo
Volvo announced that Ingenlath will once again serve as chief design officer, working side‑by‑side with CEO Håkan Samuelsson on a two‑year term. The timing is crucial: the current Volvo range—most of it refreshed during his first stint—has just been updated, and the XC60 is about to be complemented by its all‑electric sibling, the EX60. Ingenlath’s challenge will be to bridge the gap between the existing portfolio and the brand’s electrified future.
In his own words, “I am delighted to be returning to Volvo Cars. Design is fundamental to what Volvo stands for. I look forward to working closely with the teams across the company, developing cars that are distinct, relevant and true to the Volvo brand.”
Key Areas of Focus
- Electrified Design Language – integrating sleek EV silhouettes without losing the classic Volvo grille and safety cues.
- Advanced Driver‑Assistance Systems (ADAS) – ensuring that design does not compromise sensor placement for Pilot Assist, City Safety, and future Level‑3 autonomy.
- Material Innovation – more sustainable interiors using recycled polyester, vegan leather, and low‑emission manufacturing.
Design & Dimensions Overview
| Model | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC90 | 4,950 | 1,979 | 1,776 | 2,984 |
| V90 | 4,936 | 1,862 | 1,462 | 2,945 |
| XC40 | 4,425 | 1,863 | 1,645 | 2,652 |
| EX60 (upcoming) | 4,750 | 1,945 | 1,620 | 2,880 |
Feature Comparison: Legacy vs. Upcoming Models
| Feature | XC90 (2023) | XC60 (2023) | EX60 (2024) | Polestar 3 (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADAS Level | 2 (Pilot Assist) | 2 (Pilot Assist) | 3 (Planned Level‑3) | 2 (Pilot Assist) |
| Powertrain Options | Turbo‑petrol, Hybrid, Plug‑in Hybrid | Turbo‑petrol, Hybrid, Plug‑in Hybrid | Pure BEV (up to 300 kW) | Pure BEV (up to 300 kW) |
| Infotainment | Google Android Auto | Google Android Auto | Google Android Automotive OS | Google Android Automotive OS |
| Interior Materials | Leather, Wood Trim | Leather, Wool | Vegan Leather, Recycled Polyester | Vegan Leather, Recycled Polyester |
Engine Specifications (Select Powertrains)
| Model | Engine | Power (kW) | Torque (Nm) | 0‑100 km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC90 T8 Twin‑Engine | 2.0 L I4 + Electric Motor | 300 | 600 | 5.8 s |
| V90 D5 | 2.0 L I4 Diesel | 180 | 400 | 7.5 s |
| XC40 T5 | 2.0 L I4 Turbo‑Petrol | 250 | 350 | 6.9 s |
| EX60 Pure EV | Dual‑Motor AWD | 300 | 660 | 4.9 s |
Price Comparison (Base MSRP, USD)
| Model | Base Price | Top Trim | Estimated Range (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| XC90 | $55,000 | $73,000 (T8 Inscription) | – (Hybrid) |
| V90 | $52,000 | $71,000 (Cross Country) | – (Hybrid) |
| XC40 | $38,000 | $48,000 (Recharge Pure EV) | 418 (EV) |
| EX60 | $45,000 (estimated) | $57,000 (Performance) | 560 (EV) |
How Ingenlath’s Polestar Experience Will Influence Volvo
Ingenlath’s time at Polestar gave him a front‑row seat to the challenges of designing pure electric vehicles that still feel unmistakably “Volvo”. The Polestar 3 SUV, for example, showcases a minimalist interior that relies heavily on a single digital display—a design cue we are already seeing hinted at in concept renders of the upcoming EX60. Moreover, his work on Polestar’s ADAS suite will likely accelerate Volvo’s push toward Level‑3 autonomous driving, a feature that could become standard across the next generation of XC models.
Anticipated Design Themes
- “Silent Strength” – sleek, aerodynamic profiles that reduce drag while keeping the classic Volvo “shoulder” lines.
- Integrated Sensor Skins – camera and radar units blended into the roofline and front fascia for a clean look.
- Eco‑Conscious Materials – greater use of recycled plastics, natural fibers, and low‑VOC paints.
What This Means for Volvo Customers
For existing Volvo owners, Ingenlath’s return promises a continuity of style that won’t feel like a radical departure. For prospective buyers, especially those eyeing an electric upgrade, the EX60 and future BEV variants will likely carry the same premium feel while benefitting from the latest safety tech and turbo‑petrol hybrid options for those not yet ready to go fully electric.
In short, the brand is positioning itself to be both heritage‑rich and future‑forward, a balance that Ingenlath has proven he can achieve.
Source
Source: https://www.autoblog.com/2024/09/03/volvo-ingenlath-return/
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. When did Thomas Ingenlath first join Volvo?
- He became Volvo’s senior vice president of design in 2012.
- 2. Which models did he redesign during his first tenure?
- The XC90, V90 and XC40 were all restyled under his leadership.
- 3. What was Ingenlath’s role at Polestar?
- He served as CEO and senior design advisor, guiding the brand from 2017 to 2024.
- 4. How many markets does Polestar operate in?
- Polestar launched commercially in 27 markets worldwide.
- 5. What is the name of Volvo’s upcoming electric SUV?
- The EX60, slated for release in 2024.
- 6. Will the EX60 feature Level‑3 autonomy?
- Volvo has indicated that the EX60 will be equipped for Level‑3 capabilities.
- 7. Which Volvo model will share a platform with the Polestar 2?
- The Volvo XC40 platform underpins the Polestar 2.
- 8. What is Volvo’s strategy for interior sustainability?
- Volvo is increasing the use of vegan leather, recycled polyester, and low‑VOC paints across all models.
- 9. How does Ingenlath plan to integrate ADAS into future designs?
- He aims to embed sensors within the bodywork to keep the exterior clean while supporting advanced driver‑assist features.
- 10. How long is Ingenlath’s new contract with Volvo?
- He has signed a two‑year term as chief design officer.
