There’s something instantly calming about stepping into a Volvo. The clean lines, thoughtful organization, and natural materials create an environment that feels both sophisticated and serene. This isn’t by accident—it’s Scandinavian minimalism at work. As Swedish automakers, Volvo has long embraced this design philosophy, but how exactly do their latest models, the XC60 and the all-electric EX90, embody these principles? Let’s explore how these vehicles translate centuries-old Nordic design traditions into modern automotive masterpieces.
The Essence of Scandinavian Minimalism
Scandinavian minimalism emphasizes natural light, clean lines, and functional beauty
Born from the harsh Nordic climate and long winters, Scandinavian minimalism emerged as a design philosophy that values simplicity, functionality, and harmony with nature. Unlike other minimalist approaches that can feel cold or sterile, Scandinavian design balances clean lines with warmth and livability.
Functionality First
Every element serves a purpose. Form follows function, with designs that solve problems rather than create them. This principle eliminates unnecessary complexity and ornamentation.
Natural Materials
Wood, wool, leather, and other natural materials create tactile connections to the environment. These materials age beautifully, developing character rather than simply wearing out.
Light and Space
With long, dark winters, Scandinavian design maximizes natural light and creates open, uncluttered spaces that feel expansive and peaceful, regardless of actual size.
These principles have guided everything from furniture design to architecture throughout the Nordic region. In automotive design, they translate to vehicles that prioritize human needs, environmental harmony, and timeless aesthetics over fleeting trends.
Exterior Design: Clean Lines and Purposeful Presence
The exterior designs of both the XC60 and EX90 exemplify Scandinavian minimalism through their restrained elegance. Rather than shouting for attention with aggressive styling or excessive detailing, these vehicles command presence through proportion, balance, and thoughtful design elements.
XC60: Refined Evolution
The XC60 presents a masterclass in minimalist automotive design. Its silhouette is strong yet understated, with a confident stance that doesn’t rely on exaggerated features. The signature “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights serve both as distinctive brand identifiers and functional lighting elements, embodying the Scandinavian principle that beauty emerges from purpose.
Body panels flow with subtle contours rather than dramatic creases, creating a sense of calm strength. The XC60’s exterior demonstrates restraint—there are no unnecessary character lines or decorative elements that don’t serve a purpose. Even the grille pattern is geometric and ordered, reflecting the Scandinavian appreciation for pattern and repetition in nature.
EX90: Electric Minimalism
The all-electric EX90 takes Scandinavian minimalism into the future. Without the need for a traditional grille, the front fascia presents an even cleaner appearance while maintaining Volvo’s distinctive identity. The EX90’s silhouette is more aerodynamic—a functional requirement for electric range efficiency that aligns perfectly with minimalist principles.
What’s particularly notable is how the EX90 achieves a futuristic presence without resorting to sci-fi styling clichés. Instead, it evolves Volvo’s design language naturally, with flush door handles, simplified lighting signatures, and a reduction of visual noise. The result is a vehicle that looks progressive yet timeless—a hallmark of successful Scandinavian design.
“In Scandinavian design, we don’t add elements for decoration. Everything you see has a purpose, whether functional or emotional.”
Interior Cabins: Serene Sanctuaries of Scandinavian Design
Step inside either the XC60 or EX90, and the principles of Scandinavian minimalism become even more apparent. These interiors serve as perfect examples of how reduction can actually enhance the luxury experience, creating spaces that feel both premium and peaceful.
Materials: Natural Luxury
Both vehicles feature materials that connect occupants to nature while providing tactile luxury:
- XC60: Features genuine driftwood inlays with visible grain patterns, wool blend textiles, and responsibly-sourced leather options
- EX90: Pushes sustainability further with Nordico upholstery (made from recycled PET bottles and bio-attributed material from forests in Sweden and Finland)
- Both models use materials that age beautifully, developing patina and character over time
- Textured surfaces provide visual interest without resorting to ornate patterns
Layout: Thoughtful Organization
The interior layouts of both vehicles demonstrate the Scandinavian principle of thoughtful reduction:
XC60 Interior Layout
- Vertical center touchscreen reduces visual width of dashboard
- Physical climate controls maintain tactile functionality
- Dashboard features a single, horizontal line that creates visual calm
- Storage solutions are integrated seamlessly rather than appearing as afterthoughts
EX90 Interior Layout
- Further reduction of physical controls
- Larger central display with contextual controls that appear only when needed
- Driver display presents only essential information
- Hidden air vents maintain clean visual lines while functioning effectively
Both interiors create a sense of “lagom”—the Swedish concept of “just the right amount.” Nothing feels excessive or lacking; each element exists in perfect balance with the whole.
Lighting: Creating Atmosphere
Light plays a crucial role in Scandinavian design, and both Volvo models use lighting to create atmosphere:
- Large windows and available panoramic roofs maximize natural light
- Ambient lighting is subtle and architectural rather than flashy
- The EX90 features backlit wood panels that glow gently in darkness
- Light signatures welcome drivers as they approach the vehicle
This approach to lighting creates the feeling of “hygge”—the Danish concept of coziness and contentment—within the cabin, making even the most stressful commute feel more peaceful.
Technology Integration: Complexity Made Simple
Perhaps nowhere is Scandinavian minimalism more valuable than in how these vehicles integrate complex technology. Rather than overwhelming drivers with endless menus and buttons, Volvo applies minimalist principles to make advanced features accessible and intuitive.
XC60: Balanced Digitalization
The XC60 strikes a thoughtful balance between digital and physical controls:
- Portrait-oriented touchscreen organizes functions logically
- Physical controls remain for frequently-used functions
- Voice commands allow hands-free operation of key features
- Driver display prioritizes essential information over data overload
This approach reflects the Scandinavian understanding that technology should serve people, not the other way around. Functions are organized by frequency of use and importance, not by technical categories that make sense only to engineers.
EX90: Minimalist Evolution
The EX90 takes digital minimalism further:
- Larger central display with contextual controls that appear only when needed
- Google-based operating system provides familiar interaction patterns
- Driver attention monitoring ensures technology enhances rather than distracts
- Over-the-air updates continuously refine the user experience
What’s remarkable about the EX90’s approach is how it manages to incorporate more technology while maintaining the sense of calm and simplicity that defines Scandinavian design. This is achieved through thoughtful information architecture and progressive disclosure—showing only what’s needed when it’s needed.
“Good design is as little design as possible. Less, but better – because it concentrates on the essential aspects, and the products are not burdened with non-essentials.”
Sustainability: Minimalism with Purpose
Scandinavian minimalism has always had an environmental consciousness at its core—using resources wisely and creating products that last. Both Volvo models extend this principle into their environmental approach:
XC60: Efficiency and Longevity
- Mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains reduce emissions
- Materials selected for durability and aging gracefully
- Design focused on timelessness rather than trends, reducing the urge to replace
- Efficient climate control systems reduce energy consumption
EX90: Circular Economy
- All-electric powertrain eliminates tailpipe emissions
- Interior contains nearly 50kg of recycled plastics and bio-based materials
- Design considers end-of-life recyclability
- Manufacturing powered increasingly by renewable energy
This approach to sustainability isn’t merely about checking boxes—it’s a natural extension of the Scandinavian minimalist philosophy that values quality over quantity, longevity over disposability, and thoughtful use of resources.
Evolution of Minimalism: XC60 to EX90
The evolution of Volvo’s interpretation of Scandinavian minimalism from XC60 to EX90
Comparing these two vehicles reveals how Volvo’s interpretation of Scandinavian minimalism has evolved:
| Design Element | XC60 Approach | EX90 Evolution |
| Exterior Form | Clean lines with traditional SUV proportions | More aerodynamic silhouette, further reduction of visual elements |
| Interior Controls | Balance of digital and physical interfaces | Further digitalization with contextual controls |
| Materials | Premium natural materials with some sustainable options | Increased focus on recycled and bio-based materials |
| Lighting | Signature exterior lighting, subtle interior ambient light | More integrated lighting experiences, backlit panels |
| Technology Integration | Technology as a feature | Technology as an integrated, almost invisible element |
What’s fascinating is that while the EX90 represents a significant evolution, it remains unmistakably Volvo. This demonstrates how Scandinavian minimalism provides a design foundation flexible enough to evolve with technology and cultural shifts while maintaining core identity and values.
The Timeless Appeal of Scandinavian Minimalism
The Volvo XC60 and EX90 demonstrate why Scandinavian minimalism remains so relevant in today’s automotive landscape. In a world of increasingly complex technology and environmental challenges, these design principles offer a path forward that balances innovation with human needs.
What makes these vehicles special isn’t just their clean aesthetics or premium materials—it’s how they create environments that enhance wellbeing. By reducing visual noise, thoughtfully organizing controls, and connecting occupants to natural elements, they transform daily drives into moments of calm.
As we look to the future, the EX90 shows how Scandinavian minimalism can evolve while staying true to its core values. It embraces electrification and advanced technology not as ends in themselves, but as means to create better experiences for people and the planet.
Whether you choose the established excellence of the XC60 or the forward-looking vision of the EX90, you’re experiencing more than just Swedish automotive design—you’re experiencing a centuries-old philosophy that values simplicity, functionality, and harmony. In a complicated world, that might be the ultimate luxury.
