America, it’s time to think beyond leather for luxury car seats

“At Volvo Cars, we believe that good design, quality and sustainability are inherently linked. Recycled and renewable materials are not just an option for us, they are essential to shaping a better future,” said Mina, Head of Colors, Materials and Finishes at Volvo Cars. “Our responsibility is to seamlessly blend these elements, creating a sense of luxury and timelessness, while ensuring that our products stand the test of time.”

Like Widrick at Cadillac, Mina wants there to be a sense of cohesion in Volvo’s interiors, and that’s on good display with the EX90. “When it comes to textiles, we see versatility and a strong ability to deliver all these qualities with warmth, tact and sophisticated expression, enhancing both the driving experience and the emotional connection with the interior,” Meena said.

Textiles have a long tradition in Scandinavian design, where “luxury is about simplicity, honesty and attention to detail,” Mina tells Ars. “When developed with care, textile upholstery can feel sophisticated, modern and long-lasting. Textiles allow us to create softness and depth in ways that other materials cannot, resulting in interiors that feel calming, thoughtful and welcoming.”

As far as when to break away from leather, it depends on the experience the design team wants to create for drivers. “We don’t see textiles as a replacement for leather or vinyl,” Mina said. “Each material has its own strengths, and customer preference remains paramount. However, what textile offers is something different: more variety, a richer sensory experience, and a more humane, approachable character.”

A sense of harmony is achieved with Volvo’s tailored wool blend option for the EX90, and all four trim options of the affordable EX30 feature some degree of textile trim on the seats and door panels. Indeed, Volvo’s distinctive and somewhat left-wing style is now as much a part of the brand as its stated commitment to road safety.

All that to say is that I think it’s time for more luxury brands to be adventurous with their ingredients. A sofa or lounge chair doesn’t need animal skin to look stylish or luxurious, and neither does the interior of a car. It just needs good design.