The new Ford S-MAX Vignale Concept follows the introduction of the Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept and expresses the premium design, craftsmanship, and exclusive specification customers can expect from Ford Vignale. A production version of the Mondeo Vignale will be available to customers next year followed soon after by a production S-MAX Vignale. Ford Motor Company unveiled the new Ford S-MAX Vignale Concept in Milan as it continues to expand its vision for a unique upscale product and ownership experience for European customers.
"Spacious and aspirational, the S-MAX Vignale Concept goes beyond traditional automotive design and speaks to customers who value aesthetics," said Martin Smith, executive director, Design, Ford of Europe. "Our Vignale designers were inspired by trends from furniture to fashion to create this new expression of Ford."
In addition to revealing the S-MAX Vignale at the storied Palazzo Reale in Milan, Ford is showcasing its vision for the Vignale consumer experience this week at the Salone del Mobile, the world's leading furniture design expo. The design of the Ford stand at Salone del Mobile is a preview of the "Vignale Lounge" retail experience that will be rolled out in select Ford retailers throughout Europe. Ford also will display a Vignale lifestyle collection, including a bespoke travel bag that was awarded an iF Design award.
The light exterior is matched with a darker interior scheme taking inspiration in part from current menswear trends. Further colours and design have been inspired by eclectic takes on furniture - including high-end sofas - which offer sleek, contemporary lines and hand-stitched pearlescent leathers.
Leather extends from the dashboard and instrument panel to sweep past the glass roof to the rear luggage compartment in a single colour that creates a lounge-like environment.
Metallic textures are applied in warm tones. Woven texture-embossed aluminium behind the steering wheel and across the passenger side dashboard is indicative of the craftsmanship applied throughout, further demonstrated by a directional, brush-painted panel above the central display that features aluminium Vignale lettering.
The seats feature a new variation on the quilting effect first demonstrated in the Mondeo Vignale Concept. Front seats and outer rear seats feature hexagonal quilting bordered with square quilting that stretches across the centre-rear seat and front armrest. "Tone-on-tone" stitching with thick dark red thread highlight the seat centres and is complemented by lighter exterior thread at the seats' perimeters.
"The tonal connections and the quality of craftsmanship and detailing inject a sense of tradition into the S MAX Vignale Concept," said Sonja Vandenberk, chief designer, Colour and Material, Ford of Europe. "The design language itself is on the cusp of the latest fashion and furniture trends, reflecting inspirations in terms of fabrics, leathers, colours and detailing."