As part of my ongoing series covering my exclusive visit to NEVS in Trollhättan, I recently sat down for a classic Swedish “fika” with Simon Padian, the renowned automotive designer known widely among Saab enthusiasts as the creative force behind the iconic Saab 9-5 NG.
Given his background, it’s no surprise that keen observers immediately spotted unmistakable echoes of Saab DNA in the Emily GT prototype. This conversation allowed me to explore deeper into the intricate design decisions that shaped NEVS’ bold electric sedan.
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Bridging Exterior and Interior Design
Earlier, I spoke with Hirash Razaghi, who designed Emily GT’s striking exterior. Hirash mentioned his close collaboration with Simon during the car’s development, piquing my interest in Simon’s perspective on the project.
Simon explained that while the Emily GT’s exterior began with a provided sketch—which required substantial modification for production readiness—the interior was entirely NEVS’ domain. Simon revealed that the primary source of inspiration for the interior was actually the finalized exterior design. The goal was to ensure that the car’s interior reflected the same robust yet sporty character evident from the outside, creating a cohesive visual narrative and a thrilling driving experience.
Thoughtful Design Details That Enhance Practicality
During our conversation, Simon highlighted subtle yet impactful design choices that most might overlook:
- Larger rear doors: These were intentionally designed bigger than the front doors, significantly improving passenger entry and exit, especially valuable in tight parking situations.
- Door mechanisms without fixed stops: Emily GT doors open smoothly and remain flexible at any angle, another thoughtful convenience enhancing everyday usability.
- Ventilated seat design: Seats feature openings between the backrest and headrest, mirroring the open feeling of the panoramic roof to create an airy and spacious cabin ambiance.
Simon’s Proud Moments: Cohesion and Illuminated Details
When asked what he was most proud of regarding the Emily GT design, Simon immediately referenced the overall cohesiveness. The harmonious interaction between all design elements, interior and exterior, achieved in just ten months, is a testament to the team’s dedication.
Another major design emphasis was on illumination, both inside and outside. Simon described the careful approach to lighting as fundamental in making the Emily GT feel alive. The vehicle greets passengers with exterior welcome lights that activate upon unlocking, reinforcing a warm, inviting personality rather than being merely functional.
A Vision for Safer, Smarter Lighting Systems
Looking ahead, Simon shared his vision for further integrating lighting with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). One innovative concept discussed was utilizing exterior lighting as an active safety feature—for example, flashing exterior lights to warn a driver of approaching cyclists or pedestrians when a door is opened. These thoughtful integrations reflect Simon’s broader aim of enhancing both safety and user experience through intuitive design.
Refinements for Production Readiness
While the prototype already impresses, Simon acknowledged areas for refinement essential for production readiness. Among these are:
- Roofline adjustment: The existing flat roof, while successfully keeping Emily GT lower than competitors like the Porsche Panamera, should ideally be slightly rounded in production to further improve aerodynamics and aesthetics.
- Digital mirrors: Simon noted the need to refine digital rear-view mirrors, ensuring they meet functional and aesthetic standards expected by future consumers.
- Software and materials: Optimizing the vehicle’s software interface and reconsidering interior materials were also on his list to enhance user experience, passenger comfort, and overall perceived quality.
- Front seat optimization: Slight adjustments to the front seats to maximize rear passenger space, further demonstrating a meticulous approach to passenger comfort and practicality.
Despite the incredibly short ten-month timeline from initial sketches to a drivable prototype, Simon and the NEVS team made strategic compromises that maintained the essence of the original vision.
The Journey Continues
While this particular conversation concludes here, the story of Emily GT is far from over. Stay tuned—more insights, revelations, and exclusive stories from inside NEVS are on the way.
