[eVolved]

Recently things got heated up around here with spy shots of the XC40 test mule, which looks production ready and there's a lot to keep us talking, hence why I started this thread. Already we can see certain things from the concept on the test mule, while that's great an all, do you think Volvo did enough so far? If not, what do you want to see and how practical is that?

As more pictures, video and information comes out, lets keep the ball rolling here leading right to the day we take delivery

 

[revolvo]

It's really hard for me to tell what they've kept from the concept model, but I'm really glad they seem to have decided to go with the concept headlights. Unique design that's sure to make the XC40 stand out in a crowd.

 

[XCx]

The headlight design I was sure we would be continuing to see as we see it on the XC60 and XC90 so it's one of their big design points. Having seen the design in person, it truly is a very unique look that catches the eye, even in the daytime.

The taillight design does look different though as it doesn't have that C-Shape instead it goes up high again, like the XC90 and XC60

 

[eVolved]

All we have to do is look at models like the S90 to see what's really happening on a production level.

The biggest takeaway for me is the grille and headlights, can't wait to see how they altered it for the XC40:

 

[XCx]

See... I like the grille but at the same time I don't. That front end, I think if you were to slap a Subaru badge on it you could easily get someone confused.

 

[revolvo]

The headlights certainly looks similar to the S90 with the LED line bisecting the middle, and the lower grille looks the same too. Yea, the Volvo badge is not the prettiest, would look better without the horizontal line.

 

[XCx]

The S90, XC90, S60, that all have the LED bisecting in the middle there as it's one of those features they maintain across the lineup. Looks darn good though, I love it. Not too often do you see test mules with a full load though but the fender gap looks pretty good. Not too large at all.

 

[eVolved]

The headlights certainly looks similar to the S90 with the LED line bisecting the middle, and the lower grille looks the same too. Yea, the Volvo badge is not the prettiest, would look better without the horizontal line.

Body color could have more influence on the headlight than anything else since with the color seen above the headlight assembly seems more one with the body. In white its a completely different story. That has me thinking volvo didn't select the best color for the XC40 concept

 

[XCx]

I actually really like the way the headlight works with the white paint. The LED disappears and it makes it look like a continuous piece but it's just real nice and bright.

 

[eVolved]

Yeah for sure, its one thing that Volvo is getting right so far and that's design, best of all its not entirely new, past models that were sort of dull has these cues in them. I just wish the rear ends were just as attractive.

 

[XCx]

See, you hit the nail on the head with that. The rear end always seems to bother me. I'm really hoping they'll be something I can do either via aftermarket or fabbing up that I could essentially "fix it" with.

I would need to entirely see the whole rear though and get up close to figure something out..

 

[eVolved]

Probably more of the logic that went into designing the rear end of the XC60 is what i'd want to see more of:

 

[XCx]

If they could cut that taillight at the line where the bottom of the rear window starts, I think that would be ideal.