[XCx]

Here's a video of the Volvo XC40 concept vehicle with subtitles

 

[eVolved]

Easily the one thing most of us can appreciate here is the fact Volvo kept design unique, no copying the other guy which happens all too often these days. S60 and S90 are prime examples of how production can play out. Hopefully they deliver.

 

[XCx]

Funny that you mention that. Even over the years and past Volvo vehicles, anytime you'd see one.. you knew it. A Volvo, at least to me, was something that was never mistaken for anything else and they always maintained that recognition. They are definitely not cookie cutter and know how to separate themselves.

 

[eVolved]

In a way you can say their designs were ahead of the times. It was always clean and minimalist which is what car makers are pushing towards these days. Even design in other industries are shifting that way.

Seeing them re-emerge with the new S90 was what pulled me in, nothing like it.

 

[revolvo]

There's still plenty of quirky features without overwhelming the car and retaining that clean look. These days, it seems like other manufacturers are trying to throw in as many sharp angles and ridges as they can in an effort to make a car loo more aggressive and sporty, but clean designs like these are more appealing IMO.

 

[XCx]

Streamline is a very great way to look at things. Look at the new Velar that's coming out, it's all about streamline. I do like the smooth looks now though. The recessed door handles are a huge touch in keeping that side profile so extremely clean.

 

[eVolved]

There's still plenty of quirky features without overwhelming the car and retaining that clean look. These days, it seems like other manufacturers are trying to throw in as many sharp angles and ridges as they can in an effort to make a car loo more aggressive and sporty, but clean designs like these are more appealing IMO.

They are and a brand like Volvo has no choice but to go that direction. Going sporty like Lexus definitely won't work for them. The only sporty they can get in design is similar to Mercedes and Jaguar.

prime examples right here:

 

[XCx]

Definitely see the Mercedes similarities in those front ends there. That being said, that's what you have to do to stay relevant and competitive. Volvo is a very under-seen manufacturer and they're kind of in a gray area. They're definitely on a great pathway to doing some big things though.

 

[eVolved]

Not really in a grey area when it comes to this performance stuff. Instead it might be a funding issue, they have to build up those volume products to sustain the brand before moving into the fun stuff.

At least what helps is the fact they have race cars, so the potential for more road going models is present...

 

[XCx]

But if they really implement those developments in a road car. Volvo isn't really known for performance by far. If they come out with a performance lineup or trim, then I can see it happening but they just aren't there yet.

 

[eVolved]

But if they really implement those developments in a road car. Volvo isn't really known for performance by far. If they come out with a performance lineup or trim, then I can see it happening but they just aren't there yet.

It doesn't have to be full all out performance models like M cars and AMG's, instead it could be a soft launch, similar to what you see in Lexus F-Sport models. Lexus had some sporty trims before the IS-F came out. Even Hyundai did a soft launch with its Genesis Coupe.

 

[XCx]

A soft launch is when a product is released to a limited or restricted market. That's not what I would really refer to for launching vehicles as they're revealed to the mass public all at once.