The True Identity: A Design Preview of the Next XC90

At the 2014 NAIAS (North American International Auto Show), commonly known as the Detroit Motor Show, which marks the beginning of the year and starts its press preview on January 13th, Volvo will unveil the "Concept XC Coupe" utilizing its new platform, the "Scalable Product Architecture (SPA)."


Volvo is producing three design concept cars to showcase the potential of this new platform and the freedom it offers in design. This model is the second installment, following the "Coupe Concept" unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show and Tokyo Motor Show.


As the "XC" name suggests, this concept car is a design study for a crossover or SUV. While the current Volvo "Concept XC Coupe" is presented in a show-car form, it's evident that the design of the production version of the next "XC90" is hidden beneath.

The "XC90," which is about to undergo a full model change as a coupe-like crossover, can be imagined as a more practical version of the Volvo Concept XC Coupe. However, elements such as the "floating grille" framed by distinctive headlights, the headlight design, the unique shape of the rear combination lights, and the sculpted rear fenders that taper significantly towards the rear window are likely to be carried over directly to the production model.


The basic design strongly suggests a connection with the previously introduced Volvo "Coupe Concept."

However, the larger 21-inch wheels, pronounced wheel arches, and the tall roofline all contribute to a sporty and rugged impression befitting a crossover model with off-road capability.

Design Inspiration Drawn from Sports Brands

Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President of Design, commented that the inspiration for the Volvo Concept XC Coupe came from "POC," a Swedish high-tech sports brand specializing in protective gear, goggles, and apparel for extreme sports.


"The bold use of the orange-colored underguard (molded matte rubber) serves as a graphic highlight, bringing both functionality and a rugged impression. To achieve the right balance between beauty and function, the design team reinterpreted the side moldings and skid plates in a more contemporary way, also integrating elements from traditional SUVs."

There are still more secrets behind its refined design. The horizontally arranged T-shaped DRLs (Daytime Running Lamps) are likely to define Volvo's future face. Similarly, the rear combination lights, designed along the contours of the rear styling, are a great idea. Even with different models, simply embedding rear combination lights designed to match the body's contours should make them instantly recognizable as Volvos.


Volvo's new design language, expected to be introduced in production models starting with the new XC90 announced in 2014, might lead the way in modern premium car design. Is it too early to think so?