Volvo Concept XC Coupe points to next XC90 at Detroit

Volvo XC coupe

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13 Jan, 2014 2:50pm Jack Rix

Sleek Volvo Concept XC Coupe that hints at future SUV is unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show

This is the Volvo Concept XC Coupe, which provides a glimpse into the future of its SUV line-up.

Following on the heels of the Concept Coupe that was revealed at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the SUV concept has made its debut at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show. It’s the second in a series of three concepts that demonstrate the versatility of Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).

• Detroit motor show 2014

Despite its relatively low-slung stance, three-door, four-seater layout plus dimensions that roughly match the XC60’s, the Concept XC Coupe is in fact a big clue as to how the new XC90 will look when it debuts at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Thomas Ingenlath, Volvo design vice president, explained: “It brings us a bit closer to the all-new XC90. But it goes without saying that a three-row seven-seater will have a larger and fuller look than this four-seater. The Concept XC Coupe is more of a Cross Country version of a sleek sports wagon.”

Significant styling cues are everywhere, including the floating grille, T-shaped LED elements in the headlights and a unique rear light signature. To give a classic SUV look, chunky side sills, 21-inch wheels and skid plates have been added at the front and rear.

Volvo has yet to release interior pictures, but we already know the XC90 will use an iPad-sized central touchscreen and feature an Android-based Sensus Connected Touch infotainment system that’ll let you download apps straight to the car.

It should also be one of the safest models on the road, with a system that steers you away from barriers, an autobrake function that detects pedestrians in the dark and the ability to follow the car in front autonomously.

• Volvo XC90 2014 price and release date

Volvo Concept XC Coupe at Detroit Motor Show 2014

The arrival of the SPA platform, which will underpin everything from the S60 up, is a major step forward for Volvo. Even the seven-seater XC90 will use only four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines. The most powerful petrol has a supercharger and turbo to produce 302bhp, while a hybrid version of the same engine will hit 400bhp with 600Nm of torque.

The XC90 isn’t the only SPA-based SUV in the pipeline, either; a replacement for the XC60 could arrive by 2016, while Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson is keen on producing an even smaller XC40.

Volvo Concept XC Coupe vs Concept Coupe

As you can see in Thomas Ingenlath’s sketches (in our gallery of pictures) Volvo’s two latest concepts are more similar than they first appear. By translating his new design language into very different bodystyles he’s managed to highlight common cues – such as the kink in the shoulder line and subtle upturn in the window line.

Ingenlath’s philosophy is about enduring design: “You might not have the flashiest car for the first year,” he told Auto Express, “But you’ll have a classy car for the next eight years. The overall simplicity, both exterior and interior, has a strong connection to the Scandinavian lifestyle.”

Editor in chief Steve Fowler takes a quick look around the new Volvo Concept XC

Disqus - noscript

Submitted by antonyr on Wed, 2014-01-08 09:00.

Suddenly SUV,s got good looking rather than looking like tanks as Audi, Porsche and BMW not to mention Bling Bling Mercedes do

Submitted by shaun34 on Wed, 2014-01-08 17:22.

Volvo get sexy, the future could be very bright if they can just get them to drive as well as they look, why would you want German harshness, when you can have Scandinavian cool.

Submitted by Albert, Netherlands on Mon, 2014-01-13 18:45.

The car looks good but not as good as the concept coupe. However, the new design language of Volvo is promissing, far better than the current styling 'disasters' from Germany (CLA, A-class, B-class, almost all Audi's and BMW's, the Golf etc etc).

Volvo should also improve the quality of the cars, make the cars more reliable and add a big estate V90 and sedan S90 to the line up, much needed.

It is asthonising to see that after the split from Ford Volvo is doing so well (as well as Land-Rover/Jaguar), with a new engine line, new platform, new (class leading) technology, hybrids, and new models..... .

Submitted by Murgatroyd on Tue, 2014-01-14 18:39.

Volvo isn't actually doing that well. They are succeeding in certain markets (e.g. China) but losing ground in others (e.g. North America). Overall, the slow decline in sales that began in the mid-2000s is continuing. They need to be doing significantly better in order to have a realistic chance of being able to compete effectively in the premium class.

Submitted by Murgatroyd on Tue, 2014-01-14 18:55.

Volvo have been trying to portray a cool 'n' sexy image for years, but it hasn't really worked. As a long-term Volvo customer I am becoming rather tired of them trying to copy Audi and BMW constantly.

I like the cars themselves but the brand is now losing its identity - one of the main reasons why people bought them in the first place. Sometimes not trying too hard is the cool and clever route, and Volvo is in danger of forgetting this.

Submitted by Sami on Tue, 2014-01-14 20:24.

Bleh, if this is the direction the new XC90 is going, I'm not buying..I much prefer the look of the old XC90

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