Volvo Concept XC a long way from XC90

The Concept XC Coupe is a long way removed from a seven-seater SUV, yet it still points the path to the next Swedish family hauler later in 2014. This XC is the second of three concepts and a great looker that stretches Volvo’s new design direction, even if everything from the doors upwards is more about fantasy than reality.

“While it is a concept car, there are some very strong design cues that hint at future models,” the spokesman for Volvo Australia, Oliver Peagam, tells Carsguide. “XCs have always been an important part of our vehicle lineup. The all-new model will be revealed globally towards the end of 2014.”

There have been XC models in the Volvo family since 1997, with the bloated V70 wagon that was rapidly joined by everything up to the classy mid-level XC60 and family-sized XC90. Apart from the styling, the XC Coupe is also intended to reflect the flexibility of Volvo’s new ‘Scalable Product Architecture’.

"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. XC Coupe is more of a cross-country version of a sleek sports wagon,” says Thomas Ingenlath, the senior vice-president of design at Volvo Car Group.

Beyond the XC90 tease, the concept car picks up some other new Volvo stuff. “Every strong brand needs a set of visual keys that makes it unique,” says Ingenlath. "Future Volvos will be characterised by the distinctive iron mark in the floating grille, flanked by the T-shaped daylight running lights. The larger bonnet with its new topography, the beltline spanning an elegant bow along the length of the car, and the sharpened shoulder connecting with the new rear light are other important design signatures.”

He describes the XC concepts as headlining a “confident stance” for the brand, which is stretching itself with backing from its new owners in China. Just as Jaguar Land Rover has blossomed since a takeover by Indian owners from Tata, which also owns Tetley Tea, Volvo now believes it has emerged from its dark times. The three concepts are also planned to push a more youthful lifestyle for a brand that has traditionally been aimed at safety-first families. “Concept XC Coupe is ready and willing to bring you into the adventure zone and back,” says Ingenlath.