First In The Colection!

Volvo - XC60 Concept.

Volvo Prepares for Premium Compact SUV Segment With XC60

Volvo Concept offers an idea of how the 2009 XC60 will look, as well as features and innovation for other future Volvos, too.

The Volvo XC60 Concept is a car for the future, but it provides clues to the looks of the next XC model due in 2009. The concept offers design innovation and includes elements that will be included in future Volvo models.

Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin and his team have designed the XC60 Concept while keeping their eyes firmly focused on one clear goal. "In recent years we have successfully emphasized the Scandinavian characteristics that base prestige on timeless, functional elegance. Now we're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally pumping up our cars' visual volume," says Steve Mattin.

XC60 Design

The XC60 design includes elements from the current XC90, such as the bold stance, high ground clearance and large wheels but above the waistline other elements seem to come from the Volvo C30 coupe, particularly the shape of the rear hatch.

A new element on the XC60 Concept is the enlarged Volvo logo in the grille added to other models a couple of years ago. The angled position lights on both sides of the grille are another element that will be found on future Volvos. The headlights, 20-inch (51cm) wheels, wheel arches and front and rear skid plates add to the aggressive stance, while the window profile and roofline give more of a coupe appearance.

The tailgate design is another element that hints at future design direction for other Volvo models. "At the rear, the expressive, sculptured shapes provide additional hints on the direction our design DNA is set to take. The contours of the tall taillights highlight the muscular shoulders and the tailgate's trapezoidal shape is a further development of the glass tailgate in the Volvo C30," explains Steve Mattin.

The lower part of the tailgate moves out and up over the upper part, creating an opening to place small items in the cargo area without opening the tailgate fully. Only the upper part of the tailgate may be opened also. The dark lower panel of the tailgate is transparent so the driver can see out from the inside. The roof is also transparent, with dark-tinted glass attached on top of a Y-shaped bearing structure.
At the rear, the Volvo name on the tailgate features more pronounced lettering with wider spacing which will find its way to future Volvo models.

Interior Features

The interior is both elegant and high-tech, particularly the instrument panel, slim floating center stack and visually floating front and rear seats. Interior trim is saddle leather and aluminum with the upper portion of the interior is light and the lower portion is a contrasting espresso brown.

The instrument pod with wings is described by Volvo as resembling a bumblebee with a round analogue speedometer as the "body" in the middle flanked by two digital "wings" featuring display screens for other information.

"The XC60 features a number of innovations that indicate what our cars will look like in a few years. It is time to once and for all forget all about boxy Volvos. Instead, we will make our Scandinavian design heritage more emotional and radiant by adding sculptured, exciting shapes and new, innovative features," says Steve Mattin.