When development work on the successor to today's Volvo V70 got under way, the design team at Volvo Cars were faced with an uncompromising challenge:
Increase the emphasis on luxury and dynamics - while at the same time making the model even more versatile and functional.
"The estate car is the jewel in the crown of our model range. Our task was to refine it carefully to give the all-new V70 even more star quality," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.
Volvo's estate cars are strongly linked with the Volvo brand's development. They have been changed through continuous refinement ever since 1953 when Volvo launched the PV 445.
What was originally an out-and-out practical and spacious car has been continuously developed and now has exclusive comfort and dynamic driving properties that put it in the same class as large luxurious sedan models. What is more, the all-new Volvo V70 takes a huge step forward in the field of intelligent functionality.
"Today's V70 has a well-balanced size and a particularly attractive dual personality in the form of spacious versatility in combination with sporty dynamism. We have reinforced both these elements at the same time as we have given the all-new V70 a generous dose of luxury to increase its premium level even further," says Steve Mattin.
More sporty impression
The front of the all-new V70 incorporates a unique soft nose with a black egg-crate grille featuring chrome in the vertical bars. This gives the luxury estate car a different, sportier face.
The climbing waistline of the side also contributes to the forward-leaning, dynamic stance, which is further reinforced with the help of the black pillars between the side windows.
"The blacked-out pillars cause the windows to visually flow together in one single element. This together with the chrome moulding around the entire window creates an aura that is luxurious yet sporty at the same time," says Stefan Jansson, head of exterior design for the all-new V70.
More dynamic tailgate
From the side the tailgate's upper section has a sportier, more forward-leaning stance.
"But we have not compromised one single bit on the functionality that characterises our estate cars. The new overlapping tailgate takes the upper part of the tail lamps with it as it rises to make the opening even more generous. In this way, the space behind the tailgate is larger than before and easy to load. The luggage volume has even grown by 60 litres compared with the current V70," says Stefan Jansson.
At the rear, the Volvo name on the tailgate features more pronounced lettering with wider spacing than before. A new feature that was first shown on the XC60 Concept in Detroit this year.
Viewed from behind, the tailgate makes a strong visual link with the new C30. All the lights above the waistline, both at the side and the high-mounted third brake light, are LED brake lights. The fixed position lights on the body side take on an added role as supplementary brake lights if the cargo is so large that the driver has to drive with the tailgate secured partly open.
Another smart detail is that the tailgate's glass window goes further down at the sides to give the driver added rearward visibility.
New colours inside and out
The all-new V70 is available in 16 different exterior colours, two of which are entirely new. The new liveries, Seashell and Glacier Blue, were developed to emphasise the estate car's sportier and more luxurious aura.
Inside the car there are six upholsteries in three colours. In addition to Sandstone Beige and Anthracite Black, there is a Cranberry Red highlight colour where the red detailing on the seats and door panels contrasts elegantly with the rest of the black trim.
"Inspiration for this warm red shade came from something that is just so typically Swedish - the red-painted cottages found everywhere throughout rural Sweden. Using this colour as a starting point, we created a nuance that has just the right depth and width to be viable in an international perspective," explains Boel Hermansson, head of colour and material design for the all-new V70.
Scandinavian form and functionality
The interior of the all-new V70 is an example of Scandinavian design at its best. Every little detail has been designed with a one hundred percent focus on both clean form and intelligent functionality.
Comfort in the front seat features superb seats and ergonomically designed instruments - including an elegant, super-slim centre stack and an audio system of absolute world class.
The integrated dual child booster cushions can be adjusted in two steps and the 40/20/40-split rear seat has integrated seat belts. The lightweight design of the rear backrest and the simple folding mechanism are other examples of improved functionality for passengers.
The luggage rides in first class too
In the all-new V70, everything and everyone rides in first class. Even the luggage compartment and all its options and accessories have been designed to meet the very highest demands on luxury and intelligent functionality.
"The idea is that the luggage compartment really should look as spacious and luxurious as it is," says Jonathan Disley, who has designed the interior of the all-new V70.
Among the smart details in the luggage compartment is a storage space under the floor which is locked when the tailgate is shut. A power tailgate is an option and among the range of accessories are a smart storage system with side rails and sliding load hooks that can be tailored to meet the owner's individual needs.
"In what is the most complete estate car on the market, the luggage and other cargo should naturally ride as comfortably as the passengers do. That's why every little detail in the luggage area and all the accessories have been specially designed," says Jonathan Disley.
