The 2018 Volvo XC40

[Submariner]

[giant_mtb]

Not bad, but it could be any brand if it weren't for the tail lights.

[FoMoJo]

Kinda busy, for Volvo.

[Galaxy]

I don't think it looks to bad actually, though not on par with the other current Volvos. I do think it is a positive that they are able to differentiate their current design language. When the S90, V90 came after the XC90, I was a bit worried.

[FoMoJo]

I don't think it looks to bad actually, though not on par with the other current Volvos. I do think it is a positive that they are able to differentiate their current design language. When the S90, V90 came after the XC90, I was a bit worried.

How to differentiate it with what is already out there is the problem.  Taillights that were once distinctive and related to the local architecture are now easily mistaken for run-of-the-mill existing models.

[2o6]

- there's already a thread on this model, on the same page even.


What's wrong with it? It looks stunning inside and out.

[2o6]

And you even commented on the original thread, even!

[MrH]

I like it

[CaminoRacer]

I like it

+1

[SJ_GTI]

Yeah, seems fairly nice to me as well. 

[FoMoJo]

Sure, it looks nice.  The point is, is that they're getting too far removed from the distinctive Volvo design language.

I think that it's important that vehicles should retain something of the country/culture/design influence that they originate from.  Volvo has always been very distinctive in that respect and even incorporated traditional Swedish architectural styles into the design language of their vehicles, especially in the taillights. However, the XC40 seems to be morphing towards a very common style which most other manufacturers have drifted towards.

Maybe they won an award for design language last year, but it just seems to have lost much of the Volvo distinctiveness.  If you want a 'cute ute' there's plenty to choose from.  The XC40 is starting to look just like the rest of them.

[2o6]

Looks distinct enough to me 

[Xer0]

Looks nice.  The rear kink reminds me too much of the new Toyota SUV/hatch thing that kills outward viability which is kind of annoying.  Will this be available with the 300hp turbo-4?  That should make a quick little SUV.

[FoMoJo]

Looks distinct enough to me 

Maybe I'm just being too old-fashioned; or old .

I appreciate designs that are distinctive to their ethos.  We appreciate Italian designs for their passion and flamboyance.  We appreciate German designs for their precision and vault-like quality.  We appreciate French design for their artistic flair and often-times kitsch.  We appreciate American design for its boisterousness and raw energy.  We appreciate British design for...well we appreciate them if they start.

Anyways, with designs gradually morphing towards some common, soulless theme, we might as well just have AIs doing the designing.

[2o6]

Depending on where I am in two years, I might just buy one. 

[veeman]

I like it a lot. I honestly thought Volvo would die a slow death a few years ago like Saab. In a no man's land between the German big three, Lexus, Cadillac and mainstreamer brands.  Too expensive for what you got.  Last few years though they've come out with really good product. The switch from the "safety" brand to the luxury fuel efficient electric hybrid innovator brand has been good.  Chinese cash infusion has saved this brand.