I hope they don’t do that same car in different sizes look for much longer. That would be a big disappointment.

Steve- What do you mean?

Put an S40, S60 and S80 side by side. They all look kind of the same. It’s almost like they started with an S80 then shrank it a bit to make it an S60 then shrank it a little more to make an S40. I see differences don’t get me wrong. However, at a glance they look the same. What they have done goes beyond making their cars recognizeable as Volvos. I guess my point is: put the average consumer in a parking lot with an S60 a thirty yards to his left and an S80 thirty yards to his right, and have him tell you which is which.

That’s not difficult at all with the current S80, a rather stodgy 6-window design, compared to the sleeker S60. And the S40 is clearly stubbier than the S60. The new S80 does look more like the current S60. The S60 looks just right; too bad it’s gotten so expensive once desireable options are added.

I have to agree with Steve. I love the styling of my S60 T5 but the whole one shape fits all motif has gotten old. As much as I love my S60, I’m looking forward to a new version with more interior room (the S60 is considerably smaller inside than the S70 we had before it) and more refinement — especially the engine note.

Well, yes they all look kind of the same: They’re all Volvos. The same can be said about BMW, Mercedes, even Lamborghini. But they aren’t the same, they’re different. How different do you want them to look exactly? I think they’re different enough.

I can easily tell the difference. I don’t see a problem with their styling!

BMWs and Mercedes models look vastly different from one another. The 3, 5, and 7 look very different from each other as do the C, E, CLS, and S. You recognize them because of subtle recognizeable cues and a standardized grille. The Volvos share far too many lines and shapes, especially from a straight rear view and a straight front view. It’s a good design. They just use it too often. That’s my opinion at least. I like Volvo too. I’m thinking of buying my dad a new C70.

I must agree and disagree with Steve. I do think the new Volvos look very similar, but that’s the way I like them. In Europe one often sees Benzes and BMWs with out model designations. Just the manufacturer’s symbol. The average buyer can’t tell the difference between an s-class and a c-class either. I use my sister and brother-in-law as a barometer because they are both well educated with advanced degrees but they don’t know much about cars. My sister was shocked recently to find out that Lexi were not the most expensive cars on the road and similarly my brother in law thought 3-series meant 3 liter. Intelligent people with average ideas about cars. That’s why car experts and car enthusiasts are so often shocked by what happens in the market, Tahoe success for example. I have to keep reminding myself that my auto-education necessarily puts me at a disadvantage when trying to gage the success of an automobile. That said, I think Volvo has the right idea. Just get people to recognize the car as a Volvo and like it. The average person will have to read the model numbers anyway.

right on jon, well said.

I think this next generation S60 will look like the new C70, this would be logical

They have AN idea, but with a 1% market share is it working?

hey it looks like a TL now…

gents

This is a facelfted Saab 9-3 isn’t it? Check the rear side window shape and shape and position of the door handles. I do know that such a thing is due ahead of the new german-built 9-3 which might take until 2009 before it’s run out, along with the Caddy BLS.

yeah, jhh… ford-owned volvo is obviously going to sell a rebodied gm car… duh…
though with that much camo all i can say is that the new s60 will look vaguely volvo-esque.

I think the new spy pics look pretty close to the current Nissan Maxima. Especially from the rear, the big bumper and the bolstered C-pillar. Does anyone else agree?

i always liked volvos,i hope i like this model as well,i hate the german cars bmw,mercedes,audi because their to complex,a volvo is more of a family and elegant car with nice lines inside and out wich i like.

i agree. . . even though i also like bmw and mbs, they are sometimes very complex and can look clutered, volvos look much more graceful and sophisticated

The volvo s60 is a great car. I’m still looking forward, though, for future productions that will supercede it, not to mention its high performance and safety-oriented volvo s60 parts.

I am going to buy a s60 and I think that it´s a great car. Are there anybody who can tellmore about this rumor.