Rumoured to show the future design of the XC90, the XC is the second concept to be built on Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture – following last year’s Concept Coupe – and is intended to demonstrate the safety capabilities of the architecture.

‘Concept XC Coupé shows how clever engineering makes it possible for us to reinforce our world-leading safety without compromising design, size or weight. Thanks to the extensive use of high-strength boron steel and structures with new, ingenious decoupling, we can make SPA cars more compact and safer at the same time,’ said Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president design of Volvo Car Group.

The two-door, four-seater Volvo Concept XC Coupé shows strong links with the Concept Coupé but features larger 21-inch wheels, a more accentuated wheel-arches and a taller roofline. It also features the Concept Coupé’s “floating” grille.

‘Both concept cars show how we can shape our cars from now on. We add emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm, confident beauty that is the hallmark of Scandinavian design,’ added Mr Ingenlath.

He added that the car is meant to have a connection with modern, high-tech sports gear, with the source of inspiration being the Swedish company POC, which develops high-tech protective gear for extreme sports athletes.

‘Several orange details and exterior graphics in combination with bold use of matte rubber mouldings, which cover the rear end of the car, add to the highly functional expression of the design,’ says Thomas Ingenlath.

The Volvo Concept XC Coupé will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on 13th January .

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