AutoCritical

This evolution from sketch – concept – production is quite a traditional one. Upon the release of the S60 production images, we are now able to compare the intended design flavor in the sketch to the production car.

Rear Sketch

In my opinion, the most exciting view is from the rear of the car. There are bold lines that flow from the nameplate through to the rear lamp then down to the rear fascia, intersecting the line rear fascia that flows to the body side. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Front Comparison [Sketch - Concept - Production

Similarly the front end has these gestural elements of lines swooping from the bonnet then translating to surfaces around the lamps and down around the grilles. These are also intersected by this clever theme around the lower grilles.

On the body side, a long beltline elongates this elegant and mildly aggressive car, resulting in a muscular form over each of the wheel arches.

Side Comparison [Sketch - Concept - Production

Evidence of this translation to the production car is less dramatic but the intentions are obvious. The bonnet, upper front fascia and beltline capture the most similarities, however throughout the car; the lower half is less inspiring as the concept. Totaling all the minor changes from concept to production, they all add up to a car that you can appreciate for its unique Volvo style, just a bit less dynamic than the designers idea.

This is a tight and tough looking ride. It’s not aggressive, but still knows how to assert itself. I like how the front is more wrapped around with its drawn back headlamps that elongate the nose. The tall body side emphasizes a more desirable small DLO opening which I think really fits in with this type of car.
Around to the rear it seems like an extrusion of the body side profile, that’s just been chopped off. I guess it is very ‘Swedish’ with their laminated veneer timber designs – it is a similar principal.

Tall body side - Short DLO - Swedish design

Pronounced front nose