Skip to main content

Volvo Concept Estate: A gorgeous and sinewy brown shooting brake fit for the Saint

This is Volvo’s final concept car. It’s called the Concept Estate. And oh my goodness … it’s a wondrous thing indeed.

The car images show is a brown two-door wagon or “shooting brake”, and one that harks back to the Volvo P1800ES of the 1970s. I’ll be fully forthright with you: the P1800ES is one of my dream cars. Needless to say, I am wholly in love with this Volvo concept and hope very much that it gets built.

This third Volvo concept is slated for official unveil at next week’s 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Why are we seeing the pictures now? Well, these images are courtesy of Jalopnik. The folks at Jalopnik don’t adhere to embargoes. So when they get their hands on something, it goes live. Thanks?

We don’t know yet much about the engine or other under-the-skin bits. I am hoping it has a similar drivetrain to that of the equally stunning XC Coupe.

What we can see, though, is that the new concept shows an all-new interior design for Volvo. This is good news, as its current interiors are getting a bit long in the tooth, to put it nicely. We also see a lovely panoramic glass roof and a smart little hatch in the rear.

I really do hope Volvo makes this car, not only for me but for all of Sweden. This is the kind of car Volvo made its name on – you know, back when Volvo was cool. And, yes, there was a time when Volvo was cool. You just weren’t born yet. The Saint drove a Volvo. Look it up.

Although Ford and Toyota might disagree with me, I think automotive success – like in acting – comes from taking risks. Volvo has nothing to really lose right now, as it’s not selling very well. I wholeheartedly encourage the Swedes to put their money (and their Chinese ownership) where their designers mouses are and build this brown beauty.

As soon as I learn more of this stunning shooting brake, you can be sure I’ll bring it to you. So check back often.

Editors' Recommendations

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more