Volvo's Concept Estate shooting brake is amazing

Volvo 1800ES and Concept Estate Sketches (Image courtesy of Volvo Car Group)

Last month we wrote about the history and resurgence of the shooting brake car style and the unveiling of the Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Volvo, not to be outdone, has just released their version of a shooting brake called the Concept Estate prior to the start Geneva Auto Show, and it is absolutely fabulous.

Volvo Concept Estate - Click for High Res (Image courtesy of Volvo Car Group)

Volvo 1800ES (Image courtesy of wikipedia)

Although the first thing that comes to mind is a retro-version of the Volvo 1800ES, according to Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Car Group, that is not the case. “The 1800-models are iconic Volvos, renowned for their beautiful forms and detailing. However, using elements from their exterior and interior has nothing to do with being retro. We are using these subtle links to a glorious past to create a future in which sheer beauty becomes a recognised part of Volvo’s identity,” Ingenlath is quoted as saying.

Volvo Concept Estate (Image courtesy of Volvo Car Group)

While the exterior design is fascinating, some of the primary features of the Concept Estate are showcasing interior design features. Primary the almost complete lack of buttons by integrating almost everything onto a center touchscreen panel. Ingenlath states “The basic idea is to organise controls and information in a perfectly intuitive and user-friendly way. Everything is exactly where you expect it to be, making the drive more enjoyable, efficient and safe.” 

Concept Estate Interior (Image courtesy of Volvo Car Group)

Concept Estate Digital Dash (Image courtesy of Volvo Car Group)

Center Touchscreen Integrates Almost Everything Inside (Image courtesy of Volvo Car Group)

This would make a great alternative to the consumer that wants something sporty and two door, but with the versatility of a hatch. Combined with the fantastic five and six cylinder front-wheel and all-wheel drivetrains available from Volvo, this shooting brake wouldn't break the bank either.

Concept Estate (Image courtesy of Volvo Car Group)