Is VOLVO Barking Up The Wrong Tree? To Go After S-Class AND 7-Series?

I would like to see that but I think SAAB will be there before VOLVO....IMO that new 95 they have is something crazy to me if they can make something to beat that I will be impressed

IMO. It never hurts to aim high.

I'll bet on Volvo doing a better job than Audi did with the A8.

I think in the Chinese market it could compete with MB and BMW. Neither has the market share of Audi or Buick in China. Now that Geely owns Volvo, it could conceivably position itself in China on a par with MB or BMW. The China cachet holds great weight in its own country.

In the rest of the world, however, it will always be a Volvo. Different set of buyers.

They should be working on the S40 replacement and updating the XC90 and NOT killing their trademark wagon 70's

Insane to be axing the V70 for the US market. They own the niche for safe wagons. The XC70 isn't enough.

Oh and P.S. - Make the R mean something again.

The question isnt whether Volvo could produce a car that could compete I dont doubt that they could theyve been making premium cars for years making a full size high quality luxury sedan should be no issue now that they have financial backing they have the know how already. The issue isnt the car but whether it makes sense and I would say no it doesnt, and whether it will sell and again I would say no. The S80 isnt a sales success they should work on developing themselves in this class before moving up, and maybe creating a halo car in the form of a sports car or sports coupe people seem more open to sports cars from different brands than flagship luxury sedans it just seems like bad timing thats a depleting segment of the market anyway, especially for Volvo

Personally I'd rather take a nice used 850 with an intercooled badge on the tail, so long as it's not aquamarine green. The V70 offers a lot over the XC70 if your not into the larger looks and L.L. Bean appeal of the XC70. The V is classy and low, and looks striking in white and black. Although I would pass up that 850 above for a V70 R wagon ANYDAY!

I think Volvo could become some form of a competitor to the 7 and S in China. The problem with making this a Chinese car is that it will be developed and styled to fit the Chinese market, which won't necessarily translate to the US and Europe. The chinese may decide that it competes with the 7 and S over in their market but those decisions may not translate well to the US and the EU

Hell, if Lexus and Hyundai can do it, why not the Sweede...er...Chinese

If the MB, S-Class is the #1 car, BMW-7 is #2, and Lexus 460L is #3 in the $100,000 stratosphere….. what does it make Volvo #15 ?? I have owned two 960's, currently own an XC-90 plus two other Volvo models in the past..... But now own a 2010 Mercedes S-400 Hybrid. I considered #2 and #3 before buying the Benz. And I could not see myself ever considering a Volvo…. Volvo would never be in a class with the top three.... NEVER !

If they come at it from a different direction they have a shot...you never pass anyone if your in the same lane. An up dated 850 might work...stand up RR type styling, seats upright like chairs, easy ingress and egress with tall doors low sill, more torque than hp, high quality interior sweedish styled. Don't chase them...build a real alternative.

Volvo has the ability to make a world class luxury car. In a sense they are no different then Audi was 25 yrs ago. Audi at that time was always 2nd tier below BMW and Mercedes.But Audi made a consious decision to take them on through it's FWD and AWD offerings. It did not happen over night but I think it is fair to say they on even ground now. While the've slipped slightly they still make the best interiors around. Volvo also makes very good interiors. Volvo also has a great history of safety. To say that an S60 is comparible to an A4 today is not blowing smoke any more.The car has gotten pretty good reviews. With the extra monwey Geely is going to throw at it I find it hard to believe that Volvo could not make a much improved S80 to take on the A6,the E class,and the 5 series. So for Volvo to do an S Class,7 series,and A8 competetor is certainly doable. Look if Hyundai can do a Genesis and Equis Volvo,who has been around much longer can do it if they want to. Whether or not it will be profitable is another story. However the if Chinese market demends a premium type car from Volvo,Geely will make sure that Volvo does it.

I think Volvo has a chance against the E-Class, 5er class of cars but definitely not the S-Class. Their S80 isn't exactly comparable. Not yet anyway but I'd like to see them try as they are a premium brand, just not expensive as Mercedes

I think this is a pretty stupid question to ask. When Hyundai came out with the Genesis everyone was comparing it to Lexus and MB. The point is that the car is still a Hyundai.

Volvo has been making cars for 83 years. They always focused on SAFETY and not necessarily luxury. However, their strengths have paid off by setting the standard for ALL vehicles produces.

Volvo invented:
3-point seatbelt
Padded dashboards
Center mounted break light
The Safety cage
Crumple Zones
Laminated windshield
Defroster vents for windshield
Windshield washers
Safety door–locks
Inertia reel seatbelts
Seatbelt reminder
Childproof locks on rear doors
Multistage impact absorbing steering column
Roll Over Protection System
Whiplash Protection System
Inflatable Curtain Airbag

And so much more. Name ONE car on the road that does not have at least 98% of these features as STANDARD. Some are actually required.

With that much history and success, Volvo can use that brain power to create a luxury car to complete with ALL of the major player.

If you are basing it only one badge prestige, Volvo can not compete with BMW, MB or Audi. If you go on feature set, safety, performance and styling, and reliability, it is very possible.

The key for Volvo is to stay true to themselves and start to produce exciting products with great styling, performance and individuality.