I can't say I'd be surprised either. Volvo is great at squandering opportunities (see: V40 not in U.S.).

I want so bad for Volvo to do something right (a.k.a. use this opportunity to introduce the XC90), but given their reputation for foolish decisions this looks increasingly like it's just an XC60 to me.

Indeed. It was a compromise. We were shopping for cars for the summer and I said "2004 V70R MT!" and my parents said "There's an XC70 right here."

I see your point, but there are enough small details that it makes me wonder. The wheel arches seem to have a lot more definition, the lower grille accent like you mentioned, the surface of the hood... (though it's hard to tell with this quality picture)

It would appear you're right. But I bet they only did it by accident.

I very much appreciate you posting this because I got a 2005 Volvo XC70 today. I sent this picture to my brother and said "this is what I am going to do with it."

They finally figured out how to make their new "Truck Face" design theme work! It only took ruining the SL, messing up the front of the CLA, and making the SLK look pretty awkward. Congrats, Mercedes.

I generally love Audi's design, but the front of the A8 is a gaudy mess. It's like they asked "How large can we make a grille? How much chrome can we put on it?"

I really hope they offer another steering wheel, because this is the only part of the new S-Class I think is awful.

Europeans, and the whole of Europe, are the epitome of sophistication. Having lived there, I can attest to the fact that there is no racism or sexism, and that the societies which they have created are the pinnacle of human achievement and are, for all intents and purposes, completely perfect.