Stay Under Budget and Ahead of the Curve With a Used Volvo

Volvo has long occupied a unique corner of the modern luxury market. While many premium vehicles trade on their flashy looks, high-performance engines, and novel creature features, Volvo has perfected a more understated technique that's earned it a loyal following in the competitive segment. The Swedish automaker manages to embrace an eye-catching brand of Scandinavian minimalism without coming across as overly spartan, which is as tricky to pull off as it is satisfying to behold. Premium sustainable materials are artfully deployed to create a bright cabin that radiates a sense of calm and security, while Volvo's reputation for safety promotes a sense of confidence every time you step into the cabin.

The best part of all? Volvo's signature luxury and comfort features aren't just limited to the latest models. Volvo has long been an early adopter when it comes to advanced safety, comfort, and convenience tech, which means even a used Volvo for sale will include many of the luxury features that are just starting to find their way into competing cars and SUVs. By keeping well ahead of the curve, Volvo allows drivers to enjoy the latest in luxury without breaking the bank. Let's explore some recent highlights and learn what sort of luxury features could be waiting for you when you start browsing the wide selection of pre-owned vehicles here at Bedard Brothers Volvo Cars. 

World-Class Design 

Scandinavian culture isn't all rocky fjords, fish-based delicacies, and Viking heritage. The region has boasted an outsized influence on the global design scene since Scandinavian minimalism first took hold in the 1950s. Inspired by the peninsula's stunning natural environment and informed by the form-follows-function ethos of the Bauhaus school, Scandinavian design has become synonymous with the concepts of simplicity and minimalism. The distinct style has found a home in every corner of the industrial design world, from flat-pack furniture and cookware to lighting, bathroom fixtures, and, of course, the automotive sector.

Volvo has wholly embraced the tenets of Scandinavian design, employing high-end materials and light, airy cabins to create a sophisticated driving experience that few brands can match. The uncluttered cabin is designed to improve peace of mind while minimizing the sort of distractions that could result in a costly accident. Volvo's vehicles tend to be both austere and comfortable, a winning combination that should come as little surprise from the region that brought us the concept of "hygge," a Danish word that emphasizes the feeling of coziness and wellbeing. With available features like ventilated and massaging front seats and a four-zone climate control system that allows every passenger to pick their ideal temperature, comfort is all but guaranteed when you step inside a used Volvo.

This less-is-more approach is also reflected in Volvo's exterior design language. While the brand was once known for its boxy, squared-off vehicles, Volvo has embraced a sleeker, modern approach over the last few decades. Today's Volvo models are sporty without being overly aggressive, providing well-balanced proportions that maximize cargo space and passenger comfort while still cutting a sleek figure as they navigate down the highway. The distinct Volvo Iron Mark logo and grille unify the lineup, while clean lines and a refined palette of subtle exterior colors offer a mature alternative to some of the industry's flashier models. The Swedish brand has also managed to incorporate a number of intriguing new technologies that enhance both safety and style without threatening the exterior's overall cohesion.

Just take the "Thor's Hammer" headlights. Inspired by Norse mythology, the T-shaped LED headlights have quickly become one of the hallmarks of Volvo's new design language. Debuting on the 2016 XC90 three-row SUV, these headlights help to set Volvo's vehicle apart from the crowd while integrating vital new safety and convenience technology. Many used Volvo models also offer an automatic high-beam feature, but Volvo isn't done tinkering just yet. Some used Volvos are available with Active Bending Lights that follow the movement of the steering wheel to provide a little extra illumination through corners. It might sound like a subtle improvement, but it could make all the difference when you're weaving your way through a twisty stretch of mountain road after sundown.

Premium Materials

There are few easier ways to earn the luxury designation than packing the cabin full of premium materials. However, Volvo has taken a more thoughtful approach that allows the brand to carve out a unique value proposition in the premium segment. Volvo doesn't just reach for the fanciest or most expensive materials when designing its vehicles. Instead, the brand employs a more holistic approach that lends more weight to the overall aesthetic and environmental impact. Take the open-pore wood veneers found in many models, for example. Volvo sources all the wood veneer used in its interior finishes from brands that adhere to the strict sustainability standards outlined by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This approach gives drivers some valuable peace of mind while allowing Volvo to embrace the sort of natural materials that are such an inexorable part of the Scandinavian design aesthetic.

Volvo has long offered a wide range of premium upholstery options, including high-end leather sourced directly from the famed Scottish leather producer Bridge of Weir. However, many of its more recent models offer more sustainable options. Drivers have come to associate premium leather with the luxury segment, but the Swedish company is increasingly turning to a new generation of sustainable materials that impart the same high-end feel while drastically reducing the fleet's environmental footprint. Volvo's tailored wool blend upholstery is one great example, combining 30 percent natural wool fiber with 70 percent recycled polyester to create a renewable alternative to leather upholstery. Plant-based materials are another addition, with Volvo using cellulose-based Tencel fibers and woven flax materials throughout the interior. Flax is produced using fibers from the linseed plant, which can be sustainably grown using very little water or energy. Wool, recycled polyester, and flax have allowed Volvo to create some of the most sustainable vehicles on the market, and you can find these materials in many used models.

Modern Tech

Volvo has developed a knack for seamlessly integrating the latest in automotive comfort, convenience, and safety technology without disrupting the carefully crafted harmony of the interior. The technology has also become increasingly intuitive, with Volvo emphasizing hands-free controls that allow drivers to adjust various settings, send calls and texts, and access GPS navigation without taking their focus off the road. Volvo was the first automaker to partner with Google to integrate the tech leader's built-in infotainment technology into the brand's lineup of sedans, station wagons, and SUVs. First debuting in 2022 models like the XC60 and V90 Cross Country, Google built-in has since made its way into every Volvo produced.

Whether you're using Google Assistant to adjust the climate controls and pause your audiobook, downloading helpful traffic and weather apps like Waze and MyRadar from the Google Play store, or calling up helpful turn-by-turn directions thanks to Google Maps, Google built-in makes for a safe, seamless driving experience no matter where the road might take you. The system can also be paired with Google-based devices within your home, allowing you to switch on the lights, control various connected devices, or adjust the thermostat to maximize the hygge at the end of your evening commute. This feature even works in reverse, giving drivers the opportunity to start their vehicle, lock the doors, or warm the cabin through their Google Home device or smartphone. The result is a seamless digital experience that allows even used car shoppers to leverage the latest in automotive tech without having to navigate a clunky interface or risk distraction by fiddling with various knobs and buttons. 

A Focus On Safety

Then there's Volvo's well-stocked arsenal of advanced safety tech. The Scandinavian company has built a strong reputation as one of the most safety-conscious brands on the market, and that doesn't look to be changing anytime soon. Volvo routinely earns top marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The company's 2022 lineup landed more IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards than any other brand, and Volvo achieved a five-star NHTSA rating on all 76 models released over the last decade. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning all play a big part, but Volvo's commitment to safety starts well before these systems even enter the picture. The company puts all of its vehicles through a rigorous testing process and leverages the latest engineering advancements to produce some of the safest vehicles on the road. 

This sort of comprehensive approach to safety is nothing new for Volvo, which has been a pioneer in automotive protection since it introduced the modern three-point seatbelt to the world back in 1959. A recent addition to Volvo's safety suite is a Care key that was introduced in 2019 and can be used to limit top speed when lending the vehicle to a less experienced driver. There is also an advanced occupant-sensing radar system that will ensure you never forget your most precious cargo when you're caught up in the rush of errands, appointments, and after-school activities. While drivers tend to think of safety in terms of seatbelts, airbags, and ADAS tech, Volvo goes above and beyond to ensure the health and wellbeing of its drivers. The brand's Advanced Air Cleaner is one great example, scrubbing 99.9 percent of pollen allergens from the incoming air before it can lead to a stuffy nose or asthma attack. This air purification tech even comes with a sensor that can be used to monitor particulate matter both inside and outside the cabin to ensure the system is working properly and alert drivers to high allergen levels. 

A Used Volvo Offers it All

Volvo has managed to avoid many of the pitfalls that plague other luxury brands by taking a more measured approach to the design and construction process that keeps its cars feeling new even when you shop used. Adhering to the principles of Scandinavian design allows the company to create a cohesive aesthetic that stands the test of time and serves as a sort of visual trademark that differentiates a Volvo from your run-of-the-mill sedan or SUV. Premium materials like open-pore wood veneer and tailored wool blend upholstery are as sustainable as they are opulent and really up Volvo's appeal amongst an increasingly eco-minded driving public. Advanced driving tech, safety features, and clever advancements like the Thor's Hammer LED headlights provide a valuable sense of security when you're behind the wheel while a full suite of Google built-in technology, Volvo's cutting-edge Advanced Air Cleaner, and the available sound systems bring modern convenience, health, and infotainment options into the mix. If you want to discover more about what you can find in a used Volvo and see what other surprises the famed Scandinavian brand has in store, make Bedard Brothers Volvo Cars your first stop.