Volvo Trademarks S50 Name For Future Lineup Expansion

In its push to expand its vehicle range and market share, Swedish automaker Volvo has trademarked the S50 nameplate for use on a future, but as yet undetermined, model.

According to the Volvo nerds at Swedespeed, it's a move that indicates a strong possibility the company aims to add an all-new vehicle range to its lineup, to fill a gap between the S60 and V60 sedan and wagon and a forthcoming 40-series line.

There's no room for another sedan between the 2017 Volvo S60 and the S40, so we think the S50 badge will be applied to a coupe or convertible follow-up to the C70 that will be based on the S40. Given the brand's rapid expansion plans, Volvo could use a flashy halo car to compete with the likes of the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5, which would help the Chinese-owned company make a long-awaited move into the mainstream of the upscale marketplace.

And given Volvo's recent pronouncement regarding electrified drivetrains and the splitting off of its Polestar performance brand, it will certainly be a hybrid and provide a nice venue for a flashy Polestar flagship.