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Posted 17 February 2025
The Volvo 164 was a landmark model that established Volvo as a serious contender in the luxury saloon market.
Combining performance, elegance, and innovation, it set the stage for Volvo’s future premium vehicles. Its legacy lives on in today’s Volvo saloons, proving that true luxury is timeless.
Launched in 1968, the Volvo 164 marked the brand’s bold entry into the luxury car market. It was designed as an upscale variant of the 140 series, offering enhanced comfort, performance, and Scandinavian elegance. With a powerful six-cylinder engine and premium interior features, the 164 set new standards for Volvo saloons.
Inspired by the Volvo P358 concept, the 164 showcased a refined, extended front end to accommodate its straight-six engine. It featured a distinctive grille with the iconic Volvo iron mark logo, a design element still seen in modern Volvos.
Inside, the Volvo 164 offered luxurious touches such as high-quality wool upholstery, armrests, and a rear seat with a fold-down centre armrest. Later models introduced leather seats, integrated halogen auxiliary lamps, and headrests for added comfort.
The Volvo 164 brought back six-cylinder power to Volvo after a decade of four-cylinder reliance. Its 3.0 litre B30 engine produced 145 hp using twin Zenith-Stromberg carburettors. The vehicle also featured a German ZF gearbox with a remote-controlled gear lever positioned for improved ergonomics.
In 1972, electronic fuel injection was introduced, further enhancing performance and efficiency. The Volvo 164 combined power with reliability, making it a popular choice among professionals who sought both prestige and practicality.
The Volvo 164 targeted an upscale audience, competing with brands like Mercedes-Benz, Buick, and Oldsmobile. Advertisements emphasised its appeal to professionals, with slogans like “The Luxury Car That Shows You Have More Than Money.”
Features such as electric windows, an electric sunroof, air conditioning, and tinted windows were available, particularly in the U.S. market, aligning the 164 with the premium luxury standards of its time.
After a production run from 1968 to 1975, the 164 was succeeded by the Volvo 264. However, its impact on Volvo’s luxury line-up continues today. The modern Volvo S90 builds upon the foundation laid by the 164, incorporating Scandinavian design, advanced technology, and a refined driving experience.
As Volvo continues to evolve, the legacy of the 164 lives on in its modern saloons. The latest step in this journey is the upcoming Volvo ES90, a fully electric luxury saloon, set to debut in March 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden.
While official details remain limited, the ES90 is expected to build upon the technological innovations of the EX90. This includes a cutting-edge 111kWh battery capable of 250kW rapid charging and an impressive estimated range of 374 miles. Built on Volvo’s new modular electric platform, the ES90 is designed to redefine luxury in the electric era.
More than just an electric alternative, the ES90 represents Volvo’s commitment to sustainable luxury and technological advancement. With a holistic digital system managing the vehicle’s electronics and connectivity through a single intelligent stack, the ES90 is set to deliver an unmatched driving experience.
The Volvo 164 redefined luxury for its time, and now, over 50 years later, the ES90 carries that spirit into the future.
