I'm curious about how under development the current models WERE before Ford took over. I figured Ford had an impact on the interior design of the 2001+ models. My sister's '03 XC70 has a totally different (and MUCH more ergonomic and better laid out) control panel than my '00 V70. Infact, many of the control differences resemble my old Ford Escort wagon and seem less European. I thought that was Ford's doing.

Also, my '00 V70 has the "buttons behind the wheel" controls that I've noticed on older 740's and (I think) 240's. So, I thought that design was the original Volvo one (assuming they stuck with it even though it sucked).