Not too long ago, in early October to be precise, Doug Speck, global head of marketing and sales for Volvo Car, told U.S. publication Autonews that the Swedish company is preparing a facelift for both the S60 and S80 sedans.

Now we learn that Chinese website AutoSina captured a camouflage-free prototype of the updated S80L, which is a China-market only version of the car sporting a 140mm or 5.5-inches longer wheelbase.

While we don’t know for sure yet, it is likely that the minor cosmetic revisions seen on the S80L will be shared with the regular wheelbase 2014MY S80 destined for a world premiere next year.

The most eye-catching changes found on the S80L include a re-shaped front grille with horizontal chrome slits that also appear on the new lower grille of the redesigned bumper, the new alloy wheels and the re-sculptured rear bumper with chrome trims and more stylish exhaust pipes.

Look for the refreshed Volvo S80 to make its appearance at the Detroit Motor Show in January or at the Geneva Salon in March.

Thanks to Bruno R. for the tip!

Story References: AutoSina via Automonthly

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