Quoting from Susquehanna Motorsports (automotive, offroad and rally lighting) regarding upgraded lighting:

"In DOT (US) lighting, the patterns vary from very poor to very good. In those cases where the pattern is good, the improvement can be marked. With a poor lighting pattern the light distribution is so diffuse the improvement can be negligible. In a Euro, or 'E coded' system, the improvement is usually substantial." [(c) Susquehanna Motorsports]

You're a smart guy so you'll no doubt discover, as I did, that the Volvo DOT system is a poor implementation regardless of whatever lamp is in the system. It wasn't until I switched to the E-code lenses that the lights came on, so to speak. And oncoming drivers have finally stopped flashing their high beams at me.

(Look how many people on this board are trying to improve their lighting. I don't doubt Volvo's lack of investment in their DOT implementation as they sell comparatively few cars in the US.)

I paid $100 each for Volvo OE e-codes, Precision Volvo (indy shop; Volvo- and IPD-certified tech is Tim), 978.948.7778. Don't believe you can get these from a dealer.

Good luck.