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Volvo S90 picks up from XC90

Volvo S90 Volvo S90 Volvo S90
Adam Schoeman

S90 executive sedan to focus on changing perceptions and not pushing volumes.

After finally getting behind the wheel of a Volvo XC90, a few weeks back, the rest of the current Volvo range now seems a little dated. So we were wondering when and how Volvo would start to remedy this.That question has now been answered with the release of the S90, the Swedish firm’s entry into the large executive saloon market.

Some background first: according to Volvo, it has started approaching its vehicles in terms of characters or traits. For instance, the 40 line-up, which includes the V40, targets a fun-to-drive strategy while the 60 series is deemed a ‘dynamic’ range of vehicles.

The 90 range, which is occupied by the XC90 and now, the new S90 sedan, focuses on sophistication. According to this then, the new XC90 interior design will be carried over to the S90, but might not make it to the next-generation S60 and V40 — or at least not in its current opulent state.

Volvo S90

Volvo S90

But even as luxury goes, the S90 – due for its global debut at next year’s Detroit Motor Show – is said to achieve even loftier levels than the excellent XC90. The executive saloon market is hotly contended with quality offerings in the form of the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class and Jaguar XF, so Volvo will need to pull out all the stops to make its mark.

As a strategy though, Volvo wiil not be trying to outsell the competition – instead it wants to use the S90 as a halo vehicle. The S90 will showcase the cutting-edge styling, luxury and advanced hybrid drivetrain that Volvo is now able to deliver, hopefully attracting more buyers to the brand.

Looking at the just-released images of the S90, we think this strategy might just work. The car is visually as striking as the XC90, making use of the same front end design approach, but with a shorter overhang and less bulk on the grille. The rear retain a variation on the old ‘H-shaped tail lights, but they have been turned on their side, creating a slightly blander impression than the rest of the car.

Volvo S90

Volvo S90

What is definitely not bland is the interior. Unsurprisingly, the execution is very similar to that of the XC90, making use of natural materials and the same portrait-orientated touchscreen.

Volvo expects the T8 version of the new S90 to have the biggest impact on the market, thanks to its 295 kW hybrid credentials, ensuring potent performance despite its two-ton kerb weight, while still achieving CO2 exhaust emissions of only 44g/km. D4 and D5 modesl will also be on offer and should make up the majority of sales.

Polestar has confirmed that it is working on a hotter version of both the S90 and its station wagon sibling, the V90. The in-house performance brand will use the T8 hybrid drivetrain as the starting point for what should be a formidable sports sedan. No output figures have been released yet.

The S90 Detroit Motor Show debut in January 2016 confirms that the United States and China are expected to be the car’s largest markets, where it will go on sale shortly after its show unveiling. Other markets will follow, with South Africa almost certainly on the cards, although S90 sales numbers here are likely to be limited.

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