Swedish automaker Volvo is on a roll. After setting an all-time sales record in 2015, 2016 saw the launch of the all-new XC90, which has been sweeping up awards left, right, and centre. 2017 looks to be another stellar year with the arrival of the brand’s new flagship sedan, the S90.
Like the XC90, the S90 rides on Volvo’s Scalable Platform Architecture, but its wheelbase has been pruned back to 115 inches. Its styling is sleek and classy, certain to attract those who are finished with flamboyantly styled luxury vehicles. Underneath its striking sheetmetal is a suspension layout similar to the XC90, and is available with an optional rear air suspension system.
The cabin is equally impressive. Glove-soft leather, burnished metal interior trim, and rich wood inlays come standard on all trim levels. Also standard is Volvo’s top-notch infotainment system which features a tablet-sized centre TFT display boasting available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Rear interior space is generous, and comfort levels are all but guaranteed with available four-zone climate control, heated rear seats, and retractable sun shades. Heated seats are standard, with a heated steering wheel, heated windshield, and ventilated seats available as options.
Though many luxury automakers offer semi-autonomous driving technology, the S90 sets itself apart from the crowd by making it standard. The new second-generation Pilot Assist will allow the S90 to accelerate, steer, and brake at speeds of up to 128 km/h, provided road markings are visible. S90s also receive the latest version of City Safety, which automatically applies maximum braking power avoid collisions with distracted pedestrians, cyclists, other motorists, and large animals. The S90 is also available with a park assistant function that can park the vehicle by itself.
Other available technologies for the new S90 include a full 12-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, 360-degree parking camera system with a front fish-eye lens, and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert.
The powertrain lineup for the new Volvo S90 features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine at its core. At launch, it will be available in T6 form, which features a supercharger and a turbocharger to produce 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive comes standard, as does an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Down the road, it’s expected that the S90 will gain the XC90’s T5 and T8 Plug-in Hybrid powertrain options. The former develops 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the latter 400 hp and 472 lb-ft thanks to a powerful AC electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. A sporty-looking R-Design trim level is also expected to join the range shortly.
The S90 T6 AWD starts at $56,900 in Momentum trim, with the Inscription selling for $63,000.
