In the past 20 years it's been interesting to watch niche Swedish auto manufacturer Volvo transform itself. The luxury auto builder was initially known for safety and its box-shaped designs.
Then it expanded its product portfolio via a large luxury sedan, the S80, and through sport-utility vehicles like the XC90 and XC60. Now we're seeing the company enter its next era, which was started by the all-new XC90.
Volvo S90
As a follow up performance, Volvo is unleashing an all-new luxury sedan called the S90. Details remain quite slim on this offering right now but we do know that it will be offered with a choice of three engines:
- A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine
- A T6 engine
- A plug-in hybrid offering called the T8
Given the above, I think it's a pretty safe bet that Volvo isn't going after the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series' of the world. This looks to be an Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz E-Class fighter.
Considering the slimness of the information and that it's been released just before January's Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS), we're thinking that's where it will debut.
Having said that, what say YOU, Spies? Is the all-new Volvo S90 a STUD or DUD?
Volvo S90
Volvo's press release follows:
Volvo Cars Debuts the S90 Luxury Sedan
Gothenburg, Sweden (Dec. 2, 2015) Volvo Cars debuted the highly-anticipated Volvo S90 luxury sedan in Gothenburg, Sweden today on the heels of the company’s award-winning Volvo XC90 SUV. The all-new Volvo S90 sedan is a bold entry into the luxury sedan market and sets a new standard with superior materials, technology, comfort and class-leading semi-autonomous features.
“With $11 USD billion of investment over the past five years we have not only reimagined what Volvo Cars can be – we are now delivering on our promise of a resurgent and relevant Volvo Cars brand,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President & CEO, Volvo Car Group.
The Volvo S90 will combine Scandinavian design with cutting-edge safety and cloud-based applications and services. The interior makes use of the Sensus Connect touchscreen that debuted in the XC90, providing a clutter-free interior with minimal dashboard buttons.
“Our idea was to bring something entirely new to this rather conservative segment and deliver a visual expression that exudes leadership and confidence on the exterior. On the inside we have taken the S90 to the next level, delivering a high-end luxury experience that promises comfort and control,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Car Group.The Volvo S90 introduces another step toward Volvo’s Vision 2020, which states that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by the year 2020, through world first safety technologies and highly advanced semi-autonomous features.
Three engine choices will be available: the award-winning four-cylinder, 2.0 liter turbocharged and supercharged T6 engine, the turbocharged T5 variant and the clean and powerful T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid.
“The S90 has taken a big step forward in terms of driving dynamics, performance and ride. We have completely redesigned the Volvo driving experience from the ground up to deliver a sense of precision, engaging control and comfort,” said Dr. Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Car Group.
The S90 will follow a legacy of strong sedan sales for Volvo Cars in the United States. Over the last several years, Volvo sedans have enjoyed significant demand at launch, with the last luxury sedan outselling robust competitors in its segment. Volvo Cars has seen an 18% growth in US car sales so far in 2015. The all-new 2016 XC90 has received strong demand from American drivers along with the XC60, which has enjoyed 31% growth in US sales.
“The S90 is a terrific addition to the Volvo Cars lineup in the United States,” said Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, “it will continue the terrific sales momentum Volvo Cars has gained within the last year.”