Skip advert
Advertisement

2016 Volvo S90 breaks cover ahead of Detroit debut

Luxury saloon shares its underpinnings with the XC90 SUV

Volvo has released pictures and details of the new 2016 S90 ahead of the car’s planned debut in January. The Swedish manufacturer, which is better known for making SUVs and estates, hopes this model will allow it to finally break into the German dominated executive saloon market. 

Sitting on the same platform as the new XC90, the S90 is packed with new technology in a bid to take on rivals such as the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-class and Audi A6. Volvo has developed a semi-autonomous drive system which can control steering inputs at up to 80mph, and ‘large animal detection’ has been added to its city safety system which warns the driver of impending collisions and can apply the brakes. 

Though exact numbers aren’t out yet, Volvo has at least confirmed its new T8 twin-engine plug-in hybrid powertrain will be available – it develops 395bhp in the XC90 with a 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds and a combined fuel economy figure of 112.9mpg. The sleeker body of the S90 should better those figures.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Volvo’s Senior Vice President of research and development, Dr Peter Mertens said: ‘The S90 has taken a big stride forwards 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.’

The front end incorporates the new signature headlamps and grille that adorn the XC90 and the body is far less chunky than previous Volvo saloons. On the inside the cabin takes cues from the XC90 - a large touchscreen tablet dominating the dash allows control of the car’s infotainment system, which Volvo says will be the ‘most connected’ system yet. Elsewhere, there are large helpings of natural wood and fine leather.

‘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 S90 will make its first public appearance at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit in January 2016 and is expected to go on sale in the UK in the summer.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Used Audi S4 (B9, 2016 - 2024) – review, prices and specs of a punchy M340i alternative
Audi S4 B9 front
In-depth reviews

Used Audi S4 (B9, 2016 - 2024) – review, prices and specs of a punchy M340i alternative

The Audi S4 has had many heart transplants in its life, getting both a petrol and a diesel in only its last generation
24 Mar 2025
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Mk1, 1994 - 2000): review, history and specs of the rally icon
Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type RA
Reviews

Subaru Impreza WRX STI (Mk1, 1994 - 2000): review, history and specs of the rally icon

The original Impreza WRX STI is a motorsport icon, a true homologation special and a relative bargain in 2025
22 Mar 2025
Why car enthusiasts are suddenly lusting after once-ridiculed old Volvos
Volvo 760 Turbo
Opinion

Why car enthusiasts are suddenly lusting after once-ridiculed old Volvos

A sighting of a 1980s Volvo induces a bout of wistfulness for Porter
21 Mar 2025
Best saloon cars 2025 – fun fast four-doors
best saloons 2025
Best cars

Best saloon cars 2025 – fun fast four-doors

Great sports saloons as performant and engaging as sports cars and supercars but with the practicality to suit almost all day-to-day jobs. These are o…
3 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k
Audi RS6 – front
In-depth reviews

Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k

Audi’s C7-generation RS6 may lack ultimate involvement, but it’s still a crushingly effective and desirable super-estate
27 Mar 2025
Honda Civic Type R (FN2) – the car world's greatest misses
Honda Civic Type R FN2
Features

Honda Civic Type R (FN2) – the car world's greatest misses

Its lineage contains some hot hatch greats, but the late-noughties Civic wasn’t one of them
26 Mar 2025
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 – front
Reviews

Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power

A screaming 296bhp Honda VTEC engine and a full chassis upgrade package turn the NC-generation Mazda MX-5 into something altogether more thrilling
25 Mar 2025