Volvo made a comeback this year with the not-so-new V90. The car was on the market for two years before being discontinued in 1998. It is now back in the spotlight for the 2017 model year as Volvo’s flagship vehicle. Volvo made an especially wise choice, as their wagon-type vehicles are among the most iconic car models in modern automotive history. After all, they’ve been manufacturing wagons since 1953. The Volvo V90 for 2017 is a welcome addition to this list.
The Scaleable Production Architecture platform is shared by the Volvo S90 sedan and the XC90 SUV. It also has the majority of the engine options and interior design details in common. Volvo made another wise decision, as they now have another addition to their high-end model lineup.
Finally, it has been confirmed that the 2017 Volvo V90 will travel to the United States in 2017. This will be the first wagon sold in the United States in many years. Of course, the Volvo V60 Cross Country is still available, but it is more of a crossover.
Exterior design
When the S90 was revealed, there was a good guess as to how the 2017 Volvo V90 would look because Volvo follows a specific design language with their latest models. It does, at least between the front and rear wheels, and it also borrows some XC90 features. The V90‘s nose is obviously longer than the S90 and XC90’s, giving it a more distinct appearance.
The rear also has many styling cues from the XC90. Volvo’s traditional taillights, which run vertically upwards right next to the trunk lid, are one of them. The reshaped, more angular taillights were first seen on the Volvo XC90.
Apart from these recognizable Volvo design cues, the 2017 Volvo V90 clearly outperforms its predecessor, the Volvo V70. When these wagons are compared, it is clear that the V90 is the more attractive of the two. The V70’s rear end, in particular, is quite boxy. Volvo changed this by puffing out the back and installing a diagonal rear window. The diagonally shaped side window closest to the rear is a nice touch that complements the slanted rear.
Interior design
The interior of the 2017 Volvo V90 is identical to that of the S90. This means the same center console and wood inserts on the dashboard and door panels. This color works particularly well with the lovely light grey leather wrapping on the seats and steering wheel. There are also amber beige and black leather options.
The large 9-inch touch screen is surrounded by two vertical air vents, which are reminiscent of the S90. Because of the removal of unnecessary buttons and the replacement of the steering wheel, the remaining center console is very minimalistic.
Because the interior of the S90 astounded everyone with how luxurious and comfortable it looked and felt, carrying it over to the V90 is only logical. This also makes the 2017 Volvo V90 one of the most luxurious interior wagons available, particularly in the United States.
A Bowers & Wilkins sound system is available as an option on the Volvo V90 and all 90 models. Throughout the cabin, a class-D amplifier and 19 speakers are installed. This includes a wireless Bowers & Wilkins headphone for listening to high-quality music while traveling.
Engine specs
As previously stated, the 2017 Volvo V90 has nearly identical engine options to the S90. In Europe, this means that the base trim is only available in diesel. The V90 Inscription and Momentum trims, as well as the V90 Inscription, have gasoline options.
There’s a 254-horsepower turbocharged T5 gasoline engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. There’s also a 320-horsepower turbo- and supercharged T6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and All Wheel Drive. This engine with be the only option available in the United States on the V90 Cross Country.
The D3 diesel engine produces 150 horsepower and is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The D4 produces 190 horsepower and is available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. All Wheel Drive is also available for this engine. The D5 235 horsepower engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and All Wheel Drive.
The T8 is a hybrid engine powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine and a 64-kW electric motor. Total horsepower is a whopping 400! There are two transmission options: automatic and manual.
Tech specs
The 2017 Volvo V90 includes Apple CarPlay and Sensus for controlling the infotainment touch screen.
In the front, standard tech and safety features include a speed limiter, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Collision Mitigation Support. Lane Keeping Assist, a rain sensor, Emergency Brake Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Pilot Assist are also included. Pilot Assist transforms the car into a semi-autonomous vehicle by braking, steering, and accelerating to keep up with traffic in the current lane. A fantastic feature for people who are frequently stuck in traffic. The repetitive braking, slowly accelerating, and braking results in people not paying attention well enough.
The V90 includes a plethora of safety features as standard equipment (and S90). Volvo is one of the first automobile manufacturers to include these features as standard equipment on their vehicles.
Finally, there is a lengthy list of optional features. Cross Traffic Alert, Distance Alert, Blind Spot Information, Park Assist Pilot, Rear Collision Warning, and a 360-degree camera are just a few examples.
Price and sale date
The 2017 Volvo V90 is priced in Europe starting at €45,800 for the base trim and rising to €56,100 for the top trim (German prices). It has been available for ordering since the summer of this year and will be delivered in 2017.
The 2017 Volvo V90 will be marketed as the V90 Cross Country in the United States, with the T6 engine priced at $55,300. The base V90 will not be available in the United States until the 2018 model year.