Volvo’s new XC90 based on the modular SPA platform is set for a reveal any day now. The SUV will reach showrooms by spring 2015, after which Volvo will launch a replacement for the S80 sedan, also based on the SPA platform and sharing many of its features with the new XC90.

The information was revealed by Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson, who told The Wall Street Journal that the new XC90 was the priority. The automaker will then focus on starting exports from its Chinese factories, including to the U.S. market, and then, according to Samuelsson, will be arrival of the new S90.

The new XC90 and S90 are just the first steps in Volvo’s plans to overhaul most of its lineup with SPA-based models over the next five years. Look for new versions of the S60, V60 and XC60 as well as a V90 model replacing the current V70/XC70.

Volvo will then introduce a range of new compact cars using a second modular platform, the CMA, being developed with parent company Geely. These will include a replacement for the C30 as well as a new compact crossover.

The Swedish brand is hopeful of returning to its peak sales of about 140,000 units in the U.S. market, reached back in 2004 shortly after the launch of the original XC90. Volvo sold 61,233 units last year and deliveries are down close to 11 percent so far this year.

Volvo is preparing to introduce a large sedan called S90, and a new report give us a better idea of what to expect when it lands.

Designed to replace the aging S80, the S90 will take the form of a large four-door sedan whose overall design will be inspired by the recently-introduced second-generation XC90. The S90 will be decidedly more upscale than the S80, and it will likely spawn a long-wheelbase model designed primarily for buyers in China. However, Volvo has hinted the stretched S90 L could be offered in the United States and in select markets on the Old Continent if there is enough demand from buyers.

The S90 will ride on an evolution of the modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform that underpins the 2015 XC90, and the two cars will share the bulk of their mechanical components. Base and mid-range versions of the upcoming sedan will be offered with a wide array of gasoline- and diesel-burning four-cylinder engines sourced from Volvo's Drive-E family, while the range-topping model will pack an efficient gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain. An eight-speed automatic transmission will come standard all across the board.

Although the S90 is shaping up to be the most upscale Volvo sedan in recent memory, Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson has refuted company chairman Li Shufu's earlier statement that it will fight head-to-head against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7-Series.

"We will never have V12 or V8 engines. I think Mercedes will not see this as a S-Class competitor," explained Samuelsson in an interview with Australian magazine Motoring. Another executive revealed to the same source that the S90 is being developed to fight head-to-head against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5-Series.

The Volvo S90 is scheduled to go on sale late next year, meaning it could be presented to the public at next year's edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Additional information about the company's new sedan will emerge over the coming months.

The S90 will compete against cars such as the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The sedan is loaded with high-end equipment. Volvo says the S90's City Safety collision avoidance system has been upgraded to offer a world-first function: large-animal detection. The feature can recognize an elk or moose, day or night, and provide brake support to avoid a crash. The sedan also offers semi-autonomous driving technology that gives steering assistance to keep the car in its lane at speeds up to 130kph (81 mph), even if there is no car in front.

The S90 will also be offered with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The S90 replaces the slow-selling S80 as Volvo’s flagship sedan, and it will have a public debut at the Detroit auto show in January.

Volvo styling chief Thomas Ingenlath said in the statement that the S90's design aims to "exude leadership and confidence" and to bring something new to a "rather conservative segment." Production of the S90 will begin in spring 2016, a Volvo spokesman said. The company will start taking orders for the car in select markets shortly after its Detroit debut. The spokesman declined to name the markets.

The majority of the S90's sales -- an estimated 80 percent -- will be new customers largely because the S80 was not a big seller, Volvo head of sales and marketing Bjorn Annwall told Automotive News Europe on the sidelines of the event.

When asked where the sedan will sell most units, Annwall said, "Clearly we expect the U.S. and China to be the biggest markets for the car."

Volvo has run clinics in both countries to get consumer feedback. Annwall said car buyers in each market appreciated the S90’s fit and finish, while U.S. customers, in particular, really liked that the car can nearly drive itself on the highway.

The S90 is the second model to be based on Volvo’s in-house-developed Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). The first was the XC90, which last month helped Volvo achieve global sales of 49,055 vehicles, the highest monthly total in the automaker’s 88-year history.

The new Volvo S90 is Volvo Cars’ entry ticket to the premium sedan club.

The S90 marks a giant step forward for Volvo Cars. The Swedish car maker is better known for its SUVs and estates, but with the launch of the S90 Volvo is clearly intent on shaking up the premium sedan segment with its distinctive executive class sedan.

Equipped with a host of new technologies ranging from cutting edge safety to cloud-based apps and services, the S90 is further proof of the Swedish brand’s continuing transformation.

“With the launch of the XC90 we made a clear statement of intent. We are now clearly and firmly in the game. 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 new Volvo S90 comes equipped with an advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist. The system gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to motorway speeds of around 130 km/h and no longer needs to follow another car. Pilot Assist is another step towards full autonomous drive – a key innovation area for Volvo.

The S90 will also come with a clean and powerful T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain and one of the most luxuriously appointed interiors and connected infotainment systems in the large sedan segment.

“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 also introduces a world first function to City Safety - large animal detection - a system capable of detecting large animals such as elk, horses or moose, night or day. The technology offers an intuitive warning and brake support to help avoid a collision. The S90 has also benefitted from Volvo Cars’ recent investment in a highly advanced chassis simulator.

“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,” said Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Car Group.

The S90 is set to be publically unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit.

Volvo Announces S90 Pricing and Introduces a new online car-buying experience

Mar 23, 2016

(NEW YORK) Volvo Car USA (VCUSA) announced pricing of the widely-praised S90 luxury sedan, which is available for order beginning today at Volvo retailers and volvocars.com/us.

The well-equipped S90 T5 Momentum will start at $46,950. The T5 turbo-charged Drive-E engine provides 250 horsepower. A rich leather interior is standard, as is the award-winning 9-inch Sensus touchscreen and “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights.

The S90 T6 AWD Momentum starts at $52,950. The 316 horsepower T6 turbo- and super-charged Drive-E engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive. In addition to the standard features of the T5, the T6 also includes heated front seats, a large driver information display area and dual integrated tailpipes as standard.

The Volvo S90 will be the first car in the United States to offer Semi-Autonomous driving technology as standard. Volvo Pilot Assist allows the car to speed up, slow down, brake and steer at speeds up to 80 MPH.

Two world-first safety technologies will also come standard. Large Animal Detection with auto-brake senses deer, elk and other animals and will automatically stop the car to avoid or mitigate a collision. Run-Off Road Mitigation can detect if the vehicle is about to leave the road and gently steer it to prevent it from leaving the pavement. This technology is in addition to the safety, connectivity and interior luxury customers have enjoyed in the award-winning Volvo XC90 SUV.

Volvo Online Concierge

With the S90 VCUSA is introducing the Volvo Concierge, a personalized online buying experience for the all-new sedan, via the Volvo website.

In addition to buying the all-new S90 at a Volvo Dealership, customers can also buy the S90 online, with the help of the Volvo Concierge who will provide an unprecedented level of online service and comfort throughout the purchase process. A designated Volvo representative ensures customers know about all of the S90’s available options and offers buyers the peace of mind to change their option preferences before their car is built.

The Volvo Concierge will stay in constant contact with the future S90 owner, notifying them of when the car has been shipped from Sweden and when it is expected to arrive. Upon delivery, all of the car’s settings, such as radio stations and software apps, can be configured based on the owner’s personal preferences. All Concierge processed cars will be delivered through a Volvo retailer of choice.

Available via online chat, email and phone calls, customers can contact the Volvo Concierge to address almost any need or desire with regard to an S90 purchase.

“We wanted to make the online experience more personalized. Cars are not your average online purchase. We believe luxury consumers of today will appreciate having a personal contact that helps you understand your options and the process,” says Lex Kerssemakers, President and CEO of Volvo Car USA, “The Volvo Concierge concept is developed based on Volvo customer feedback from previous e-commerce solutions, so truly designed around their needs and a good complement to our retail experience”.

The Volvo Concierge is available now at Order your own All-New Volvo S90 | Volvo Cars

The S90 T5 and T6 will be available at retailers starting this summer, with the T8 plug-in hybrid following later.