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Set to join the XC90 SUV at the top of the Volvo heap later this year are two new models, an S90 sedan and a V90 wagon. The S90 has already been launched and now we have leaked shots of the V90, which Volvo recently confirmed will be revealed February 18 at a special event in Stockholm, Sweden.
The premium mid-size wagon was previously revealed in scale model form but now we have the real deal thanks to the latest shots posted up on Swedish website Teknikens Värld. The car is expected on the market this fall, as a 2017 model. The official debut will take place next month at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
The V90 is essentially an S90 wagon under a different name. It's based on the SPA platform common to the XC90 and should feature a similar powertrain lineup. For the U.S., that should mean three options at launch: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in a T5; a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in a T6; and a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four working with an electric drive system in a range-topping T8 Twin Engine. Outputs should range from 240 to 410 horsepower.
Volvo first hinted at the V90 when it showed a stunning shooting brake concept at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, called the Concept Estate. It’s clear the V90’s styling has been influenced by the original concept. Specific elements borrowed from the concept include the 'Thor’s Hammer' daytime running lights as well as waterfall-style tail-lights.
The V90 replaces the aging V70 in Volvo’s lineup. Though it’s yet to be confirmed, we're likely to also see a V90 Cross Country soft-roader at some point. Key rivals will be the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5-Series Touring and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon.
The Geneva Motor Show starts March 1. In the meantime, you can learn about some of the other cars appearing by visiting our dedicated hub.
Volvo is doing some pretty cool work on connected automobiles. For example, their app (on all platforms) can look at your calendar and use analytics (like you have a text from someone that you need to pick Joey up after soccer at 4pm, earlier than you might normally leave work) to figure out you have to be in the car by a specific time and offer to pre-start the car and heat it/cool it for you ahead of time. They're working on a lot more but I think Volvo is really doing some forward-thinking work in this area.
Sadly not. But true, the V90 R-design does looks punchier. As you’ve no doubt guessed, this is a trim option aimed directly at the likes of the Mercedes E-Class AMG-line wagon, the Audi A6 Avant S-line, and the brand-new BMW 5 Series Touring M Sport. It’s all about the sensible, low-CO2 engines, draped in a suit of snoutier intakes and spindlier alloy wheels.
Except the Germans have actual models to imitate…
Funny one, isn’t it. The uninitiated might mistake a 5 Series M Sport for an M5, or a A6 S-line for an RS6. But there are no fast Volvos to sprinkle halo effect on the V90 R-design…
Anyway, that means you’ve a simple choice of two engines: both 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesels, either with or without the ‘Powerpulse’ boost that fires compressed air into the turbo to cut out lag and increase power. Our test car did without it, which is fine, because in our experience the relaxed, easy-going torque of the D4 motor, the standard-fit eight-speed auto and front-drive suits the V90’s placid gait just fine, thanks very much.
What does R-design spec actually get me?
The body kit, with those handsome twin exhaust outlets, and 18-inch wheels as standard, though you can spec impossibly fragile-looking 21s. Volvo etches ‘R-design’ onto the kickplates and slightly thicker steering wheel, embosses it onto seats wearing taller bolsters, and deletes one of our very favourite things about the latest crop of Volvos – the light interior options.
You’ve got to have business-like black, with metal trim, rather than the warm woods and light leathers available in Inscription and Momentum trim. Because racing cars don’t have beechwood and beige, right?
Meanwhile, you’ll spot polished pedals (ooh) and new mats (aah), and the not insignificant matter of revised dampers supporting a body that rides 15mm lower than before. At last! An engineering change! Handling ahoy…
For yer basic R-design D4, you’re asked to pay £38,365, which works out £2,500 dearer than a ‘basic’ Inscription spec V90. About in line with that the Germans charge for snoutier bumpers, blingier rims (is ‘bling’ still a thing?) and to mess about with your suspension.
Gotcha. Any good?
The V90 is a wonderful car – thoughtfully practical, serene and likeably straightforward – but this isn’t the most wonderful version. Here’s why.
Mainly, it’s the ride, which has introduced more fidgetiness than the standard car. Our test model was on the 18-inch wheels too, and it rode like a regular V90 does on 20s. That is – a bit nobbly on bad surfaces at low speed. Sad to say, that’s quite a common challenge on congested, crappy UK roads.
A predictable complaint.
On the plus side, if you’re really taken with those flared bumpers and the whole R-design schtick, this is a way, way better effort than what we were met with when Volvo first introduced R-design. With the ageing, V40 and S60, it had a tendency to ruin cars entirely, with crashy rides and little to no handling pay-off.
The V90 isn’t irredeemable in this spec. It’s just that, well, you can’t help wishing you’d embraced the V90’s relaxed mantra fully and gone with the less thrusting Momentum or Inscription models.
What’s more, this isn’t really a very full-fat makeover. There are still no gearshift paddles for the eight-speed gearbox. You can have adaptive air suspension, but that’s another £1,500. There are no upgraded brakes, and as we’ve discussed, any more power. It’s really just trim, and an inferior ride added to what is, as standard, the best large estate car on the planet right now.
02-12-2016, 08:46 PM
imo.
