Adopting a New Modular Platform and PHEV Powertrain

Ahead of its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2016, Volvo gave the public a preview of its new S90 in its hometown of Gothenburg. In Europe, it will contend with the Mercedes-BenzE ClassE Class, BMW's5 Series, Audi'sA6, and Jaguar'sXE, and in the North American market, the LexusGSand Infiniti Q70, among others.

The previous S90 was Volvo's top-tier rear-wheel-drive sedan from the 1990s. Its "Royal" trim level, featuring an optional leather interior by Hermès, showcased a unique form of luxury. The mission for the new S90 is precisely to re-establish Scandinavian design and Nordic luxury in the premium sedan world, building a new bridgehead for the brand, and doing so in a way that resonates with the demands of the post-2016 era.

Volvo has recently been making aggressive moves in the Japanese market, pioneering automatic braking and actively promoting diesel engines. However, 2016 promises even more ambitious developments. In early spring, the new XC90 will arrive in Japan. This flagship SUV, the first to be developed entirely in-house since Volvo's separation from Ford, utilizes the "SPA (Scalable Product Architecture)" platform and the "T8 Twin Engine," a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that represents the top tier of their mid-term engine strategy.

SPA is one of the modular platforms that European manufacturers are heavily investing in. Volvo's version has been optimized from every perspective—including battery placement, body rigidity, and impact absorption—with PHEV integration in mind. Since its debut in 2015, the XC90 has garnered high praise in Europe and North America, exceeding initial sales projections. It has also been named Car of the Year by automotive magazines and was among the seven finalists for European Car of the Year.

The new S90 is the second act, following this initial launch, built upon the same SPA platform and PHEV powertrain. Furthermore, Volvo has committed to a new, ambitious safety standard aiming to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries in accidents involving its new-generation models by 2020.

AWD Delivering a Combined 407 PS and 640 Nm of Torque

The inherent advantage of a modular platform, allowing for flexible adjustment of wheelbase and cabin positioning, is perhaps even more evident in the S90's sleek and elegant proportions than in the XC90. Its 4,963mm length and 2,941mm wheelbase exude the presence of a grand luxury car, yet its 1,879mm width and 1,443mm height create a relatively compact and streamlined silhouette, lending it a fluid and sophisticated impression.

The T8 powertrain is, in essence, an all-wheel-drive system boasting a combined output of 407 PS and 640 Nm of torque. The front wheels are driven by a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged gasoline engine (320 PS) coupled with an Aisin AW 8-speed automatic transmission, while an 87 PS electric motor at the rear powers the rear wheels. The "PURE" mode, running solely on electric power, offers a range of approximately 50 km. Three driving modes are available: "HYBRID," where the internal combustion engine and electric motor work together to optimize performance based on driving conditions, and "POWER," for maximum acceleration.

Incidentally, while the T8 synchronizes and controls front and rear torque distribution via electronic commands, non-hybrid grades feature a lightweight BorgWarner AWD system's driveshaft in place of the battery within the center tunnel, mechanically distributing up to 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels. This demonstrates that it is more than just a front-wheel-drive-based sedan.

Despite possessing such dynamic capabilities, "There's no need to be aggressive to express power," states Volvo's Chief Designer, Thomas Ingenlath. The S90's design incorporates a concave grille, reminiscent of the 1960s P1800, and Volvo's traditional prominent shoulder line. However, it avoids falling into "design for design's sake" by refraining from overly complex press lines, instead enhancing the exterior's textural quality. The overall impression is intelligent and clean, embodying understatement.

Cutting-Edge Driver Assistance Systems

Once settled into the driver's seat, one notices the interior, while sharing the large, tablet-like vertical touchscreen with the XC90, feels more like a refined lounge than an SUV. Rich gradations from light to dark and soft tones are complemented by sharp accents. For instance, Orrefors crystal glass is used for the climate controls and gear shifter. The air vents and drive mode selector feature diamond-cut knurling, providing a pleasing tactile edge. The space is functional yet not overly business-like, opulent but not gaudy or ostentatious—a comfortable, personal sanctuary that truly showcases Scandinavian design. For an enhanced auditory experience, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system is also available.

The S90 also introduces world-first driver assistance features. Beyond the conventional automatic braking that detects pedestrians and cyclists in urban areas, it can now detect large animals like deer on suburban roads, day or night, thanks to a feature called "Large Animal Detection." Additionally, it is equipped with "Autopilot," which provides steering assistance to keep the car within its lane on highways. While the S90 incorporates Volvo's "Run-off Road Protection"—which mitigates vertical G-forces on the occupants' spines during a potential road departure, pioneered in the XC90—it further enhances safety by using cameras to detect road edges and actively making steering corrections to prevent the car from leaving the road in the first place, offering a dual layer of protection.

The S90 embodies a distinctly Nordic design and set of values, reflecting a safety consciousness and environmental awareness honed by harsh natural conditions, alongside a focus on inner fulfillment and a living space designed for simple, beautiful living. In the often conservative E-segment, how will this new Volvo, with its refined sense of identity, be received? It is bound to be an interesting development.