Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies

The new Volvo 90 Series models are built on the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, developed with future electrification, connectivity, and autonomous driving in mind. They also feature Volvo's new Drive-E powertrain. These new flagship models embody Volvo's new generation, integrating advanced safety and driver assistance technologies within a Scandinavian design.

In terms of safety, all models come standard with IntelliSafe, comprising over 15 advanced safety and driver assistance technologies, including two world-first features. The "Large Animal Detection" system, a world-first, aims to mitigate collision damage from large animals, a significant cause of serious accidents in Sweden. It could also help avoid accidents with Ezo deer, which can occur in Hokkaido, Japan.

This system, in addition to the existing Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection function of City Safety, issues a warning when a large animal is detected ahead at speeds above 4 km/h. If the driver does not respond, the brakes are applied with approximately 30% of maximum braking force (around 0.3G), enabling a deceleration of approximately 15 km/h upon impact. The system is most effective at speeds above 70 km/h and can detect animals even when illuminated by headlights at night.

Furthermore, the "Run-off Road Mitigation," another world-first, has been developed as a countermeasure against road departure accidents, building upon the "Run-off Road Protection" system introduced with the SUV model XC90.

The system intervenes only when a road departure is imminent, automatically operating the steering to guide the vehicle back onto the road. If this maneuver is insufficient, braking is also applied to reduce speed. The system operates when the vehicle's onboard cameras detect lane markings or road edges at speeds between 65-140 km/h. It will not intervene if the driver is actively steering, such as when using the turn signal.

The "Pilot Assist" system, offering Level 2 autonomous driving, is also standard. This driver assistance function supports steering to keep the vehicle centered in its lane. The updated Pilot Assist in the new 90 Series can maintain lane position even without a preceding vehicle and operates up to 140 km/h. An integrated unit of millimetre-wave radar and camera mounted on the front windshield, the ASDM (Active Safety Domain Master), monitors lane detection and the road ahead, assisting with lane keeping and maintaining distance from the vehicle in front.

Takayuki Kimura, President of Volvo Car Japan, stated, "Volvo is committed to 'Safety Vision 2020,' aiming to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries in new Volvo cars by 2020.Safety Vision 2020This vision was announced in 2008, and Volvo has been steadily progressing towards it. With the introduction of the new 90 Series, we take another step closer to this vision." He positioned the 90 Series as "cars that anticipate the future, designed to remain in our lineup beyond 2020 without being replaced by new models."

New Generation Volvo Design

A striking feature of the new 90 Series exterior is the T-shaped LED headlights, inspired by Thor's hammer from Norse mythology. The grille, featuring the new Iron Mark emblem centrally, draws inspiration from the Volvo P1800, with its chrome surround and 23 vertical bars forming an arc. The arrow on the Iron Mark is aligned with the diagonal bar.

Thanks to the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the distance from the center of the front wheels to the base of the A-pillar has been extended by approximately 35 cm compared to previous models, enhancing the sense of premium quality.

Furthermore, detailed design elements from Volvo's three concept cars that previewed the new generation Volvo design—the Concept Coupé, Concept XC Coupé, and Concept Estate—have been faithfully incorporated into the production models, achieving a remarkable level of fidelity.Concept Coupé—Concept XC Coupé—Concept EstateThe faithfulness of their reproduction in the actual vehicles is truly impressive.

Regarding body size, Mr. Kimura commented, "While the new 90 Series appears large, its width is the same 1,890mm as the previous S80 and V70, and the current XC60. The overall length is also well under 5 meters, making it suitable for users of the XC60 and V70. It offers the presence and premium feel of a large car without compromising usability, making it a model well-suited for the Japanese market."

Plug-in Hybrid and Clean Diesel Models Planned Soon

The Japanese specifications include three grades for the S90 and four grades each for the V90 and V90 Cross Country. Engine options are the Drive-E 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection gasoline turbo (T5) producing 254ps and 350Nm, the Drive-E 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection gasoline turbo with supercharger (T6) producing 320ps and 400Nm, and the T8, scheduled for delivery around September 2017, which combines the Drive-E 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection gasoline turbo with supercharger and an electric motor (320ps + 87ps, 400Nm + 240Nm).

Future plans include the introduction of a plug-in hybrid model for the V90 by the end of the year, followed by a clean diesel model in 2018.

Mr. Kimura stated that the V90 will be the core model in Japan, "because it is a new premium estate that offers the necessary driving performance, the versatility traditional to Volvo estates, and Swedish luxury."

For the S90, he added, "As a flagship sedan, it challenges the luxury sedan market dominated by German manufacturers. We are initially introducing 500 limited units produced in Sweden, available for reservation and purchase online. We expect Volvo's flagship sedan to create a new market."

He positioned the V90 Cross Country as "a premium crossover that embodies the Swedish lifestyle, a category created by Volvo. Based on the V90, its ride height is raised by 55mm to handle rough terrain, making it suitable for lifestyles that transition between urban and natural environments."

Finally, Mr. Kimura expressed his ambition: "At Volvo, people are at the center of our design philosophy, which is to protect what and who you value—your family, loved ones, friends, and your cherished lifestyle. Volvo's consistent development principle, 'Designed around you,' expresses this. As a unique brand originating from Sweden, not Germany or Japan, Volvo is challenging the luxury car market."

Pricing for the S90 T6 AWD R-Design is 7.49 million yen, and the S90 T6 AWD Inscription is 8.42 million yen. For the V90, the T5 Momentum is 6.64 million yen, the V90 T6 AWD R-Design is 7.69 million yen, and the V90 T6 AWD Inscription is 7.99 million yen. The V90 T8 Twin Engine AWD Inscription, scheduled for delivery in autumn, is 8.99 million yen. The V90 Cross Country models are priced at 6.94 million yen for the T5 AWD Momentum, 7.54 million yen for the T5 AWD Summum, 7.59 million yen for the T6 AWD Momentum, and 8.19 million yen for the T6 AWD Summum.