We never thought we’d use the words “wagon” and “sleek” in the same sentence, yet here we are. Volvo has just introduced the sleek-looking V90 station wagon at a private event held in Stockholm, Sweden.
The V90 is all but identical to the 2017 S90, on which it is based, from the front bumper to the B-pillar. That means it boasts an elegant-looking front end characterized by a large grille with chromed vertical slats, and swept-back headlights with integrated T-shaped LED daytime running lights, a styling cue that Volvo has christened Thor’s Hammer. Around back, the wagon stands out from the sedan thanks to a roof-mounted spoiler and large, hockey-stick-shaped tail lamps that are visibly inspired by the stunning Concept Estate shooting brake that was presented two years ago at the Geneva Auto Show.
The interior is standard S90 fare, but that’s not a bad thing because Volvo’s newest sedan is its most luxurious yet by a long shot. The V90 offers ample space for five passengers and their gear in a spacious, well-lit cabin built using upscale materials. The bulk of the wagon’s navigation, connectivity, and entertainment functions are grouped in a state-of-the-art infotainment system controlled by a large tablet-like touch screen that takes up most of the center console. And rest assured, iPhone-wielding motorists, the V90 is compatible with Apple CarPlay.
Full technical specifications haven’t been published yet. However, the V90 is built on the same Scalable Platform Architecture as the second-generation XC90, and the two models are expected to share a long list of mechanical components. That means the wagon will most likely launch with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other powertrain options, including a 410-hp plug-in hybrid drivetrain and a turbodiesel engine reserved for buyers in Europe, will quickly be added to the V90 lineup.
All models will come standard with a semi-autonomous technology called Pilot Assist that keeps the car in its lane thanks to sensors that read the lane markings. The V90 will also ship with a large animal detection system that warns the driver and automatically applies the brakes if it senses a collision with an elk, a moose, a horse, or any other four-legged creature standing in the roadway is imminent.
The Volvo V90 will be presented to the public for the first time next month at the Geneva Auto Show. Lex Kerssemakers, Volvo’s U.S. boss, recently told DT Cars that the V90 — and the more rugged-looking V90 Cross Country that will be introduced shortly — will both be sold in the United States.
