First images of Volvo's all-new flagship sedan, the S90, have emerged in The Netherlands ahead of an expected world debut at the 2016 Detroit motor show in January, and US website TopSpeed has produced this rendering based on them.
Due to replace the aged S80 globally next year, the S90 will be based on the same all-new Scalable Platform Architecture that underpins the second-generation XC90 luxury SUV that goes on sale in Australia later than expected in August
While the XC90 will be priced between $89,950 for the D5 Momentum and $122,950 for the range-topping T8 R-Design hybrid, the existing S80 T6 sedan is priced at $84,500.
Expect that to increase for the S90 if it comes with the same advanced powertrain line-up as the XC90, and we expect it will.
At the top end of the range, that means a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that employs both a turbocharger and a supercharger, matched with a rear-mounted 60kW electric motor to generate a substantial total of 299W/640Nm.
If the XC90 is any indication, the S90 T8 'TwinEngine' flagship – equipped with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission — will hit 100km/h in about 5.5 seconds and return combined fuel consumption of just 2.1L/100km — less than a Toyota Prius.
Cosmetically, the S90 will wear the same clean new design language as seen on the XC90, headlined by 'Thor's Hammer' headlights flanking a bold grille with chromed vertical slats. The S80's rakish roof line will carry over to the S90, but Volvo's new top-shelf sedan will reportedly gain rear quarter windows and larger tail-lights.
Inside, continuing the XC90's premium feel in an effort for the S90 to steal sales from established German sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series will be an upmarket cabin combining expansive leather trim and a large, tablet-like touch-screen on the centre console.
Some reports suggest the S90 four-door, which has been confirmed for Australia, will be followed by the reveal of a five-door wagon version called the V90 (and previewed by the Concept Estate at the 2014 Geneva show) at the 2016 Geneva show next March, but that remains to be seen.
After the S90, Volvo's new product onslaught will focus on replacements for the S60 and XC60, and then an all-new sports car to replace the discontinued C70 convertible — previewed by the 2013 Concept Coupe — as part of the Chinese-owned Swedish brand's target of 800,000 annual global sales by 2020.