According to Volvo, the new luxury sedan's svelte exterior and comfortable interior is accompanied by the company's latest powertrains and semi-autonomous driving technology. Launching initially in 2016 with D5 AWD and T6 AWD derivatives with Momentum or Inscription trim, the full S90 range will be made available in South Africa. In 2017, D4 FWD, T5 FWD and R-Design variants will be introduced, with the T8 Twin Engine to follow at a later stage.
The comprehensive range, which echoes that of the XC90 in South Africa, brings Drive-E engines to the fore, with the range-topping T8 Twin Engine (300 kW and 640 Nm) emitting 44 g/km of carbon dioxide, while still able to propel the S90 to 100 km/h from standstill in 5.2 seconds. The updated D5 twin-turbo diesel engine, featuring new PowerPulse technology, is included in the range - with its compressed air solution to low-rpm turbo lag.
Volvo's safety arsenal is fitted as standard, with the inclusion of the latest Large Animal Detection and Run-Off-Road mitigation complementing the existing IntelliSafe technology, which incorporates Volvo's autonomous emergency braking system, City Safety.
Fitted as standard to all S90 models, the latest version of Volvo's Pilot Assist semi-autonomous technology is now able to run up to 130 km/h with clear lane markings and without the need for a lead car. Pilot Assist is a support system optimised for highway driving, which allows the driver to relax behind the wheel and enjoy the journey.
With fully-autonomous Volvo cars making their way to real owners in Sweden, China and the UK over the next few years, the latest version of Pilot Assist is a step closer to a new driving world.
In South Africa, the new Volvo S90 is set to reintroduce the Volvo brand to the large executive sedan segment. Indicative pricing, which will be finalised closer to the time of launch, sees the comprehensive range being positioned between mid-R600,000 and R900,000.
