What's all this about?
The order book is now open for Volvo's newest large saloon and estate. Prices start at £32,555 for the S90 saloon and £34,555 for the V90 estate. Deliveries of the S90s are due in September with the V90 following in October.
Initially customers can choose between two 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engines: the 190hp D4 in conjunction with two-wheel drive or the 235hp D5 with all-wheel drive. The official fuel economy for the S90 D4 is 64.2mpg with CO2 emissions of 116 g/km (62.8mpg and 119g/km for the V90). Equivalent figures for the S90 D5 are 58.9mpg and 127g/km with the V90 D5 returning 57.6mpg and 129g/km.
All S90 and V90 models come with Volvo's latest, semi-autonomous driving technology. Pilot Assist maintains a set speed or distance from the vehicle in front, accelerating as traffic dictates. Pilot Assist also provides gentle steering input at motorway speeds to keep the car in lane at speeds of up to 80mph. The latest version of City Safety is fitted too, including emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection; it also includes the first application of large-animal detection, designed to avoid or limit the damage caused by hitting large animals such as deer and horses.
What else do you get?
Two trim levels are offered, Momentum and Inscription. Standard equipment on the entry-level Momentum cars includes leather upholstery, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with 'CleanZone' air-filtration system, keyless engine starting and heated front seats.
Inscription adds Nappa leather upholstery, powered front seats, a 12.3-inch driver's information display, 18-inch diamond-cut/silver alloy wheels and hands-free boot/tailgate opening and closing. Additional design touches include walnut interior inlays, rear footwell and side step illumination and chrome exterior details.
Any options?
The Xenium package adds an electric tilt and slide glass sunroof (panoramic in the V90), parking camera system with 360-degree surround view and Park Assist Pilot for automatic parallel and 90-degree parking.
Apple CarPlay allows you to access certain functions of your Apple device and CarPlay-optimised apps directly via the car's touch screen, voice control system or the buttons on the steering wheel. A Bowers and Wilkins premium sound system is available, which comes with 18 speakers and an output of 1,400W.
John Lambert - 16 Mar 2016