Volvo Wagons Up with All-New V90

Volvo Car Corp. aims to re-energize the premium wagon market in the U.S. with its stylish new V90, which will be publicly introduced at the upcoming Geneva auto show.

The fullsize V90 will replace the aging V70 wagon in Europe, where Volvo maintains a strong presence in the so-called estate segment. In the U.S., Volvo re-entered the niche a year ago with the V60 compact wagon after pulling the plug on the V70 and V50 wagons earlier in the decade as buyers flocked to crossover vehicles.

Built on Volvo's new Scalable Platform Architecture, the 2017-model V90 is the third variant of the carmaker’s new 90 series. It follows the 2016 XC90 crossover and the S90 sedan, which launches this spring, with a coupe derivative due within the next few years. All models will include plug-in hybrid versions.

The V90’s exterior mirrors the S90 from the front bumper to the B-pillar. In addition to a longer roof line and wagon-style rear, other differences include a rakish D-pillar and tall, hockey L-shaped taillights inspired by those on Volvo’s 2014 Concept Estate.

The V90’s upscale interior features leather upholstery, premium trim levels, a large touchscreen located on the center console and an Apple CarPlay smartphone interface. The vehicle seats five people and can provide nearly 59-cu-ft of cargo space (including under floor storage) with the rear seats folded down.

A variety of 4-cylinder engines will be offered, including Volvo’s unique twin-charged 2.0-liter unit that pairs a turbocharger with a supercharger to generate 320 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Buyers in Europe also can get a turbocharged version of the 2.0-liter mill or a twin-turbo diesel. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard; a 6-speed manual is optional in Europe.

The turbo/supercharged four-banger also will be used in the hybrid powertrain, where it will be teamed with an electric motor to make a combined 407 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. A 9.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides an all-electric driving range of about 25 miles.

The V90 will be loaded with Volvo’s latest safety and advanced technology features, including the Pilot Assist system that can accelerate, brake and steer a vehicle at speeds as high as 80 mph on roads with clear lane markings. The car also will feature Volvo's upgraded City Safety collision avoidance system, which can recognize large animals, such as an elk or moose, and provide brake support as needed.