Volvo has stepped up its game following the unveiling of two luxurious variants of the S90 sedan for the Chinese market, while also announcing that it will move production of the series from Sweden to China and export the sedan to markets around the world, including the US and Europe.
According to president and chief executive of Volvo Car Group, Håkan Samuelsson, “China will play an increasingly important part in our global manufacturing ambitions. Our factories here will deliver world-class products for export across the globe in coming years, contributing to our objective of selling up to 800,000 cars a year by 2020.”
In addition, the company confirmed that the current and next generation 60 series models, including the S60 and its V60 estate variant, alongside the new 40 series cars, will also be built in China, without, however, saying if it will export these China-made models to other countries around the globe.
At the upcoming 2016 Guangzhou Motor Show, Volvo will show two new S90s. The first is simply the local version of the ‘standard’ S90, and will hit the production line in Daqing, China later this month, while the new S90 Excellence, looks set to become the Swedish firm’s most luxurious vehicle produced to date.
Most notably, the S90 Excellence comes fitted with the brand’s Lounge Console, a feature previewed by a concept last year, but had yet to reach production. As with the concept, the Lounge Console of the S90 Excellence sits in place of the front passenger seat and aims to offer supreme levels of comfort and luxury to the rear passenger.
It incorporates a large compartment where items can be stored, such as shoes, and also incorporates an adjustable footrest and built-in entertainment system with a large display. There’s also a built-in refrigeration compartment and handmade crystal glasses sourced from Swedish glassmaker Orrefors.
Alongside the Lounge Console, the S90 Excellence also includes a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled cup holders and foldout worktables.
Power for the S90 Excellence will come thanks to the brand’s T8 Twin Engine, a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 316 hp twincharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder driving the front wheels with an 86 hp powering the rear. The standard S90 for China will be available with this setup alongside the T4 and T5 petrol engines.
Both models include a semi-autonomous driving assistance system that operates at up to 130 km/h as well as a ‘Large Animal Detection’ system. There’s also a ‘CleanZone’ air quality system in both, four-zone air conditioning system and an infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Local prices have yet to be released.
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