After putting a real 3-Series/A4/C-Class rival on the street in the shape of the current S60, and last year a proper full-size SUV, the XC90, Volvo’s next step is to take on the mid-sized premium saloon market.
This is one tough act, since this is where the BMW 5 Series lives, along with the Mercedes E-Class and the Audi A6. Not to mention cars such as the all-new Jaguar XF, the Lexus GS, the Cadillac CTS and some might argue that the Maserati Ghibli belongs there as well.
Can Volvo do it? No doubt about it. Especially since they will use both tech as well as styling cues from the second-generation XC90.
Besides, while everybody is busy trying to copy everybody else, Volvo are doing their own thing, focusing on their values and qualities, without trying to push the wrong envelope. This is exactly what Volvo UK managing director Nick Connor recently told Autocar. He said that “There is no point in trying to outhandle the 3 Series or whatever, we have our own values around exterior and interior design, safety, comfort and powertrain advancements that stand out for their own qualities.”
As for the upcoming S90, he said: “I actually think people will be even more surprised when they see it than they were when they saw the new XC90. It really is quite impactful; a car that your eye just keeps getting drawn to. The design and dimensions make it a far more premium looking car than the S80, the interior is an evolution of the XC90’s, but a step up again, and it has a real distinction about it.”
While we don’t expect it to be more dynamic than a 5 Series or as powerful as an AMG E-Class, we’re pretty sure that it will match its rivals in terms of looks, comfort, safety and fuel economy.
Note: Volvo Estate Concept pictured
PHOTOS
