Volvo has recently bestowed upon its long-standing S90 sedan a series of comprehensive updates, mirroring the enhancements implemented on the similarly tenured XC90 SUV in the preceding year. These refinements encompass a more contemporary and visually appealing front-end design, along with a significantly improved infotainment system. However, despite these efforts to rejuvenate the executive sedan, its availability to consumers in numerous key markets appears to be increasingly limited.
The S90, a sedan positioned within the competitive BMW 5-series segment, initially made its debut in January 2016. Over the intervening years, the vehicle has already undergone one significant facelift. During this period, the automotive landscape has witnessed a notable shift in consumer preference, with a substantial migration away from traditional sedan body styles towards the burgeoning popularity of sport utility vehicles. Consequently, the sales figures for the China-built four-door sedan have been less than stellar in several regions. Furthermore, in the crucial United States market, the complexities arising from the Trump administration's imposition of tariffs have presented an additional layer of challenges. As a result of these converging factors, the newly revamped iteration of the S90 is not slated for availability in a considerable number of countries.
Specifically, Volvo's American operations are reported to have discontinued the S90 from its model lineup, a strategic decision that has already been implemented in other significant European markets such as the United Kingdom and France. The Swedish automaker has indicated that the updated vehicle is primarily targeted towards Asian markets. It is scheduled to arrive at dealerships in China during the summer, with "selected" other markets potentially gaining access to it at a later juncture. The design modifications applied to the S90 closely echo those previously introduced on the XC90 in the prior year. This includes the adoption of slimmer "Thor's Hammer" LED matrix headlights that now extend further inwards across the front fascia, making contact with the redesigned grille, which now features a convex rather than a concave profile. The hood, front and rear bumpers, front fenders, and diamond-cut alloy wheel designs are all new additions, contributing to a refreshed and more modern aesthetic. The taillights have also undergone a noticeable makeover, further enhancing the rear visual signature of the sedan.
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Volvo has also paid considerable attention to the interior of the S90 in this round of modernization. A significant upgrade is the inclusion of a larger 11.2-inch central media display, providing enhanced visual clarity and a more intuitive user interface. Additionally, the integration of over-the-air (OTA) software update functionality should reduce the frequency with which owners need to visit a dealership for software-related issues throughout the vehicle's lifespan. The cabin environment is also expected to benefit from improved sound insulation, contributing to a quieter and more refined driving experience. Furthermore, Volvo is now supplying adaptive suspension as a standard feature, further enhancing the overall comfort and ride quality of the S90.
For consumers residing in regions where the updated S90 will still be offered, powertrain options will include a 2.0-liter mild-hybrid engine configuration that powers the front wheels, providing a balance of efficiency and performance. Alternatively, a more potent 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid variant will also be available, delivering power to all four wheels for enhanced traction and offering a claimed electric-only driving range of up to 50 miles (approximately 80 kilometers). For those seeking a vehicle with even greater electric vehicle range, Volvo is introducing the new ES90. This model represents a more contemporary and fully electric alternative to the S90. However, there is a possibility that the ES90, similar to the updated S90, might also face restricted entry into the United States market due to the ongoing impact of the Trump administration's tariffs on imported vehicles. This situation underscores the significant influence of international trade policies on the global availability of automotive models.