By: Jason Woosey
Volvo's new S90 sedan and V90 wagon are probably a bit more 'polite cocktail party' than 'dancing-on-the-table shindig' in their overall design approach, but the new R-Design versions aim to add some swagger to the rather elegant premium market contenders.
The R Design package affects the way they look and drive, with key design features including a redesigned grille, new 'diamond cut' alloy wheels with matt black contrasting and piano black trim on the front and rear ends.
Inside, the R-Design whirlwind brings its own unique décor trim, steering wheel, seats, pedals and floor mats.
No performance enhancements have been mentioned, but the R-Design models do get a sportier chassis set-up, according to Volvo.
The new S90 is set to go on sale in South Africa towards the end of 2016, and the local range has yet to be finalised. The V90 is not destined for our shores due to our market's complete lack of interest in estate cars.
S90 and V90 customers abroad can choose from a range of 2-litre turbo-charged petrol and diesel engines, with petrol choices including 186kW T5, 235kW T6 and 290kW T8 hybrid variants and the diesel line-up comprising a 140kW/400Nm D4 and 173kW/480Nm D5. Volvo also offers a mix of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive transmissions and Momentum and Inscription trim grades.
As you'd expect from this Swedish brand there are plenty of advanced new safety gadgets, including an upgraded City Safety function with a world-first large animal detection system and there's a new Pilot Assist that can keep the car within lane markings at speeds of up to 130km/h.
The new S90 and V90 are built on Volvo's Scalable Platform Architecture that debuted on the XC90 SUV and Volvo wants the newcomers to go head-to-head with the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series in the mid-sized premium saloon and wagon battle.