February 2016
Volvo V90 revealed
Building on Volvo Cars’ indisputable heritage in the estate segment, which began more than 60 years ago with the Volvo Duett, the new V90 takes the premium estate a clear step forward in terms of aesthetics, materials and finish, while living up to the ultimately practical nature of any true estate.
The new V90 is the third car unveiled in Volvo’s top-of-the-line 90 series, all of which are built on the company’s specially designed and fully modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which has opened up a range of new opportunities in terms of how Volvos can be designed, built and equipped.
The new V90 delivers cutting-edge Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive technology, the most advanced standard safety package on the market, including Large Animal Detection and Run-off Road Mitigation, and class-leading connectivity, including smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay.
March 2016
New V90 prices announced
It will initially be available with a choice of two 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engines – the tax-efficient D4 and the powerful and refined D5 PowerPulse – and in two trim levels, Momentum and Inscription.
The front-wheel-drive 190PS D4 comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and offers combined fuel consumption of 62.8mpg and 119g/km.
The 235PS D5 utilises an innovative technology called PowerPulse to boost responsiveness. This uses compressed air, which is stored in a tank in the engine bay and refilled automatically, to spool up the turbo at low revs. This helps to overcome turbo lag, which is the short delay in the power delivery you experience in traditional turbocharged engines. To harness the engine’s power, the D5 PowerPulse comes with all-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is also standard.
As standard, even entry-level Momentum cars come with leather upholstery, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with ‘CleanZone’ air-filtration system, keyless engine starting and heated front seats.
Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system is also standard. This brings a 9-inch touch screen, satellite navigation (including lifetime annual map updates), a sophisticated voice-control system, and access to the internet and a range of cloud-based apps such as TuneIn, Stitcher and Yelp. The V90 benefits from a powered tailgate.
Pilot Assist, Volvo’s innovative semi-autonomous drive feature, is standard. It automatically keeps you at a set speed or distance from the vehicle in front, braking and accelerating with the flow of traffic, and gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car within lane markings at motorway speeds up to 80 mph. Unlike previous versions of the system, it no longer needs to follow another car. Pilot Assist is another step towards fully autonomous driving.
The latest version of City Safety is also fitted to every V90. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and the world-first application of large-animal detection. This feature helps to avoid or limit the severity of collisions with large animals such as deer or horses both at night and during the day.
Moving up to Inscription adds Nappa soft leather upholstery, powered front seats, a 12.3-inch active TFT driver’s information display, 18-inch diamond-cut/silver alloy wheels, keyless entry and handsfree boot/tailgate opening and closing. Additional premium touches include walnut interior inlays, rear footwell and side step illumination, and chrome exterior details.
Apple CarPlay is another option and allows you to access certain functions of your Apple device and CarPlay-optimised apps directly via the car’s touch screen, voice control system or the buttons on the steering wheel. Also available is the exceptional Bowers and Wilkins premium sound system, which offers no less than 18 speakers and an output of 1,400W.
V90 |
Trim level |
HP |
Nm |
Combined fuel economy (mpg) |
CO2(g/km) |
On-the-road price |
D4 |
Momentum |
190 |
400 |
62.8 |
119 |
£34,555.00 |
D4 |
Inscription |
190 |
400 |
62.8 |
119 |
£37,555.00 |
D5 AWD |
Momentum |
235 |
480 |
57.6 |
129 |
£41,555.00 |
D5 AWD |
Inscription |
235 |
480 |
57.6 |
129 |
£44,055.00 |
June 2016
R-Design V90 introduced
Gets a new front-end design with spoiler-integrated foglights, unique grille and piano black trim both on the front and rear. Five-spoke matt black diamond-cut alloy wheels. Unique deco trim, pedals and mats, to the sporty contour seats and special steering wheel, including a high-level interior illumination package that radiates attention to detail.
September 2016
Polestar Performance pack now available
Polestar has launched the new generation of its performance package for the Volvo S90. Known as Polestar Performance Optimisation, the package upgrades the entire drivetrain and further improves driving dynamics.
The pack improves throttle and off-throttle response, gearshift speed and precision, as well as overall engine performance. The first S90 variant available for optimisation is the D5 PowerPulse diesel. The upgrade increases the engine's output from 235PS and 480Nm to 240PS and 500Nm. The upgrade costs £835. All changes as part of the Polestar Performance Optimisation package are made with certified emissions, fuel consumption, service intervals and Volvo warranties unchanged.
November 2016
V90 updates introduced
Smartphone integration now comes with Android Auto functionality in Volvo's large driver split-screen interface. This allows the driver to use both smartphone functionality and in-car features without changing views. Volvo's 90 series cars will now also feature a clever Over-The-Air navigation system update, which ensures that the car always has the latest maps on board.
A new exterior colour, Maple Brown, has been introduced to the S90 and V90 as part of this 90 series model update.
December 2016
Optional 'Red Key' now available
Priced at £110 and available both for new and for existing cars. When the car is driven with the Red Key, its top speed is reduced to 75mph, the Adaptive Cruise Control function is programmed to maintain the maximum distance to the car in front, and the maximum volume from the audio system is reduced. Meanwhile, use of the Red Key sees the permanent activation of a range of safety features, including BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), Lane Keeping Aid, Forward Collision Warning, Driver Alert Control, Distance Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition.
December 2016
Skype for Business added to spec of V90
Described as "collaborative productivity app" enabling easy access conference calls from the car. Can view upcoming meetings and participant details, and join meetings with one click via the large centre display.
August 2018
T5 engine added to V90 range
Tuned to deliver 250PS and 350Nm of torque, the T5 has well-established credentials as a strong yet refined performer that delivers impressive fuel economy and emissions. It is matched as standard to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Economy is 41.5mpg and 157g/km with 0-62mph in just 7.0 seconds. T5 prices are from £43,120 for the V90 R-Design. The BIK tax rates are 32 per cent for the R-Design.
February 2020
Volvo V90 updated with mild hybrid tech
Facelifted model includes new foglights, a new spoiler design and a lower front bumper. There's also a new rear light design including full LED_powered signature lighting and a sequential turn indicator. Volvo's offering a range of new exterior colours and wheel options.
Inside, an upgraded Bowers & Wilkins audio system introduces a better in-car sound experience, thanks to new features such as an upgraded amplifier, automatic vehicle noise cancellation and a new setting that mimics the sound of your favourite jazz club.
Another new feature inside is an Advanced Air Cleaner with a PM 2.5 particle sensor. First developed for the Chinese market and now rolled out globally, it allows drivers to monitor interior air quality via the centre screen. If desired, the Advanced Air Cleaner can clean the cabin air of almost all tiny particles within a few minutes.
Double USB-C charging points are now standard in the rear (replacing the 12-volt outlet), while a wireless charging functionality is now available on most variants.
In terms of interior materials, the tailored wool blend seats introduced on the XC90 last year are now also available on all V90 models, while there is also a leather-free interior option for the top trim levels.
A 48-volt mild-hybrid system providing up to 15 per cent better fuel economy will also be offered.