New for 2017

The V90 is an all-new model.

The Volvo Wagon Reimagined

Volvo has been on a roll lately. The XC90 SUV received plenty of praise for its style, luxurious interior, and advanced powertrains. Volvo then applied many of those same elements to the S90 sedan. Now, it’s trying a third variant of that recipe, one that play’s to the company’s traditional strengths.

The 2017 Volvo V90 is the latest generation of Volvo station wagon. Volvo used to be known for its wagons, but has more recently reinvented itself with the S90, XC90, and the host of new technologies used in both models. So you could say this model combines the best of the old Volvo with the best of the new.

Performance

The V90 shares the Volvo Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with the S90 sedan and XC90 SUV. Both of those models have received praise for their solid feel, smooth rides, and competent handling, so that bodes well for the new wagon. Powertrains from the S90 also carry over to the V90.

Like the sedan, the V90 will come standard with Volvo’s “T5” powertrain, consisting of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination is good for 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive will be standard on the T5, while all-wheel drive will be standard on other models.

Offering more power is the V90 “T6,” which uses a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic. This engine is good for 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the “T8 Twin Engine” plug-in hybrid powertrain adds an electric motor to the T6 setup, boosting combined output to 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 will also a few miles of electric-only driving range.

EPA fuel-economy ratings for the various V90 powertrains aren’t available yet, but expect Volvo’s strategy of using only four-cylinder engines to pay dividends in terms or efficiency. If the XC90 and S90 are any indication, the downsized engines should still offer plenty of performance as well.

Features

The 2017 Volvo V90 is a five-door, five-seat wagon that is based on the S90 sedan. Pricing will be announced closer to the V90’s U.S. launch next year, and equipment levels should mirror those of the S90.

Assuming Volvo follows the same pattern as the S90, the V90 will be offered in Momentum and Inscription trim levels. On the S90, the Momentum model comes standard with leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, 18-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power front seats, Bluetooth®, navigation and more.

If the V90 Inscription model mirrors the S90 Inscription, it will incorporate applicable standard features from the Momentum, and add a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system, Apple CarPlay®, head-up display, four-zone automatic climate control, rear sunshades, cooled glovebox, ventilated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, high-level interior illumination, and 20-inch wheels.

Design

The 2017 Volvo V90 applies the handsome design language previously seen on the S90 and XC90 to the classic Volvo wagon. The result is stylish enough to dispel all stereotypes about station wagons, and is sure to turn more heads than a run-of-the-mill crossover SUV.

The front end makes a strong first impression. The concave grille and “Thor’s hammer” headlights are the new face of Volvo, and that’s just fine. In stark contrast to your philosophy professor’s old 240 wagon, the roofline is low and sleek. The tall taillights that rise nearly to the top of the rear hatch are like sculptures.

The interior combines sensible Scandinavian design and some of the highest-quality materials available in a new car. As with the exterior, many elements carry over from the S90 and XC90. That includes the steering wheel, which is as nice to use as it is to look at. Volvo also offers a portrait-oriented touchscreen, providing a more familiar layout for drivers used to smartphone screens.

All of this makes for a compelling new entrant in what was, for the most part, a moribund segment. Wagons offer most of the utility of SUVs while still preserving the driving dynamics of a car, but they’ve largely been forgotten because SUVs are more fashionable. But the V90 proves that wagons are still worth a look.

Safety

Like all Volvo models, expect the V90 to offer a generous array of standard and optional safety equipment. That will include standard features like large-animal detection, off-road mitigation, and Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving tech, that can’t be found on competitor cars.

Verdict

With sleek styling, advanced technology, and a luxurious interior, the 2017 Volvo V90 is a genuine alternative to SUVs.

Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 to schedule a test drive.

Image Credit: Volvo