Volvo V90 estate: full prices and specs revealed

Full details of the new Volvo V90 estate – sister car to the S90 saloon and XC90 SUV – have been announced, including prices, specifications and trim levels..

It’s the most luxurious estate from Volvo yet and is packed with cutting-edge features, including the latest in semi-autonomous ‘self-driving’ technology.

Volvo boss Hakan Samuelsson believes an estate car is essential to Volvo. He said: “We have a very strong position in the estate segment. In many people’s minds we are known as the definitive estate brand. While the Volvo brand today stands for more than estates, we are proud to carry forward this rich heritage with the V90.”

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This latest laucnh continues the rollout of Volvo’s new naming strategy. Under the new naming convention, V denotes estate models, while S and XC represent saloons and SUVs respectively. Volvo’s wider range has been split into three series: 40, 60 and 90 for small, medium and large cars.

Volvo V90 engines

Based on the same chassis technology as the other ’90-series’ models – the Volvo S90 saloon and Volvo XC90 SUV – the Volvo V90 uses the same range of engines.

Volvo has already confirmed a T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid that'll produce around 410bhp and have an electric-only range of around 31 miles, but there are also two 2.0-litre diesel engines available if you prefer a more traditional engine.

This plug-in hybrid version will be the flagship of the range, but diesels will be the biggest sellers in the UK. The line-up kicks off with the 187bhp D4 found elsewhere in the Volvo range, which emits 119g/km of CO2 and returns up to 62.8mpg. There's also a 232bhp D5 with four-wheel drive that emits 129g/km of CO2 and should return up to 57.6mpg.

On D5 versions, you can also add the Polestar Performance package, which adds an extra 5bhp, giving it 237bhp in total, as well as improving gearbox response. This, combined with better throttle response, should give the V90 a more dynamic and entertaining demeanour.

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Design>

On the outside, the Volvo V90 is very similar to its saloon sibling Volvo S90 and the XC90. There’s the same ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlights, the same rounded-off oblong concave grille with the large Volvo ‘Ironmark’ badge suspended by a diagonal chrome bar. The rest of the design is very clean and simple, with subtle body creases down the flanks and large light clusters that extend all the way up the rear tailgate surround.

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If you’d like a slightly more distinctive-looking V90, however, you could always opt for the racy R-Design model. These get a bespoke grille, piano black trim pieces at the front and rear, a front spoiler with integrated fog lights, a sporty body kit and matt-black finished five-spoke alloy wheels. These models also get lowered sports suspension that not only puts it lower to the ground, but also, according to Volvo, makes it more rewarding to drive.

Interior & practicality

Similar in size to the BMW 5 Series Touring, Audi A6 Avant and Mercedes E-Class estate, the Volvo V90 gets a 560-litre boot, which puts it about on par with its rivals. Volvo had previously described the V90 as being “elegant and functional”.

Its handsome interior is shared with the recently announced S90. That means a stylish dashboard featuring a high-definition screen that replaces analogue dials. A large touchscreen – already in service in the Volvo XC90 – will control the majority of the car’s functions.

Higher-specification R-Design models get sporty contour seats, unique interior trim, as well as new pedals and floor mats. These versions also get unique interior lighting.

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Volvo design chief Thomas Ingenlath said: “The modern premium estate is all about the intriguing combination of a luxurious experience with the functional origins of the estate’s silhouette. The sophisticated ambience of our new Volvo interiors is combined with a great cargo space, providing the right kind of functionality – whether through connectivity or cargo and storage solutions.”

Technology

The Volvo V90 is available with semi-autonomous technology, called Pilot Assist, which mirrors that fitted to the XC90. That means it can effectively drive itself in slow-moving traffic by taking control of the accelerator, brakes and steering. Volvo describes it as “the most advanced standard safety package on the market”.

The V90 will also feature Apple CarPlay technology, although other smartphones will be able to connect, too. The new V90 will also be available with an optional Spotify music app built into the car's Sensus infotainment system, which means you'll be able to play your music straight through the car instead of connecting it via Bluetooth, although you'll still be able to do this if you want.

Prices and on-sale date

The Volvo V90 is available to order now, with first deliveries expected in October 2016. There's a choice of three trim levels: Momentum, Inscription or R-Design. Momentum models come with heated leather seats, bright LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, keyless go and Volvo's Sensus sat-nav and touchscreen infotainment system.

If you want even more luxury, the Inscription comes with upgraded leather, electric front seats, a larger TFT screen in place of the dials (the Momentum has an eight-inch screen), a powered bootlid and larger alloy wheels.

Elsewhere in the range, R-Design models add a sportier element, including a bodykit, matt black alloy wheels and some unique interior treatments.

The entry-level V90 D4 Momentum costs £34,555, while a top-spec V90 D5 AWD Inscription costs £44,055.