L to R - H.E Ambassador Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia and Mr Lennart Stegland, MD Volvo Car Malaysia
Friday, the 24th of March 2017 marked another milestone for Volvo here in Malaysia. The brand has now launched their newest flagship models, the Volvo S90 sedan and the Volvo V90 estate. Both, like the recently launched XC90 make up Volvo's renaissance and basically a comeback into the premium vehicle arena after some time lost in the Scandinavian wilderness. Well, according to Yours Truly that is.
V90 T5
At the time of launch, the Malaysian variants offered for both the S90 and the V90 are the T5 and T6 models. The S90/V90 T5 makes 254hp/350Nm torque from its 2.0liter Drive-E 4 cylinder single turbocharged engine whilst the T6 makes 320hp/400Nm from the same, albeit twin-charged (supercharged/turbocharged engine). Both have an 8 speed automatic transmission.
The T6 variants come in R Design form with sportier trimming and proper sports bucket seats (above) with more adjustments.The T5 comes in more traditional luxury/premium trim with real wood paneling and brushed aluminium instead of carbon fibre bits and other racy bits. Both are equally nice to look at. One aggressive, the other all pish-posh and understated.
I have to say Volvo have got their large sedan and wagon as perfect as it could be. The cars are considered Executive Sedans/Wagons that are slightly longer and wider in dimension if you were to compare them with something like an Audi A6 or a BMW 5 Series. A simpler description would be a long wheel base version of the cars mentioned. You can tell that it is quite large inside due to the rear legroom. And in the wagon, a lengthy rear boot space.
What I do like about the S90/V90 is that it is like the XC90 that was launched last year here. Volvo have got nearly everything right in terms of design, materials used and powertrain. In terms of its powertrain, the Drive-E engine does its job well. I have sampled this 2.0liter engine in the current S60 T6 and it makes it a rocket. It should perform as sweet as it did in this car. And since this car is built on Volvo's latest modular SPA platform, it should drive a lot better.
As for styling and design, it looks wonderful inside and out. The exterior looks all taut and low. The front 'Thor' headlights and that large front grille with that unique inward concave portrays power as well as the needed 'bling' or jewellery that is very welcome in a premium car. In these parts of the world, a large, slightly showy front end is needed to show that you've arrived. It must have actually been quite hard for Volvo's designers to come with the right balance between understated Scandinavian design and the need to have a bold, slightly showy front end.
The rest of the car is also a marvel to look at. The character lines at the flanks work well and blend everything together. I love the rear lights in the sedan. I also like the sporty rear slope of the V90's tailgate. The designers compromised a tad bit and put style over practicality by having that rear end slope a little instead of a squared off rear end. Both cars are as graceful, stylish yet aggressive as they can be.
The interior is beautifully crafted. Leather, wood, aluminium and plastic work seamlessly inside. The wood grain used is real wood and you can feel the natural grain here (just like its SUV sibling, the XC90). The fit and finish is exemplary. The leather used the wrap the seats and door panels come from cows that live at altitudes higher than 1,000ft above sea level so that there are less insect bite on them (less scarring on the leather). Everything has been thought off. There are child booster seats that are built into the rear seats. There are single release buttons for the headrests and rear set to drop in the wagon. There are nicely turning air-vents to touch and there are other stuff to play with, especially that large infotainment screen in the middle of the center console. So many good things that are so tactile to touch.
So how good is the perceived luxury of the S90 and V90's interior? Close to something that a Bentley, Rolls Royce or even a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Good materials are everywhere. The cars have something intangible called a sense of occasion which is lacking in many new cars these days.
I also love the fact that Volvo Cars Malaysia have decided to bring in the V90 wagon. Whilst estates or station wagons are quite a niche market here, I have to say that the thought of having a Volvo wagon on sale here is a very reassuring thing indeed. It adds more choice for us consumers and it also adds more character to the automobile landscape of this country too.
At the time of launch, these four variants- the S90 T5, T6 R Design and V90 T5, T6 R Design are the only models offered. The cars are fully imported into Malaysia (CBU). The prices (without insurance) for the S90 start at RM388,888 for the T5 and RM453,888 for the T6 R Design. The V90 comes in at RM393,888 and RM458,888 for the T6 R Design.
Aside from what was mentioned above, Volvo Car Malaysia have the intention of locally assembling the car here for this region's right hand drive markets. This is planned to happen sometime at the end of the year and when they do, it is presumed that the model that will be assembled would need to take full advantage of Malaysia's automotive policies. I assume that the model that would be assembled and eventually sold here would be the plug-in hybrid variants of the cars above. I expect the autobahn storming T8 variants to be here after this! 400hp/600Nm twin engine T8. I cannot wait!
(overview - 2017 Volvo S90/V90, specification list and prices after the pics below)
PRESS RELEASE
Date of issue March 24, 2017
Volvo Car Malaysia challenges the most traditional premium car
segment with the new Volvo S90 & V90
KUALA LUMPUR – Volvo Car Malaysia is following-up the success of its XC90 T8 Twin Engine with the launch of two new models, the new Volvo S90 and V90. Built on the new Scalable Product Architecture
(SPA), both models represent the second phase of Volvo’s transformation.
The Volvo S90 and V90 will present a strong challenge to the traditional premium DE segment with its distinctly Scandinavian idea of luxury – a proposition that is achieved through the use of natural materials, ergonomic and purposeful design, and driven by cutting-edge technological innovations.
“Volvo’s idea was to offer something entirely different to this rather conservative segment and deliver a visual expression that exudes confidence on the exterior while delivering a high-end luxury experience in the interior,” said Lennart Stegland, the Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.
Overall, both the S90 and V90 has taken big strides in terms of driving dynamics, performance and ride. Volvo has completely redesigned the driving experience from the ground up to offer customers a greater sense of precision, engaging control and comfort. From the outset, both models convey gorgeous proportions, sitting lower, longer and wider than its segment competitors.
The S90 and V90 will be offered in two variants: T5 and T6 R-Design, a turbocharged engine producing 254 hp (187 kW) at 5,500 rpm, and a turbocharged and supercharged engine producing 320 hp (235 kW) at 5,700 rpm respectively. The T5 will deliver a maximum torque of 350 Nm from 1,500 – 4,800 rpm to the front wheels while the T6 R-Design will intelligently translate a maximum torque of 400 Nm from 2,200 –,5400 rpm to all four wheels.
The aggressive stance of the car is very pronounced in the T6 R-Design thanks to its wider tyres, Sport Chassis tuning, and a more dynamic expression on the exterior. The T6 R-Design variant will also receive Sport options such as a combination Nubuck and Perforated Nappa Leather Contour Seats with Side Support and Cushion Extensions, and R-Design Steering and Gear Lever among other things.
The V90 will benefit from both variants but adds the versatility of a modern estate. The V90 sees the return of big estates for Volvo Car Malaysia and with this launch, becomes the sole offer in the local premium DE segment estate.
“The V90 gives homage to our strong heritage and history in the premium estate segment. We are aware that the estate segment is a very niche in Malaysia but if we look at the increasingly dynamic lifestyle of Malaysians, we are certain that more and more people will re-discover the appeal of a premium estate,” adds Stegland.
Both cars will be equipped with a host of driver assist technologies as standard. Included in this Intellisafe package is Volvo’s City Safety, an advanced Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system that could detect and mitigate collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals. Another feature that is included as standard is the advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist. This system gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings and functions up to highway speeds of around 130 km/h while automatically maintaining the set distance and speed determined by the user.
The S90 T5 and T6 R-Design will be priced at RM388,888 and RM453,888 (both on-the- road without insurance, inclusive of six per cent GST) while the V90 T5 and T6 R-Design will be priced at RM393,888 and RM458,888 (both on-the- road without insurance, inclusive of six per cent GST).
Customers can choose between Onyx Black, Ice White, Osmium Grey and Bright Silver for all variants. Customers can also opt for Mussel Blue which is exclusive for both T5 variants.
Meanwhile, T6 R-Design customers can also select the signature Bursting Blue colour for either their S90 or V90.
When it comes to interior selection, T5 customers can choose between three interior upholstery colours which includes Charcoal, Amber, and Blond in combination with two inlay options: Iron Ore or Dark Flame Birch. T6 R-Design customers will receive the Nubuck and Perforated Nappa Leather Contour Seats in Charcoal as standard with a selection of either Metal Mesh or Carbon Fibre deco inlay.
Volvo’s new face
Like the XC90, the S90 and V90 will carry the proud and confident face of Volvo’s new design language, along with classic Volvo styling cues. Key features include the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight design, the new grille and Volvo Iron Mark, and the expressive use of the Volvo word mark on the rear.
R-Design
R-Design delivers an edge to the elegance of the S90 sedan and estate with a winning combination of a sportier, more responsive drive with clearly visible performance styling. Central to the S90 and V90 R-Design is an advanced sport chassis that delivers an energetic, road-hugging drive.
Sporting a new front-end design with spoiler-integrated fog lights, the R-Design models come with a unique grille and piano black trim on both front and rear. The 5-spoke R-Design wheels add to the performance feel.
A wide range of styling cues are included on the inside – from 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.
Semi-autonomous drive
The S90 launches with IntelliSafe Assist as standard. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert and the advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist. The Pilot Assist functionality gives gentle steering input to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to motorway speeds of around 130 km/h and no longer needs to follow another car. Pilot Assist is another step towards full autonomous drive – a key innovation area for Volvo, and one which is highlighted at the show with the Concept 26 display, which envisions how a car interior could look and feel in a fully autonomous Volvo.
PRESS RELEASE
Date of issue March 24, 2017
Volvo Car Malaysia challenges the most traditional premium car
segment with the new Volvo S90 & V90
KUALA LUMPUR – Volvo Car Malaysia is following-up the success of its XC90 T8 Twin Engine with the launch of two new models, the new Volvo S90 and V90. Built on the new Scalable Product Architecture
(SPA), both models represent the second phase of Volvo’s transformation.
The Volvo S90 and V90 will present a strong challenge to the traditional premium DE segment with its distinctly Scandinavian idea of luxury – a proposition that is achieved through the use of natural materials, ergonomic and purposeful design, and driven by cutting-edge technological innovations.
“Volvo’s idea was to offer something entirely different to this rather conservative segment and deliver a visual expression that exudes confidence on the exterior while delivering a high-end luxury experience in the interior,” said Lennart Stegland, the Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.
Overall, both the S90 and V90 has taken big strides in terms of driving dynamics, performance and ride. Volvo has completely redesigned the driving experience from the ground up to offer customers a greater sense of precision, engaging control and comfort. From the outset, both models convey gorgeous proportions, sitting lower, longer and wider than its segment competitors.
The S90 and V90 will be offered in two variants: T5 and T6 R-Design, a turbocharged engine producing 254 hp (187 kW) at 5,500 rpm, and a turbocharged and supercharged engine producing 320 hp (235 kW) at 5,700 rpm respectively. The T5 will deliver a maximum torque of 350 Nm from 1,500 – 4,800 rpm to the front wheels while the T6 R-Design will intelligently translate a maximum torque of 400 Nm from 2,200 –,5400 rpm to all four wheels.
The aggressive stance of the car is very pronounced in the T6 R-Design thanks to its wider tyres, Sport Chassis tuning, and a more dynamic expression on the exterior. The T6 R-Design variant will also receive Sport options such as a combination Nubuck and Perforated Nappa Leather Contour Seats with Side Support and Cushion Extensions, and R-Design Steering and Gear Lever among other things.
The V90 will benefit from both variants but adds the versatility of a modern estate. The V90 sees the return of big estates for Volvo Car Malaysia and with this launch, becomes the sole offer in the local premium DE segment estate.
“The V90 gives homage to our strong heritage and history in the premium estate segment. We are aware that the estate segment is a very niche in Malaysia but if we look at the increasingly dynamic lifestyle of Malaysians, we are certain that more and more people will re-discover the appeal of a premium estate,” adds Stegland.
Both cars will be equipped with a host of driver assist technologies as standard. Included in this Intellisafe package is Volvo’s City Safety, an advanced Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system that could detect and mitigate collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals. Another feature that is included as standard is the advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist. This system gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings and functions up to highway speeds of around 130 km/h while automatically maintaining the set distance and speed determined by the user.
The S90 T5 and T6 R-Design will be priced at RM388,888 and RM453,888 (both on-the- road without insurance, inclusive of six per cent GST) while the V90 T5 and T6 R-Design will be priced at RM393,888 and RM458,888 (both on-the- road without insurance, inclusive of six per cent GST).
Customers can choose between Onyx Black, Ice White, Osmium Grey and Bright Silver for all variants. Customers can also opt for Mussel Blue which is exclusive for both T5 variants.
Meanwhile, T6 R-Design customers can also select the signature Bursting Blue colour for either their S90 or V90.
When it comes to interior selection, T5 customers can choose between three interior upholstery colours which includes Charcoal, Amber, and Blond in combination with two inlay options: Iron Ore or Dark Flame Birch. T6 R-Design customers will receive the Nubuck and Perforated Nappa Leather Contour Seats in Charcoal as standard with a selection of either Metal Mesh or Carbon Fibre deco inlay.
Volvo’s new face
Like the XC90, the S90 and V90 will carry the proud and confident face of Volvo’s new design language, along with classic Volvo styling cues. Key features include the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight design, the new grille and Volvo Iron Mark, and the expressive use of the Volvo word mark on the rear.
R-Design
R-Design delivers an edge to the elegance of the S90 sedan and estate with a winning combination of a sportier, more responsive drive with clearly visible performance styling. Central to the S90 and V90 R-Design is an advanced sport chassis that delivers an energetic, road-hugging drive.
Sporting a new front-end design with spoiler-integrated fog lights, the R-Design models come with a unique grille and piano black trim on both front and rear. The 5-spoke R-Design wheels add to the performance feel.
A wide range of styling cues are included on the inside – from 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.
Semi-autonomous drive
The S90 launches with IntelliSafe Assist as standard. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert and the advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist. The Pilot Assist functionality gives gentle steering input to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to motorway speeds of around 130 km/h and no longer needs to follow another car. Pilot Assist is another step towards full autonomous drive – a key innovation area for Volvo, and one which is highlighted at the show with the Concept 26 display, which envisions how a car interior could look and feel in a fully autonomous Volvo.
PHOTOS - VOLVO S90/V90 T5
PHOTOS - VOLVO S90/V90 T6 R DESIGN
Overview - Volvo S90 / V90 - model year 2017
All the 90 series cars- V90, XC90, S90 V90 CrossCountry
The S90 is Volvo’s new premium 4-door, 5-seat flagship sedan. The V90 is Volvo’s new 5-door, 5-seat large premium estate.. It is built on the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), Volvo’s advanced modular product platform that will underpin all new Volvo cars in the 90 and (upcoming) 60 Series.
Like its siblings XC90 and V90, the S90 carries the proud and confident face of Volvo’s new design language, along with classic Volvo styling cues. Key features include the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight design, the new grille and Volvo Iron Mark, and the expressive use of the Volvo word mark on the rear.
In the cabin, Volvo has taken cues from the success of its XC90 model and raised the bar with new details on the dashboard and instrument panel, including new air blades that stand vertically on each side of the Sensus user interface.
Connectivity
All new Volvos are now connected, thanks to Volvo’s connectivity offering called Sensus. It delivers an intuitive touch screen interface that combines car functions, navigation, connected services and in-car entertainment applications such as Spotify, Pandora, Baidu or TuneIn. The portrait-oriented touch screen enables easy and fast access to a host of functions and features. See our Sensus factsheet for more details.
Powertrain technology
The S90 is powered by Volvo’s Drive-E powertrains, including petrol, diesel and Volvo’s T8 Twin Engine, a petrol plug-in hybrid mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Volvo’s T8 Twin Engine delivers all the benefits of a high performance, low emission petrol engine with an electric motor that delivers power on demand with CO2 emissions at just 44 g/km, more than 45 km of pure electric range and a combined power output of around 410 hp. More details around the powertrain offer can be found in the Technical Specifications.
Safety and semi-autonomous drive
Volvo’s leadership in the field of automotive safety is confirmed in the S90. Volvo’s City Safety Technology, standard on all Volvo models, combines automatic breaking functionality and collision avoidance systems to cover a range of potential accident scenarios and help keep you safe.
City Safety’s functionality is further extended in the S90 with Large Animal Detection, designed to help avoid or mitigate collisions with large animals such as moose. An auto-steer functionality which helps to keep you on the road, called Run Off Road Mitigation, has also been added.
Volvo’s overall safety offering, called IntelliSafe, encompasses both active and passive safety systems and forms the groundwork for Volvo’s leadership in the field of autonomous drive. The S90 already offers semi-autonomous drive with Pilot Assist, which works up to 130 km/h on clearly marked roads. Pilot Assist is another step towards Volvo’s Vision 2020, which states that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by 2020.
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