Volvo rolls with the changes. In fact, from Latin, the word 'Volvo' translates to 'I Roll.'
The up-market Swedish automaker learned to adapt and roll forward not just to survive, but thrive within a sometimes fickle environment. Since 2010, Volvo's been part of Zhejiang Geely Holdings, one of China's fastest-growing auto conglomerates. The decade prior found Volvo a cog within Ford Motor Company's workings.
While fellow Swede Saab has all but vanished, Volvo continues expanding (and rolling), most notably here in the states. By 2018, its first U.S. production facility is scheduled to open on the outskirts of Charleston, South Carolina.
Lex Kerssemakers, Volvo's President and CEO of Volvo Car, USA, spoke at a packed ballroom luncheon during last February's Chicago Auto Show Preview Days about the company's commitment to safety and technologies, dating back to the late 1950s while patenting the now-common three-point safety belt.
"Technologies such as pedestrian, cyclist and animal detection are all key steps in our autonomous driving journey," Kerssemakers commented; by his side, Volvo's all-new 2017 S90 flagship sedan.
Volvo's alpha-numeric vehicle identification continues logical and decipherable. For example, the higher the divisible-by-10 numeric suffix, the larger the vehicle. Three alpha prefixes define body structure: S denotes sedan, XC designates high-riding crossover while V represents versatility (think sleek, updated station wagons).
The all-new, first-generation S90 premium sedan replaces the ageing, long-in-the-tooth S80. While a good trooper, S80 (undergoing its last major redo way back in 2006) employed a rather bland exterior with a total length nearly identical to Volvo's higher volume mid-size S60 sedan (soon to call South Carolina its production home).
The 2017 S90 grows in length by more than four inches and adds six inches of width compared with S80, resulting in notable back seat leg room growth. Still, S90's length is shorter than other European flagships from BMW or Mercedes.
Front-wheel drive versions denote with a "T5" suffix while all-wheel models opt for a "T6" designate. The sole transmission is a silky smooth eight-speed automatic. Trim groups get broken down into 'inscription' and 'momentum.'
The S90 marks Volvo's second vehicle introduced in America utilizing 'Scalable Product Architecture' (SPA), a flexible, modular chassis technology generating significant economies of scale as ensuing redesigns borrow from the same playbook.
One might expect a V-6 or even V-8 to motive Volvo's all-new flagship sedan. Instead, U.S. customers choose between two high-energy, well-tested, four-cylinders already touring Volvo's current tech lineup.
Our T6 tester came equipped with 'dual charged' technology consisting of a turbocharger (upping oomph through recycled exhaust gases) and supercharger (compressing a higher volume of air into the engine at front end of the four-stroke cycle). An impressive 316 horsepower gets generated by this 2.0-liter direct-injected four cylinder. Also available; a 2.0-liter four cylinder (in T5 trims) that's solely turbocharged delivering 250 horses. Both recommend premium fuel. A hybrid-powered version (T8) is due out later in the model year.
The S90 breaks from stodgy to bold with a sizable front grille. The prominent nose-like end includes the iconic Volvo logo (resembling the ancient symbol for iron) a circle with arrow head pointing directionally to the upper right. Headlights described by Volvo as "Thor's hammer" (a styled "T" pattern held by the God of thunder) flank the oversized nose and swivel in sync with steering wheel maneuvers. After sunset, strap-like body-colored handles illuminate with drivers with key fobs approach. Similar underpinnings serve as a platform to Volvo's all-new 2017 V90 wagon arriving soon. Both shine with understated elegance.
If the grille makes a statement outside, a huge multi-purpose touch screen accomplishes similar results inside as the dashboard's artful centerpiece. Mimicking dimensions of a vertically-standing iPad, the screen (5.5 inches wide by 7.25 inches deep) is flanked by long, narrow air vents contrasting with square-shaped geometric shapes at the dashboard's far ends. A chrome-like accent rail traverses the dashboard length, framing square vent ends.
Thick dashboard padding and light-brown, depth-driven faux wood trim (creating a three-dimensional effect) surround the vertical portrait screen like fine Scandinavian-crafted furniture. Hands wrap around a two-toned, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Below the massive screen resides a half-dollar sized dial. When twisted, volume adjusts. Push in and the multi-purpose screen turns on and off. Flanking the dial horizontally; four small push buttons. That's it. This clean upgrade stands in stark contrast to not-long-ago Volvo interiors with cluttered, button-centric pads resembling a touch-tone phone design.
Invest a good chunk of time to familiarize screen interactions. While on-line videos and old-school owner's manuals help decipher unknowns, the best strategy may involve a tight one-on-one relationship with knowledgeable dealer personal. Toyota's 2017 Prius Prime offers a similar size screen, but with a slightly friendlier approach.
Electronic start comes standard, but not the circular push button type. Instead, between front buckets, a cube-like prompt twists to the right to start, and left at session's end. The brake pedal must be pushed before electronic ignition engages.
Directly behind, an appendix-like, thumb-operated, rotary scroll selects drive modes. Also in the region, a small electronic parking-brake pull tab. Twelve-volt power ports are found near the transmission shifter, in the back row and trunk.
A massive 12.3-inch animated flat screen instrument panel includes a second navigation projection between circular gauge projections when summoned via steering wheel controls.
Starting price for a front-drive S90 T5 checks in at $46,950. Our all-wheel drive T6 'Inscription' started at $56,250 and options added quickly to the bottom line. With Vision Package (Cross traffic alert, 360-degree view camera- $1,950), Climate/Heads up display Package (heated steering wheel and seats-$1,950) and Convenience Package (power trunk lid, front-rear park assist- $1,000), Premium sound group ($2,650), metallic paint ($560) and 20-inch alloy wheels, ($750), the final tab added to $66,105 with $995 destination charge.
All offerings include fuel-extending start/stop technology, automatically shutting down the engine at prolonged stops, than awakening the sleeping powertrain once lifting the right foot from the brake pedal. Occupants experience a slight reverberation during both events. If all gets too disconcerting, the technology may be disengaged through a menu selection within the multi-function screen.
Upon entering the I-355 tollway ramp, S90 remained planted as did the driver when accelerating around curves and into merging traffic. Bucket seats remain supportive, well-padded and easily adjustable. Never did S90 feel underpowered, but a 'wheezing' sound from the supercharger was audible with open windows.
The S90 is the second of nine new vehicles Volvo will launch in the next four years and the first in the U.S. to feature 'semi-autonomous' features and the second-generation of 'Pilot Assist' technologies as standard equipment. It's not a self-driving Silicon Valley car, but a vehicle greatly assisted by technology.
Building upon radar-enhanced cruise control, S90 Pilot Assist technologies monitor accelerating, braking and steering at speeds up to 80 miles per hour under ideal conditions (such as roads with well-defined markings) without needing to follow a vehicle in front. As with start/stop technologies, these and other conveniences may be switched off through the center screen tutorial.
At shallow 13.5 cubic feet of cargo room measures less than just about any other flagship vehicle, so pack carefully.
2017 Volvo S90Price as tested: $66,105
Wheelbase: 115.8 inches
Length: 195.4 inches
Width: 79.5 inches
Height: 56.8 inches
Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo/supercharged
Horsepower: 316
Total weight: 4,222 pounds
City/Highway economy: 22 mpg city/ 31 mpg highway
Assembly: Gothenburg, Sweden