The Volvo XC60 is dominating the market with about million examples sold all around the world, and that is why its replacement requires more production space. This caused Volvo to move the production of the smaller S90 sedan from the Torslanda, Sweden to Daqing, China.
Even though the average Chinese person is six inches shorter than the average Swede, they will still ride in the sedans with stretched wheelbases. In other words, the S90 that will be produced in China will be 4.7 inches longer. Both wheelbases are assembled by Daqing, but the decision comes from the US marketing department that all stateside-bound S90 models start using the extended wheelbase from 2018.
Because of this change, the rear legroom is increased from 36 inches to 40.5 inches, which is now best in the segment. The window opening, door cutlines all work fine despite the additional length of the vehicle, so you don’t need to worry. Due to the size increase, the FWD T5 and the AWD T6’s 2017 price will jump by $1,150.
From now on, you will have a chance to install an AWD configuration in the T5 models, and this will cost $2,200, but there is no longer the T5 inscription trim. In addition, Volvo offers a new T8 twin-engine plug-in hybrid car in two versions – the Momentum and Inscription which cost $64,645 and $69,145 respectively. The most fashionable Volvo S90 Excellence will not be sold across the Pacific, unfortunately.
If you want to upgrade to the Inscription grade, you will need to add $2,000 more than before. Some of the features such as power sunshades for the backlite and rear-seat side windows, 19-inch wheels and four-zone climate control are now available, so when you think about it, the extra $2,000 isn’t much. There is also the $3,450 Luxury package that consists of front seat massaging, leather-covered grab handles and visors, a Nubuck Faux suede headliner, a deluxe rear armrest and heated and ventilated rear seats.
What is also new is the software on the user-interface screen, due to which the response time is improved, and some of the menus are simplified. However, for example, the colors and the fonts remain the same as before. The 2018 Volvo S90 will also introduce an enhanced software to the lane keeping assist system and steering assist, while the elongated S90 will go on sale this fall.
