Volvo takes aim at BMW 5 Series with new S90

Volvo has unveiled the S90, ahead of its international launch at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2016. The new upmarket saloon will go up against the BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XF and cost around £31,000 when it reaches UK showrooms in late 2016.

The S90 will be powered by a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, including the impressive 190PS D4 engine that emits just 99g/km of CO2 in the V40. Emissions for the S90 are yet to be confirmed, but the powerful T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain will be available, with 407PS and sub-50g/km of CO2. There's no details about fuel economy yet, but expect the hybrid to offer 100+mpg.

Power will be delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, while D5 models with 225PS will use four-wheel drive and emit around 133g/km of CO2. 

Volvo will pack the S90 with its latest semi-autonomous driving technology and Pilot Assist has already been confirmed, providing automatic steering adjustments to keep the car aligned within lane markings on the motorway or A roads. The system will work up to speeds of 80mph and reflects the development work Volvo's has put in towards full autonomous driving. 

The S90 will use the same platform as the XC90 and shares a number of styling cues from the SUV, with a large vertical grille, LED running lights and hammer light signatures. The interior should feature a similar high quality finish, with lots of soft-touch plastics and a large iPad-like screen dominating the centre console, while leather seats and automatic climate control will be offered as paid for options.