Volvo Reveals Two LWB S90 Models, Announces S90 Production Moving to China

Volvo is stretching the S90 lineup - literally. The Swedish automaker announced today two long-wheelbase S90 models for the Chinese market. Both models ride on a wheelbase that is 4.7-inches longer than standard S90 - 120.5 vs. 115.8 inches. 

The first model is simply a stretched version of the S90 called the S90 Long Wheelbase. The second model is the S90 Excellence which stands as the most luxurious vehicle Volvo has offered. The most noticeable feature is Volvo's Lounge Console. First shown in a concept last year, the console takes the place of the front passenger seat and provides a number of features to the person sitting behind it. The console features a large storage compartment, built-in entertainment system with a large display, and adjustable footrest.

Other luxuries include power adjustments for the seats, heated and cooled cupholders, a built-in refrigerator, and crystal glasses.

The S90 Excellence is powered by Volvo's T8 Twin Engine Plug-In, while the S90 Long Wheelbase offers T4 and T5 powertrains along with the T8.

Volvo also announced that it would be moving production of the S90 from Torslanda, Sweden to Daqing, China where it will be exported around the world. 

“China will play an increasingly important part in our global manufacturing ambitions. Our factories here will deliver world-class products for export across the globe in coming years, contributing to our objective of selling up to 800,000 cars a year by 2020,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Car Group in a statement.

The S90 isn't the only model that will be built China. The current and next-generation 60 Series will be built in Chengdu and the upcoming 40 Series models will be made at a new plant in Luqiao. Volvo declined to comment whether these vehicles will be exported.

The S90 LWB and Excellence will debut at the Guangzhou auto show this month. Production of the S90 LWB will kick off later this year and will be coming to the U.S. The Excellence will go into production next year.

Source: Volvo, Automotive News (Subscription Required)
Press Release is on Page 2

Volvo Cars unveils new version of the S90 sedan and top-of-the-line S90 Excellence in Shanghai, marking a new era for car-making in China

Volvo Cars, the premium carmaker, has unveiled a new upgraded China version of its S90 sedan and a top-of-the-line luxury model called S90 Excellence, both aimed at the high-end sedan market, in advance of their first public appearance at the 2016 Guangzhou Motor Show.

The new S90 will be the most premium car ever made in China. Both versions will be built in Volvo Cars’ production facility in Daqing, China, and exported globally, highlighting the high levels of quality that underpin Volvo’s global manufacturing strategy.

“China will play an increasingly important part in our global manufacturing ambitions. Our factories here will deliver world-class products for export across the globe in coming years, contributing to our objective of selling up to 800,000 cars a year by 2020,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO, Volvo Car Group.

Volvo has paved the way in developing China’s exports of cars to global markets. It was the first Western car maker to export a premium China-made car to the US in 2015 with the S60 Inscription, which received a full 5-Star rating in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing.

Premium credentials

Both the S90 cars underscore Volvo’s credentials as a premium car maker.

“The first thing you notice in the S90 Excellence is that we have removed the front passenger seat and replaced it with what we call the Lounge Console, designed to meet the chauffeur-driven executive customers’ need to relax or work while on the move. The second thing you will notice is the high quality materials that combine to deliver a well-thought-through and immersive luxury feel,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Car Group.

The S90 Excellence incorporates many features designed to enhance the in-car experience – a full panoramic roof, foldout worktables, clever storage, a heated and cooled cup holder, an adjustable footrest and a built-in entertainment system featuring a large display for work or entertainment purposes. The S90 Excellence also includes a rear-seat touchscreen control interface, a built-in refrigeration compartment and handmade crystal glasses from Swedish glassmaker Orrefors.

The S90 will be available with Volvo Cars’ award-winning T4 and T5 petrol engines and the top-of-the-line T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, delivering an uncompromising mix of performance and pure electric power that makes the most of Volvo’s ‘Relaxed Confidence’ chassis settings. The S90 Excellence will only come with the T8 Twin Engine powertrain option.

The new cars will come with a host of standard safety features including Large Animal Detection as a part of the City Safety system, Pilot Assist, which is a hands-on-the-wheel semi-autonomous driver assistance system that works up to 130 km/h.

Volvo’s new 90 Series cars also come with the convenience of smartphone integration, incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allowing convenient access to familiar smartphone features via the large centre display in the car.

Both cars will be available with a new CleanZone air quality system that employs an ionic air cleaner, a PM 2.5 real-time monitor in the four-zone air conditioning system.

The new S90 goes into production in November. The S90 Excellence follows next year.