As the South Africanmarket awaits the belated arrival of the S60 business-class sedan, Volvo has released details of its (very mildly) updated bigger brothers: the S90 executive sedan and its V90/V90 Cross Countrystation-wagon variants.

Whereas the S90 was launched in South Africa just over 3 years ago – in 2017, followed by the Cross Country (CC) version of the V90 estate a few months later – it remains an underappreciated offering in the executive sedan/estate segment of the market. At the time, the S90 was launched in conjunction with attractive Volvo Versatility Finance incentives (such as guaranteed future value deals, which are still in place) and we’ve reviewed several derivatives of the Swedish brand’s S90 and V90 CC ranges.

To underline how highly we rate the Swedish offerings, the S90 D5 R-Design was twice a finalist in its category of the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank. Now, as part of a running update (rather than a full facelift), Volvo has upgraded a number of features in the S90/V90 CC. Those familiar with Volvo Car SA’s local range will know that the standard V90 is not offered here.

The redesigned bumper and new fog lights can be clearly seen on this example of the updated V90 Cross Country.

In terms of aesthetic tweaks, the fronts of the cars now sport redesigned bumpers with new fog lights, while the V90 and V90 CC additionally feature a revised full-LED tail-light cluster, as well as sequential turn indicators. Fresh ranges of exterior colours and wheel designs have also been availed.

Inside, the Bowers & Wilkins audio system, which is regarded as one of the most impressive in-car sound audio setups, has been “comprehensively upgraded” with an improved amplifier, automatic vehicle-noise cancellation and a setting “that mimics the sound of your favourite jazz club”.

The distinctive lighting signature of the revised L-shaped LED tail-light-clusters.

Another new interior feature is the Advanced Air Cleaner (with a PM 2.5 particle sensor). It was initially developed for the Chinese market and allows drivers to monitor interior air quality via the infotainment screen. Volvo says the system “can clean the cabin air of almost all tiny particles within a few minutes.”

In terms of materials, exclusive tailored wool-blend seats (introduced on the XC90 facelift) are now available in the S90/V90, while a leather-free interior is optional for the top trim-grades. A wireless charging pad has been fitted and two USB-C charging points have replaced the 12V outlets in the back.

The Bowers & Wilkins audio system has an updated amplifier as well as vehicle-noise cancelling technology.

Meanwhile, Volvo will offer 48V mild-hybrid versions of the 2.0-litre turbopetrol and 2.0-litre -diesel motors. Such derivatives will be named with a “B” instead of a “T” or “D”, as in B4, B6 and B6, but, at the time of writing, it was not clear whether such derivatives will be offered in the South African market.

We’ll update you on the expected date of the local introduction of the updated S90/V90 CC ranges, as well as specifications and prices, as soon as more information becomes available.

New Volvo Specs & Prices in South Africa

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