The new Volvo S90 executive sedan launched in South Africa earlier this year and the Gothenburg-based firm has now expanded the local range to include 4 sportier R-Designderivatives. Take a look at what’s on offer…

Competing with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series and Audi A6, the Swedish Volvo S90 executive sedan offers high levels of comfort, safety, style and performance.

The S90’s appeal has now broadened with the introduction of 4 R-Design derivatives that not only bring edgier styling to the lineup but also offer enhanced dynamic ability.

Engine choice

A total of 4 S90 R-Design derivatives are on offer with 2 petrol and 2 diesel engines available.

There are 2 petrol and 2 diesel engines on offer for the S90 R-Design in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive formats. All engines 2.0-litre units and are mated to an 8-speed Geartronic transmission.

The front-wheel drive, diesel powered twin turbo D4 R-Design offers 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.4 L/100 km.

The all-wheel drive, twin turbo diesel D5 R-Design has outputs of 173 kW and 480 Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.8 L/100 km.

On the petrol front, the turbocharged T5 R-Design with front-wheel drive develops 187 kW and 350 Nm of torque with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.5 L/100 km.

The twin turbocharged all-wheel drive T6 R-Design features both a supercharger (for low down torque) and a turbocharger (for power high in the rev range), developing 235 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for this derivative is rated at 7.2 L/100 km.

The S90 R-Design's chassis has been uprated for sportier driving and features a tauter setup that’s optimised for enhanced dynamics. A double wishbone and coil front suspension and an integral axle with transverse composite leaf spring suspension at the rear supports the dynamic, yet comfortable feel of the S90 R-Design. Air suspension is not offered for R-Design derivatives.

Key design features

The S90 R-Design brings sporty appeal and engaging dynamics to the S90 range.

The S90 R-Designis visually distinguishable with a deeper front bumper, pronounced air dams and a new glossy R-Design grille with satin chrome accents. Satin chrome is also found around the windows and the mirror caps are finished in matt silver. The rear end features rhomboid tail pipes embedded in a sporty bumper with a colour-coded diffuser. The S90 R-Design rides on 19-inch alloy wheels as standard while 20- and 21-inch alloys are offered as an option.

Customers can further enhance the R-Design’s exterior appeal by opting for side sills, a chin spoiler for the front bumper, boot spoiler and split-integrated tail pipes.

The interior features contoured charcoal sports seats upholstered in Nappa leather. A sports steering wheel with perforated leather inserts and R-Design badge adds a sporty touch as does the aluminium sports pedals and gearshift paddles. The gear lever also features perforated leather with contrasting stitching. R-Design floor mats and door sills are a further reminder that this is no ordinary S90.

A total of 9 exterior colours are offered but Bursting Blue and Passion Red are exclusively available for the S90 R-Design derivatives.

Standard and optional features

A 9-inch Sensus Connect touchcreen is standard while a 360-degree camera is offered as an option.

Standard features for the Volvo S90 R-Design include ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED automatic headlights with Active Bending and Active High Beam, LED fog lights with cornering functionality, rear parking sensors, automatic windscreen wipers and laminated electric windows.

Interior features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 9-inch Sensus Connect touchscreen display with navigation and Internet connectivity, automatic dual zone climate control, electric seats with memory function, Drive Mode selector and a 10-speaker high-end sound system with Bluetooth and USB/Aux input.

The S90 R-Design is semi-autonomous with features such Pilot Assist, an extension of the Adaptive Cruise Control, which can control acceleration, braking and steering at speeds up to 130 kph, provided that clear lane markings are present on both side of the vehicle. This feature still requires full attention on behalf of the driver but affords the driver with higher levels of relaxation in traffic jams or on the highway.

The interior of the S90 R-Design is well-sorted with features but a host of optional equipment is available to suit your needs.

Optional features include heated seats, electric-powered tailgate with hand-free access, electric-folding rear seats and headrests, rear window sun blinds, 4-zone automatic climate control, tailored dashboard, graphical head-up display and carbon fibre interior panels.

Customers can also opt for Park Assist Pilot, blind spot information (BLIS), Cross Traffic Alert, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree parking camera system and a 19-speaker, Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

Standard safety features include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, BAS, HAS and ESC. City Safety autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning and pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection is also standard. IntelliSafe with run-off-road mitigation, impact-absorbing seats, automatic braking at intersections for oncoming traffic, lane keeping aid, lane departure warning, driver alert control and road sign information is also standard as are ISOFIX child seat mounts.

Volvo S90 R-Design – Price in South Africa

Volvo S90 T5 FWD R-Design Geartronic – R718 300

Volvo S90 D4 FWD R-Design Geartronic – R742 200

Volvo S90 D5 AWD R-Design Geartronic – R822 900

Volvo S90 T6 AWD R-Design Geartronic – R874 600

All derivatives come as standard with Volvo's 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and warranty, Tracker Connect and laminated glass.

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