Volvo introduces sexy new estate

Some weeks ago I introduced you to Volvo’s upcoming luxury saloon, the S90.

Now the Swedish car maker has taken the wraps off the V90 estate version – and it’s very pretty indeed.

Once upon a time Volvo estates were ugly ducklings. “Utilitarian” was the best adjective to describe them.

All that has certainly changed. We’ll have to wait to see it in the flesh to be sure but to my eyes, the V90 may edge out Jaguar’s XF Sportbrake for the title of most stylish estate.

It sits on Volvo’s new SPA platform, shared by the excellent new XC90 SUV.

Both of the brand’s most expensive cars have Volvo’s distinctive “Thor’s hammer” LED headlight design and a bold oblong central grille.

Volvo estates have been getting better looking over the years but sometimes that has been at the expense of practicality. The V90 is better in this regard. Total boot capacity with the rear seats folded is 1,526 litres, including under-floor storage space.

That’s pretty good and ought to be enough for most people. It’s still short of what the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 5 Series Touring can offer, though.

UK buyers will get the choice of two diesel engines, with 187bhp and 232bhp.

There are T5 and T6 petrol engines, with 251bhp and 316bhp respectively, but, initially at least, they won’t be offered in the UK.

Both diesels use an eight-speed automatic gearbox (with a six-speed manual on the entry-level D4). The entry-level D4 diesel emits 119g/km in the V90 and returns 62.8mpg. The more powerful D5 comes with all-wheel drive and returns 57.6mpg.

There will be two trim levels in the UK, Momentum and Inscription and more than half sold are likely to be in top-spec guise. Standard kit includes LED lights, leather seats, sat-nav and a nine-inch touchscreen display.

We don’t yet know what the price tag will be but expect at least a £1,000 increase over the saloon, meaning you won’t get one for less than £33,000.

It will go on sale later this year.

Pictures: Newspress. Thought family estates couldn’t be good looking? Volvo begs to differ with the new V90, which will be one of the Swedish company’s most practical, desirable and expensive cars.