2026 Volvo S90 Facelift Revealed: Why It Is Not Coming to the US

Summary

Volvo has refreshed its flagship S90 sedan, giving it a sleek new look with updates similar to last year's XC90 facelift. The S90 features a revised front end, new Matrix LED headlights, and redesigned tail lights. Inside, there's a larger 11.2-inch infotainment screen, and the ride is made more comfortable with improved sound insulation and adaptive suspension. The plug-in hybrid variant will offer up to 50 miles of all-electric range. Although sales have dropped, Volvo sees value in continuing the S90's production, focusing on Asian markets while phasing out its diesel and wagon variants.

Takeaways

• 😀 Volvo is giving its S90 sedan a facelift nearly a decade after its launch.
• 😀 Despite focusing on electric models like the ES90, Volvo is not abandoning its gasoline-powered luxury sedan.
• 😀 Sales of the S90 dropped by 18.4% in 2024, totaling 40,210 units, but Volvo continues to invest in the model.
• 😀 The updates on the S90 are similar to those seen on the XC90, with a refreshed front end including a revised grille, hood, front bumper, and fenders.
• 😀 New Matrix LED headlights offer a sharper, more modern look to the S90.
• 😀 The rear of the S90 has tweaked tail lights for a more refined finish.
• 😀 Two new paint options, Aurora Silver and Mulberry Red, are available, along with fresh two-tone alloy wheels.
• 😀 Inside, the most noticeable change is the 11.2-inch infotainment screen, now placed above the dashboard, inspired by the XC90.
• 😀 Volvo has improved sound insulation in the S90, making the interior quieter, and added adaptive suspension for better ride comfort.
• 😀 The plug-in hybrid version of the S90 will offer up to 50 miles of all-electric driving under the WLTP cycle, and a mild hybrid version will also be available in some markets.
• 😀 The V90 wagon will not be updated, and the estate model is being phased out in some regions like the Netherlands due to low sales.
• 😀 The updated S90 will first arrive in China this summer, with a gradual rollout to other select markets, but it will not be available in the United States or Europe due to import tariffs.

Q & A

Why is Volvo updating the S90 sedan after nearly a decade?

Volvo is giving the S90 a makeover due to its continued relevance in the luxury sedan market despite the shift towards electric models like the ES90. They see value in investing in one more facelift for the flagship model.

What changes were made to the front end of the updated S90?

The front end of the S90 has been refreshed with a revised grill, reshaped hood, front bumper, and fenders. The Matrix LED headlights also bring a sharper, more modern look.

Has the design of the S90’s tail section been updated?

Yes, the tail lights have been tweaked to offer a more refined and polished appearance.

What new features are introduced in the interior of the S90?

The most noticeable update inside is the new 11.2-inch infotainment screen, which is now positioned above the dashboard. Additionally, the interior features improved sound insulation and an adaptive suspension system for better ride comfort.

What kind of driving range can the plug-in hybrid variant of the S90 offer?

The plug-in hybrid version of the S90 will offer up to 50 miles of all-electric driving under the WLTP cycle.

Are there any changes to the S90’s engine options?

Yes, the diesel options are no longer available, but some markets will get a mild hybrid version with front-wheel drive.

Will the S90 be available in all markets?

No, the updated S90 will first be available in China and will roll out slowly to select other markets. It will not be available in the United States or Europe due to heavy import tariffs.

What paint options are available for the updated S90?

Volvo is introducing two new paint options for the S90: Aurora Silver and Mulberry Red.

How is the updated S90 different from the V90 wagon?

The V90 wagon has not received any official updates, and it is being phased out in some regions due to its low sales numbers, with only 9,939 units sold last year. The updated S90 sedan, however, will remain in production.

Why is the V90 wagon being phased out in certain markets like the Netherlands?

The V90 wagon is being phased out due to poor sales performance, particularly in regions like the Netherlands, where the estate model is being discontinued altogether.