Automotive

Volvo focuses on discerning backseat executives

Volvo focuses on discerning backseat executives
The front passenger seat in the S90 Excellence is replaced by a multi-mode space that allows backseat executives to work, rest or play in style
The front passenger seat in the S90 Excellence is replaced by a multi-mode space that allows backseat executives to work, rest or play in style
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From the outside, the S90 Excellence is the same handsome sedan as the standard car
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From the outside, the S90 Excellence is the same handsome sedan as the standard car
The Volvo S90 Excellence is powered by a T8 hybrid powertrain
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The Volvo S90 Excellence is powered by a T8 hybrid powertrain
The Lounge Console in the Volvo S90 Excellence acts as shoe holder
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The Lounge Console in the Volvo S90 Excellence acts as shoe holder
Productive travelers are able to use the Volvo S90 Excellence for work
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Productive travelers are able to use the Volvo S90 Excellence for work
The front passenger seat in the S90 Excellence is replaced by a multi-mode space that allows backseat executives to work, rest or play in style
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The front passenger seat in the S90 Excellence is replaced by a multi-mode space that allows backseat executives to work, rest or play in style
Backseat drivers have a good view in the Volvo S90 Excellence
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Backseat drivers have a good view in the Volvo S90 Excellence
Volvo has committed to providing a new take on luxury in the S90 Excellence
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Volvo has committed to providing a new take on luxury in the S90 Excellence
The new Volvo S90 Excellence is aimed at discerning backseat drivers
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The new Volvo S90 Excellence is aimed at discerning backseat drivers 
The Volvo S90 Excellence is handsome from the rear, although it's a different handsome to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class
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The Volvo S90 Excellence is handsome from the rear, although it's a different handsome to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class
The 'Thor's Hammer' headlamps on the Volvo S90 Excellence
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The 'Thor's Hammer' headlamps on the Volvo S90 Excellence
Volvo is fitting Pilot Assist to the S90 Excellence
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Volvo is fitting Pilot Assist to the S90 Excellence
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Volvo is on the comeback trail at the moment, propelled by an injection of cash from its new Chinese owners. The XC90 is an efficient, capable alternative to the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE, and the S90 is a uniquely Swedish take on the luxury midsize sedan. For some though, that unique take won't be quite luxurious enough, so Volvo has created the S90 Excellence.

The main touch making the S90 Excellence more, well, excellent than the regular S90 sedan is a revised version of the Lounge Console Concept shown off in Shanghai last year. Instead of fitting a passenger seat, which eats into precious rear-seat legroom, Volvo has slotted a multi-purpose footrest into the space next to the driver. As well as freeing up enough legroom to make first-class airline flyers jealous, it turns the rear seat into a multi-use space for picky passengers.

In workspace mode, passengers are able to use the fold-out table and pop-up screen to run their laptop. Swapping to entertainment mode puts video content on the screen, with audio streaming through the wireless Bowers & Wilkins headphones. When that's too much, the screen can be folded away in relaxation mode.

Along with its fancy Lounge Console, the S90 Excellence is fitted with a set of ultra-luxurious reclining massage seats in the back. There's even a drinks cooler and storage for crystal glasses, just in case the urge to drink champagne becomes overwhelming between the office and airport.

Backseat drivers have a good view in the Volvo S90 Excellence
Backseat drivers have a good view in the Volvo S90 Excellence

Although this car is aimed squarely at executive passengers, Volvo has still put some thought into the driving experience, too. Power comes from the brand's hybrid T8 powertrain, blending a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a rear wheel-mounted electric motor, and the front infotainment system is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The S90 Excellence also comes with Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous cruise-control system allowing drivers to hand control of the steering, acceleration and braking over to the car at up to 130 km/h (81 mph). Although it's similar to the semi-automous Tesla Autopilot driver assist system, Volvo goes out of its way to say it's still a hands-on-the-wheel proposition.

Source: Volvo

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