New Volvo S90 and V90 2020 detailed: Facelifted Cross Country wagon to travel solo in Australia

Volvo has revealed the facelifted versions of its first-generation S90 sedan and V90 wagon.

But don’t expect the former to return to Australia, with a Volvo Australia spokesperson telling CarsGuide the company will stick with just the high-riding V90 Cross Country, new examples of which will be released in the third quarter.

Trainspotters will be hard-pressed to pick the differences between the refreshed S90 and V90 and their predecessors.

Both get redesigned lower bumpers, foglights and spoilers up front, while the latter goes a step further with tweaked tail-lights featuring an LED signature and sequential indicators at the rear.

Inside, the Bowers & Wilkins sound system has been improved by way of an upgraded amplifier, vehicle noise cancellation “and a new setting that mimics the sound of your favourite jazz club”, according to Volvo.

Also new is the Advanced Air Cleaner with a PM 2.5 particle sensor. Originally developed for the Chinese market and now available globally, it monitors interior air quality and cleans the cabin air of almost all tiny particles in a few minutes – when required.

12V power outlets are no longer available in the second row, replaced by a pair of USB-C ports. Smartphones can also be recharged by the new wireless charging pad.

Tailored wool blend upholstery has been added as an option alongside leather-free trim.

The V90 Cross Country’s tail-lights have a new LED signature.

However, the biggest news is under the bonnet, with internal-combustion S90s and V90s now available with a 48V mild-hybrid system that improves fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions by up to 15 per cent via an F1-style kenetic energy recovery system (KERS).

Exact powertrain details are yet to be released, but for reference, the V90 Cross Country is currently only offered in D5 form in Australia, meaning it’s motivated by a 177kW/500Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine sans electrification.

Local pricing and specification will be detailed closer to the facelifted V90 Cross Country’s launch. The current model is priced from $80,990 plus on-road costs.