2017 Volvo S90 debuts with standard semi-autonomous driving features

Volvo has unveiled the all-new S90 this week, at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. The car initially made waves last year following an online release, but it hit the news again for its standard semi-autonomous driving features — it can essentially drive itself on certain roads.

The Swedish car drops the conventional S80’s looks for a more modern and elegant “four-door coupe” design-language. The new S90 adopts the “Thor’s Hammer” headlights from the XC90, and a clean rear featuring elongated taillights and dual exhaust tips.

Volvo says that top variants will be powered by a plug-in hybrid T8 Twin-Engine — a 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor incorporating both turbocharging and supercharging, to generate a combined output of 410 hp. An XC90-derived 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine producing 320 hp and 400 Nm of torque will also make its way into the S90 range.

Volvo, known for providing class-leading safety features, will also up the ante by incorporating ‘Pilot Assist’ as a standard feature across the S90 range. Currently in its second generation, the system will track lane-markings on the road, and accelerate, brake and steer at speeds up to 128 kph. Other brands have had such features as an option, but the S90 is the first car in the world to come standard with these semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

The Volvo S90 is expected to go on sale in the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the GCC byt the end of this year.