Sporty makeover for big Volvo

Volvo has formally revealed the R-Design versions of its 90-series large sedan and wagon.

The sporty makeover is, at this stage at least, largely cosmetic. The company’s performance offshoot Polestar is expected to offer mechanical enhancement packages for the large Volvo and eventually dedicated performance variants a la the S60 and V60 family.

The R-Design S90 and V90 do however get revised suspension settings. Says Volvo Cars: “central to the S90 and V90 R-Design is an advanced sport chassis that delivers an energetic, road-hugging drive”.

The makeover includes a more aggressive front-end design with blacked out details front and rear. Five-spoke matt-black wheels complete the ‘racy’ look.

“R-Design delivers an edge to our elegant estate and saloon models in our 90 Series, with a winning combination of a sportier, more responsive drive with clearly visible performance styling,” the company’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Customer Service, Björn Annwall says.

There are additional sports styling enhancements inside including re-contoured seats, sports steering wheel et al...

The standard S90 and V90 are due to debut Down Under in the last quarter in 2016. Look out for our first international launch drive of the standard versions of the large-car range late next week.