SPY PICS: Volvo V90 Cross Country snapped

Volvo's large V90 wagon is set to spawn an Alltrack/Outback-style variant that will take to the world's stage early in 2017, possibly at the Geneva motor show.

The pictures here show a pre-production model of the new variant, named the V90 Cross Country, engaged in high-altitude testing in Spain.

Given the V90 was officially revealed by Volvo at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, the camouflage serves little purpose, since it doesn't conceal the roof rails or the extra ground clearance that will distinguish the Cross Country from the standard V90 wagon. It does paper over details that might be fitted to the Cross Country, however, like wheel arch flares and side cladding.

That said, the spy photographers claim that the V90 Cross Country certainly will come with the wheel arch flares, as well as revised bumpers and tyres that are more suitable for operation off the beaten track. There'll be skid plates under the front and rear of the V90 Cross Country as well.

It's understood that the Cross Country variant will make do with higher-output petrol and diesel engines from the V90 range, while also offering buyers the choice of a T8 plug-in hybrid model. Not only will the Cross Country set aside the more frugal engine choices from the broader V90 range, it will also feature all-wheel drive systems exclusively. There won't be a front-wheel drive Cross Country variant, needless to say.