With the market momentum that comes from the success of its XC60 and XC90 crossovers, along with the recent introduction of an all-new S90 sedan and V90 wagon, this year should see an uptick in Volvo sales, market share and awareness. And while Volvo moves from a near-luxury position to full-tilt luxe, in a post-recession economy they still provide consumers a value-driven alternative to the Germans: Benz, BMW and Audi.
VOLVO S60/V60: With a marked and notable downturn in sedan sales (and no uptick in wagon sales) throughout the US market, Volvo simplifies its number of trims and options, adds a 2.0-liter turbocharged four to its T5 AWD, and removes the 2.5-liter turbocharged five from the lineup.
S60/V60 Cross Country: Volvo does a Subaru, with raised ride height, nominal cladding and an adventurous attitude. These also ditch the five cylinder and adapt the 2.0-liter turbocharged four.
S90/V90. Volvo’s upmarket four-door sedan, filling the space once occupied by the S80, is all-new and aggressively upmarket. Its wagon counterpart is arriving on showrooms just a few months after the sedan.
XC60: Volvo’s compact crossover receives enhanced standard equipment across all trim levels, a fewer number of trims, the addition of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four and the subtraction of its 2.5-liter, turbocharged five cylinder.
XC90: Like its smaller siblings, Volvo’s largest crossover receives the 2.0-liter turbocharged four Drive-E drivetrain and deletes the 2.5-liter turbocharged five. And much like the other models in the lineup, trim options are reduced, while standard equipment is enhanced.