Volvo’s model range has been going through a large modernisation period since 2014 when the latest XC90 broke onto the scene. Now, many of the products the Swedes sell look bang up to date with some lovely angular design features and good technology.
But something that’s missing is the S90 Coupe – a stylish three-door based on the practical and comfortable saloon at the top of the Volvo range. But what do we know about the possible model, and just how likely is it? We take a look now…
1. It looks great
As the model is still currently a concept, we can easily comment on how it might look – and it’s safe to say it has an excellent presence. Taking many of the design cues seen on modern Volvos, the C90 – as it would be known – could be the real deal in the premium coupe market.
2. It’s built on the same platform as other modern Volvos
To stay in the line with the rest of the range, the C90 would be built on the brand’s Scalable Product Architecture that was first used with the current XC90. With the platform used from the XC40 all the way up to the ‘90’ models, the C90 would sit perfectly on the chassis.
3. It harks back to classic models
It takes into account one of Volvo’s most recognisable cars – the P1800 – which was built over 12 years during the 60s and 70s. It is arguably one of the brand’s finest editions and was famously used as the car in the hit 60s TV show ‘The Saint’.
4. It would have a similar interior design to current models
Centred around the portrait touchscreen, the C90’s interior would be in-line with the rest of the modern Volvo models. That means clean design features, an easy-to-navigate infotainment system and an extremely comfortable interior layout.
5. A petrol plug-in hybrid would be available
To make it more ethical and up to date, the power would come from a plug-in hybrid petrol option – which would mean potent power output with fewer emissions.
6. It would go up against quality German rivals
The likes of the BMW 6 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Audi A7 would be the major challengers for the C90 in terms of size, comfort and performance – which are all top-end options. All three are well-established and it would take a lot of effort to be knocked off the top.
7. But wait… Will it be a Volvo?
By this time, you may have seen that Volvo performance subsidiary Polestar has unveiled the Polestar 1 and that is likely to take over the mantle of the C90 rather than Volvo producing it themselves. It looks like a Volvo S90 in coupe form and will probably drive like one, too.
8. As a Polestar, it will only be available on contract
Although you may be lucky enough to buy one, the majority of the limited-run plug-in hybrid coupes will be on a mobile phone-like contract based on two- or three-year agreement. This means that rather than keeping it at the end of the contract, it is more likely to be handed back at the end of the agreement.
9. Production starts next year
If you are one of the lucky few to get a Polestar 1, you will have to wait a while to get your hands on one, with the tail-end of 2019 the first likely delivery date. That means you’ll have to look in wonderment at the pictures of the stylish coupe for a while longer.
10. Will we see a Volvo coupe anytime soon?
With Polestar taking the mantle on for a top-end coupe, it is unlikely that Volvo will be producing its own version anytime soon. But we can live in hope that they will bring a mass-market version to showrooms soon – especially if it looks like the concept.
