Wondering what's new with the 2026 Volvo S90 and why you can't buy it in the U.S.? Here's the deal: Volvo's given their flagship sedan some serious upgrades, but Americans won't get to enjoy them. The 2026 S90 gets a sleek new design, cutting-edge tech, and improved hybrid systems - but it's China-bound only. Why? Simple math: we Americans buy about 1,800 S90s annually, while China snaps up that many every month! I know, it stings if you're one of the few sedan lovers left in this SUV-crazy market. But don't worry - I'll walk you through all the cool features you're missing (sorry!) and what options you do have stateside.
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- 1、Volvo's 2026 S90 Sedan: What's New and Who Gets It?
- 2、Why America Won't See the New S90
- 3、What's Next for Volvo Fans in the U.S.
- 4、Final Thoughts on Volvo's Strategy
- 5、Beyond the S90: Volvo's Electric Future
- 6、The SUV Takeover - Why We Can't Resist
- 7、China's Car Market - A Whole Different Ballgame
- 8、Keeping the Faith - For True Sedan Lovers
- 9、FAQs
Volvo's 2026 S90 Sedan: What's New and Who Gets It?
A Fresh Face and Tech Upgrades
Let me tell you about the 2026 Volvo S90 - it's getting some sweet updates! The front end now rocks this cool diagonal grille design that makes it stand out in traffic. Honestly, it looks like the car version of a well-dressed Swedish businessman. They've also given it new headlights and taillights that'll probably make your neighbor's BMW look dated.
The real game-changer is inside. That tiny old screen? Gone! Now you get an 11.2-inch portrait display running Volvo's latest software from their electric EX90. It's like getting a brand new smartphone after years with that old clunker. The system even updates itself wirelessly - no more dealership visits just for software fixes!
Power Options That Make Sense
Under the hood, Volvo's keeping things practical with two hybrid choices:
| Powertrain | MPG | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | 60+ electric miles | Eco-conscious drivers |
| Mild Hybrid (MHEV) | Improved fuel economy | Those who hate charging |
They've even made the cabin quieter. Now you can actually hear your passengers complain about your music choices instead of road noise!
Why America Won't See the New S90
Photos provided by pixabay
The Sad Reality of Sales Numbers
Here's the hard truth: Americans just aren't buying enough S90 sedans to make it worth Volvo's while. We're talking about 1,800 cars per year - that's fewer than some influencers' Instagram followers! Meanwhile, we snap up XC90 SUVs like they're going out of style (which they're not).
Did you know China buys more S90s in a month than we do in a year? That's like comparing a college student's pizza consumption to a toddler's - there's just no competition!
The China Factor
Volvo's building the new S90 in China, and here's why that matters to us:
First, tariffs make importing expensive. Second, why ship cars across an ocean when your best customers are right there? It's like baking cookies for the neighbor who actually eats them instead of the one who just compliments your baking skills.
What's Next for Volvo Fans in the U.S.
The Wagon Lives On!
Good news for station wagon lovers - the V90 Cross Country isn't going anywhere. It's like the S90's more adventurous cousin who actually gets invited to parties. Higher ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and that sweet wagon practicality make it a winner.
Photos provided by pixabay
The Sad Reality of Sales Numbers
If you absolutely must have a big Volvo sedan, you've got options:
1. Run, don't walk to your dealer for a 2025 S90. These are like the last slices of pizza at a party - going fast!
2. Wait for the ES90 electric sedan. It's basically the S90's cooler, zero-emissions sibling. Think of it like trading your flip phone for the latest iPhone.
Why settle for yesterday's tech when tomorrow's is just around the corner? The ES90 promises all the luxury of the S90 without the gas station visits. Though let's be honest - you'll probably miss those occasional chats with the gas station attendant.
Final Thoughts on Volvo's Strategy
Reading the Market Right
Volvo isn't stupid - they know where their bread is buttered. While we Americans are busy buying SUVs, other markets still love sedans. It's like how some people prefer tacos while others crave sushi - different strokes!
What This Means for You
If you're a sedan die-hard, this might sting. But look at it this way - you're special! You're part of that rare group that appreciates a proper luxury sedan in an SUV-crazy world. Like someone who still buys CDs in the streaming age, but classier.
The automotive world is changing fast, and Volvo's just keeping up. Who knows? Maybe in a few years we'll all be nostalgic for the days of big sedans, just like we now miss station wagons. Until then, there's always the electric future to look forward to!
Beyond the S90: Volvo's Electric Future
Photos provided by pixabay
The Sad Reality of Sales Numbers
Let's talk about the elephant in the room - or rather, the electric vehicle in the showroom. The upcoming ES90 isn't just some consolation prize for S90 lovers. This bad boy's packing over 300 miles of range and acceleration that'll pin you to your seat. Remember when your uncle bragged about his muscle car? The ES90 will shut him up real quick.
Here's something cool - Volvo's designing their EVs with "living room" interiors. Imagine kicking back with your feet up (not while driving, obviously) in seats that feel like your favorite couch. They're even putting wool blends and recycled materials everywhere to make tree-huggers and luxury lovers happy at the same time.
Charging Made Simple (No, Really)
I know what you're thinking - "But what about charging stations?" Well guess what? Volvo's partnering with Starbucks to put chargers at their locations. Now you can grab a latte while your car juices up. Talk about multi-tasking!
Check out how charging compares to gas stops:
| Activity | Gas Car | ES90 |
|---|---|---|
| Fill-up Time | 5-10 minutes | 30 min (80% charge) |
| Cost per "Fill" | $50-$80 | $10-$20 |
| Smell Afterward | Like gasoline | Like nothing (or latte) |
Sure, charging takes longer, but how often do you actually get 30 minutes to yourself these days? Think of it as forced relaxation time!
The SUV Takeover - Why We Can't Resist
America's Love Affair With Height
Have you noticed how everything in America keeps getting taller? Our burgers, our coffee drinks, and especially our cars. There's something psychological about sitting up high - maybe it makes us feel like we're back in that booster seat our moms made us use until 5th grade.
Volvo's XC90 isn't just popular because it's practical. It's the automotive equivalent of those platform shoes everyone wore in the 70s - giving you that extra inch of superiority when you pull up next to compact cars at stoplights.
What Sedans Can't Do (And Never Will)
Let's play a quick game. When was the last time you:
- Threw a muddy mountain bike in your back seat?
- Helped a friend move a couch?
- Needed to change a diaper in the cargo area?
Exactly. While sedans have their charm, modern life keeps throwing curveballs that only SUVs can catch. It's like showing up to a potluck with just a salad fork - technically it works, but you're gonna wish you brought the serving spoon too.
China's Car Market - A Whole Different Ballgame
Why Sedans Still Rule There
Here's something wild - in China, luxury sedans are status symbols the way giant pickup trucks are here. A long-wheelbase S90 isn't just transportation; it's a mobile office and status statement rolled into one. Chinese executives actually have meetings in their cars while stuck in Beijing traffic!
Think about it this way - if American businessmen treated their cars like offices, we'd all be driving around in rolling conference rooms with mini-fridges and PowerPoint projectors. Actually... that doesn't sound half bad.
The Backseat Revolution
Ever notice how American car commercials always show empty backseats? In China, they're showing off massaging rear seats and fold-out tables. It's like first-class airline seats on wheels. This explains why the China-market S90 gets features we never even dreamed of asking for.
Why don't we get these awesome features? Because most Americans use their backseats for grocery bags and forgotten fast food wrappers, not corporate negotiations. Different markets, different priorities!
Keeping the Faith - For True Sedan Lovers
Why Your Love Isn't Misplaced
Let me tell you something - there's nothing wrong with preferring sedans. In fact, there are some serious advantages those SUV drivers are missing out on. Better handling, easier parking, and that sleek profile that actually fits in your garage without folding the mirrors.
Remember when flip phones were everywhere, then smartphones took over, and now some people are paying big bucks for nostalgic flip phones again? The sedan might be down now, but never count it out completely.
The Silver Lining Playbook
Here's the bright side - with fewer sedans on the road, yours will stand out more. It's like being the only person at a Halloween party who didn't dress as a superhero. You might feel out of place at first, but people will remember you!
And let's be honest - when everyone else is driving identical SUVs, your sleek sedan will age like fine wine while theirs look like yesterday's minivans. Patience, my sedan-loving friend, patience.
E.g. ：Volvo Cars
FAQs
Q: What are the key upgrades in the 2026 Volvo S90?
A: The 2026 S90 is getting some serious glow-up that makes current models look outdated. First, it's rocking a fresh face with that new diagonal grille design - think of it as the automotive equivalent of a sharp Swedish suit. Inside, you'll find an 11.2-inch portrait touchscreen running Volvo's latest software (the same one in their EX90 electric SUV), which means no more frustrating lag when you're trying to change the radio station. They've also improved sound insulation so you can actually hear your passengers without them shouting. Under the hood, you've got two hybrid options: a plug-in that gives you 60+ electric miles (perfect for eco-conscious drivers) and a mild hybrid for those who can't be bothered with charging cables.
Q: Why isn't the 2026 Volvo S90 coming to America?
A: Here's the hard truth: we Americans just don't buy enough S90 sedans to make it worth Volvo's while. While China gobbles up about 1,800 S90s every month, we barely hit that number in a whole year! It's like bringing snow cones to a ski resort - wrong market. Plus, with the car being built in China, tariffs would make it even more expensive here. Volvo's being smart - they're focusing on markets that actually want this sedan. It's business 101: go where the customers are, and right now, that's not the U.S. for luxury sedans.
Q: What are my options if I want a Volvo sedan in the U.S.?
A: Don't panic! You've still got two solid choices. First, you can sprint to your local dealer and grab one of the remaining 2025 S90s before they're all gone (think of it like getting the last pair of limited edition sneakers). Second - and this might be the smarter move - you can wait for the all-electric ES90 that's coming soon. It's basically the S90's cooler, zero-emissions sibling that won't have you stopping at gas stations every week. The V90 Cross Country wagon is also sticking around if you want something with more utility but still has that Volvo sedan DNA.
Q: How does the 2026 S90 compare to Volvo's electric models?
A: The 2026 S90 is like the bridge between Volvo's past and future. While it keeps the internal combustion engine (with hybrid options), it borrows the fancy tech from Volvo's electric lineup - that sweet 11.2-inch screen and software are straight from the EX90. The big difference? No range anxiety. But let's be real: the electric ES90 coming soon will probably make the S90 look old-school in comparison. It's like comparing a smartphone with a removable battery to today's all-screen wonders - both get the job done, but one clearly feels more futuristic.
Q: Is the Volvo S90 being discontinued globally?
A: Not at all! The S90 is alive and well - it's just becoming a China-focused model for now. Volvo knows there's still healthy demand for luxury sedans in certain markets (looking at you, China). Think of it like how some restaurants keep menu items that are only popular in certain locations. The S90's situation shows how automakers have to make tough calls about where to sell what. For us Americans, it's a bummer, but globally? The S90's still got plenty of life left - just not in our driveways.
