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The full circle in recreating the Volvo brand began when Geely Holding, the Chinese car manufacturer and new owner of Volvo, began 7-years ago. 

The Swedish development team began cultivating and crafting the way forward for the Nordic brand, turning the financial status of the business from poor to outstanding. Year on year success has allowed for increased profits to act like spring rains quenching dry earth - life begins again and Volvo is flourishing. 

Highly unique and superior in many aspects, the Swedes have evolved beyond other nations. They are wealthy as people in many respects: financially and spiritually, to the point that the people of Sweden think beyond themselves; beyond their ego's. They believe in their nation, its people and others around them. Thus, Volvo is the most human-centric car brand. I cite an example: I recall going on a car launch to Kenya. On the plane ride, next to me was a Swede; an elderly man in his 70's. He asked where I was from and what I was doing on my journey. Curious to know his tale, I returned the question. His story was far more interesting than mine - he was retired and was coming to Kenya to visit the school he helped fund. During his three-month stay, he was volunteering his time to teach English and math. He went on to elaborate how taxes are high in Sweden thus, the government's retirement funds were very wealthy and as a result the elderly’s pensions plentiful. He mentioned how he had satiated his own physical needs and wanted to give back - hence the investment: both financial, intellectual and emotional into another country and its youth. 

The Swedish have come full circle from being treacherous Vikings. They are enlightened leaders that we could all look to for the journey into the meaning of life. 

This mentality is reflected in Volvo cars too. 

The first bud to blossom from Volvo's oasis launched in the guise of the all-new large luxury SUV is the XC90, which happens to be the reigning South African Car of the Year for 2016. It's an outstanding vehicle with a list as long as my arm of dynamic innovations and 120 accolades for them. 

But another bud has opened. This time in the form of a large and luxurious sedan - the S90. 

The S90 is designed to compete head-to-head with BMW's 5-Series which also happens to have launched a new version of their sedan and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, not forgetting Jaguar's XF. 

It's a re-entry for Volvo. Before the S90, their S80 sat quietly at the executive boardroom table power struggle. In fairness, it was ill-equipped to battle with its competition. 

But things have changed. And I'm not blowing smoke - the new S90 is a game changer in many regards.

Here's why: the S90 is very good looking. It is masculine in its presence with nothing generic about its looks. The S90 is truly unique. These unique looks are borrowed from Volvo Concept Coupe of 2013. 

It is also bigger, wider and lower than any other car in the luxury executive segment. Due to its size, both cabin, rear legroom and boot space are all outstanding and potentially class-leading. Being a Volvo, it is also the safest car tested by the EuroNCAP team, receiving five stars on all fronts including, and a world-first, for pedestrian protection in an accident. Additionally, the S90 is offered with semi-autonomous driving as standard on all models.

The new Volvo S90 launches in South Africa initially with two engines – the D5 (173kW/480Nm) and T6 (235kW/400Nm), both with all-wheel drive – in Momentum or Inscription guise. All S90's are fitted with a smooth and quick shifting 8-speed automatic. 

Later in 2017, the D4 and T5 derivatives will follow with front-wheel drive, and the range-topping T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will make its way to South Africa at a later date.

A total of 13 exterior colours and 12 interior schemes are available for the new S90.

Volvo's quest for the self-driving car

Semi-autonomous driving dramatically increasing the inherent value of all S90 derivatives. Moving one step closer towards fully-autonomous cars, all S90 derivatives are semi-autonomous up to 130 km/h as standard. Working together, Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist enhance the S90’s driveability and allow drivers to hand over control to the car in varying degrees of engagement.

My first impression 

Volvo's tagline for the S90 is ‘Relaxed confidence’, an apt description for this large luxury sedan. 

I drove both the D5 and T6 AWD models at the launch event for several hours over Franschhoek pass and the surrounding area. My first impression is that the car's magic is due to a phenomenal chassis. This base that the large luxurious S90 sits, makes effortless work of comfort, dynamic handling and cosseted safety. The S90 feels incredibly stable on the road. The D5 - my preference - is quick (0-100km/h in 7 seconds and a top speed of 240km/h) while remaining extremely composed. The T6 is more aggressive about the way it devours the tarmac. As a result, and when compared to the D5, a negligible amount of the S90's refinement is dominated by the T6 which is fast (0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h). 

Pricing 

S90 D4 Geartronic Momentum R698 500

S90 D4 Geartronic Inscription R742 000

S90 D4 Geartronic R-Design R727 500

S90 D5 Geartronic AWD Momentum R777 700

S90 D5 Geartronic AWD Inscription R821 200

S90 D5 Geartronic AWD R-Design R806 700

S90 T5 Geartronic Momentum R675 200

S90 T5 Geartronic Inscription R718 700

S90 T5 Geartronic R-Design R704 200

S90 T6 Geartronic AWD Momentum R828 400

S90 T6 Geartronic AWD Inscription R871 900

S90 T6 Geartronic AWD R-Design R857 400

Service and Warranty 

All models come standard with a 5-year/100 000 km full vehicle warranty, full maintenance plan and roadside assistance, as well as laminated glass and Tracker Connect as standard.

www.volvocars.com/za