It took Volvo->ke188 nearly 13 years to come up with a redesigned XC90,->ke3145 but we can all agree the Swedes did a tremendous job with the 2016 Volvo XC90. It introduced a new design language that was a massive departure from the previous one, but it also helped Volvo climb a few steps up the luxury ladder, and brought safety and drivetrain technologies to set new standards in the segment. The bigger news here is the XC90 is only the beginning, as Volvo reportedly aims to use the SUV as inspiration for the mid-size sedan that's set to replace the S80->ke394 for the 2017 model year.

As it was reported in the past, the new four-door will be launched under the S90 moniker, which Volvo used briefly between 1996 and 1998. Aimed at premium sedans such as the Audi A6,->ke934 BMW 5 Series,->ke317 and Jaguar XF,->ke1236 the S90 will borrow styling cues from the XC90, as Volvo wants to build on "the incredible reaction" it had for the SUV back in 2014, Autocar reports. Details as to what styling cues will make it on the sedan are scant, but it's safe to assume they will include the spectacular "Thor's Hammer" headlamps, the taller front grille, and the sculpted hood.

Expect the S90 to receive the SUV's entire lineup of drivetrains, including turbo gasoline and diesels, as well as the T8 hybrid combo rated at 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque.

Continue reading to learn more about the future Volvo S90.

Why it matters

With no fewer than 6,000 preorders received for the XC90, it's no wonder Volvo is very proud if what it achieved with the second-gen SUV. An overhaul for the S80 is long overdue, and it seems Volvo is determined to turn its range-topping sedan into a proper competitor for the A6 and 5 Series. If the S90 will indeed feature XC90-inspired styling, its highly efficient powertrains and class-leading safety features, Volvo could have a winner on its hands. Of course, the S90 won't be a threat for the Germans sales-wise, but it could receive just enough extra attention to make it matter in this rough market.

Volvo S90

Read more about the upcoming Volvo S90 in our speculative review here.