Automotive
Volvo V90 History: Scandinavian Sophistication, Redefined
By the late 1990s, Volvo faced a pivotal moment in its design philosophy. The automotive world was shifting rapidly, and Volvo’s famously boxy wagons, once symbols of durability and safety, were starting to fall out of favor. To stay relevant, Volvo began rebranding its lineup with alphanumeric names - ushering in the short-lived but significant arrival of the V90in 1997.
That first V90 was essentially a renamed 960 Station Wagon, Volvo’s last rear-wheel-drive estate car. While dependable and refined, its conservative appearance didn’t match the market’s demand for style and innovation. The model saw just a year in production before being retired. But nearly two decades later, the V90 name returned - reborn as a bold expression of modern Swedish design.
In 2016, Volvo unveiled the new-generation V90, a premium station wagon built on the advanced SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform, shared with the S90 and XC90. This was not just a facelift - it was a reinvention. The new V90 featured sweeping lines, a long silhouette, and an unmistakable Thor’s Hammer LED headlight design, blending elegance with a hint of muscle. The car’s minimalist body, upscale interior, and commitment to clean powertrains helped Volvo reassert itself as a leader in the premium estate segment.
With backing from its new owner, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Volvo doubled down on safety and design innovation while staying true to its Swedish roots. The V90 was proof that station wagons could still be luxurious, tech-forward, and desirable.
In 2020, the V90 received a subtle refresh. Most notably, its rear LED taillights were redesigned to include sequential turn indicators, adding visual sophistication to its already polished exterior. New wheel designs, interior trims, and color choices gave owners more ways to personalize their cars. A wireless phone charging pad became optional for front occupants, while rear USB-C outlets replaced the older 12V plugs - signaling a shift to newer tech standards, even if not all drivers were ready to let go of traditional chargers.
The V90’s interior continued Volvo’s tradition of simplicity and serenity, offering natural materials, premium leather, and hand-finished details that felt closer to high-end furniture than automobile trim. But as always, safety and smart security systems remained at the core of the V90 experience - further supported by Volvo’s cutting-edge driver assistance and digital key features.
And when it comes to protecting your Volvo’s advanced security features and digital key access, SherlockLock stands ready. Whether you need a replacement key fob, lockout service, or keyless system reprogramming, SherlockLock delivers expert-level care with Volvo-specific locksmith tools and knowledge. From the legacy 1997 V90 to the sleek, modern hybrid wagons of today, SherlockLock ensures your Volvo stays secure, accessible, and fully operational, no matter where life takes you.
