When Volvo first launched the S90 back in 2016, it made a statement. Not the kind of brash, look-at-me statement you’d expect from some of its German rivals — but a calm, confident whisper: “I’m different, and that’s okay.”
It wasn’t your average executive sedan. Instead of chasing lap times or shoving aggressive grilles in your face, the S90 embraced a Scandinavian philosophy — minimalist, elegant, and deeply refined. Inside, it felt like a living room in Stockholm: clean lines, earthy textures, soft lighting, and a sense of space.
When it made its way to India in 2021, it was locally assembled at Volvo’s Hoskote plant near Bengaluru, offering buyers a blend of global luxury with local advantages.
And let’s not forget — the S90 came with options. Globally, it was available as:
- A mild hybrid
- A plug-in hybrid (aka the Recharge variant)
- A traditional ICE (internal combustion engine) in some markets
In India, we mostly saw the mild hybrid version, which did its job well — quietly and efficiently.
Why Is the S90 Being Discontinued in India?
No official press statement. No swan song. So, let’s connect the dots.
1. The SUV Takeover Is Real
Let’s be honest — Indian buyers love SUVs. The elevated seating, road presence, and (perceived) safety just tick all the boxes. That shift in consumer preference has hit sedans hard, especially in the luxury space.
Volvo’s current Indian lineup now consists of four SUV/crossover-style models:
- XC60
- XC90
- EC40 (electric)
- EX40 (electric)
See the pattern? All high-riding vehicles. All built for the new Indian mindset.
2. BS6 Phase 2 Emission Norms
As of April 2023, India has tightened the leash on emissions again with BS6 Phase 2 standards. These new norms demand updated engines, cleaner fuel systems, and more rigorous testing — all of which cost money and engineering time.
For a sedan like the S90 that doesn’t bring in massive sales numbers, investing in compliance might not be worth the return.
3. Volvo’s Electric Pivot
Volvo isn’t just dipping a toe into electric mobility — it’s diving in headfirst. The brand has publicly committed to going fully electric by 2030, and India is part of that roadmap.
The EC40 and EX40 are already here, and the EX30 — Volvo’s smallest, most affordable electric SUV — is expected to launch later this year. Even the XC90, which got a facelift in March, will have an electric version arriving soon.
Bottom line: the S90 doesn’t quite fit in this new world of battery packs and regenerative braking.
The Facelifted S90 Is Real — But Only in Select Markets (for Now)
Here’s the twist: the S90 isn’t totally dead.
It recently received a comprehensive facelift, which, let me tell you, is more than just a new bumper and a set of LEDs. We’re talking:
- A larger infotainment screen (finally catching up with rivals)
- A new grille design, sharper and more futuristic
- Sleeker headlamps and taillights, giving it a more modern silhouette
- Updated ADAS features for safer, semi-autonomous driving
- A mildly tweaked cabin layout with fresher materials and better tech integration
- And yes, revised powertrain options, likely nudging closer to full electrification
This updated S90 will first go on sale in China, where the demand for sedans still holds firm — and where Volvo, owned by Geely, naturally focuses a lot of its energy.
So what does that mean for us?
India Might Get the New S90 in 2026
Yep, you read that right. The MY2026 S90 (Model Year 2026) is expected to launch globally next year and could land in India shortly after, likely continuing to be assembled at the Hoskote plant.
Will it be the same mild hybrid as before? Maybe not. There’s strong speculation that Volvo will take the sedan route fully electric — potentially under a new name, something like ES90 to mirror its EX and EC electric siblings.
Imagine this: a long, graceful electric sedan with Volvo’s signature calm interior, the latest tech, and zero tailpipe emissions. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it?
So, Is This the End of Volvo Sedans in India?
In the short term — yes. For now, the lineup is entirely made up of SUVs and crossovers. But the future isn’t anti-sedan — it’s pro-electric.
Volvo knows there’s still a niche of buyers in India who appreciate the dynamics and aesthetics of a luxury sedan. With electrification, there’s a chance to reintroduce the S90 — or its successor — with more appeal, smarter tech, and green credentials.
Should You Buy a Used S90 Right Now?
If you’re someone who prefers a sedan over an SUV, the used S90 market might be your last shot for a while.
And honestly? It’s not a bad idea. The current-gen S90 offers a phenomenal interior, excellent safety features, and a ride quality that’s unmatched in this price bracket. If you find a well-maintained one, it could serve you well for years — especially since service support will still continue for existing customers.
What’s Coming Next from Volvo India?
Volvo is all-in on electric for 2025 and beyond. Here’s a quick preview:
- EX30 — Compact electric SUV launching later this year
- Electric XC90 — Likely debuting next year
- Updated (or all-new) S90 — Expected in 2026
So while the S90 has exited the building for now, the brand isn’t backing down. It’s evolving.
Final Thoughts: A Pause, Not a Farewell
It’s easy to see the delisting of the Volvo S90 as a goodbye — but let’s reframe that. It’s more of a reset. The market’s moving. Regulations are evolving. And Volvo, as always, is adapting with quiet confidence.
FAQs:
Q1: Has the Volvo S90 been discontinued in India?
Yes, it has.
The S90 is no longer listed on Volvo India’s official website and has been pulled from their current product lineup. It’s been quietly discontinued as of mid-2025.
Q2: Why did Volvo discontinue the S90 in India?
There are a few reasons:
Low demand for sedans in India compared to SUVs
The shift towards BS6 Phase 2 emission norms, which made it expensive to upgrade engines
Volvo’s global strategy to go fully electric by 2030
Focus on SUVs and electric crossovers, which are currently more popular in the Indian market
Q3: Is the S90 being discontinued globally too?
Yes — and not just in India. The S90 has also been removed from several major European markets like Germany, the UK, France, and Italy. It’s part of a broader transition as Volvo moves toward a cleaner, more electric-focused future.
