The new S90 is Volvo's entry ticket to the premium saloon club.

Equipped with a host of new technologies, ranging from cutting-edge safety to cloud-based apps and services, the S90 is further proof of the Swedish brand's continuing transformation.

Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Car Group, said: 'With the launch of the XC90, we made a clear statement of intent. We are now clearly and firmly in the game. With $11bn US of investment over the past five years, we have not only reimagined what Volvo Cars can be – we are now delivering on our promise of a resurgent and relevant Volvo Cars brand.'

The new S90 comes equipped with an advanced semi-autonomous drive feature called Pilot Assist. The system gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to motorway speeds of around 80mph and no longer needs to follow another car. Pilot Assist is another step towards full autonomous drive – a key innovation area for Volvo.

The S90 features a range of four-cylinder engines – 190hp D4 and 235hp D5 turbo diesels and a 320hp T6 supercharged turbo petrol and clean and powerful 407hp T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain.

It also boasts one of the most luxuriously-appointed interiors and connected infotainment systems in the large saloon segment.

The S90 also introduces a world-first function to City Safety – large animal detection, night or day. The technology offers an intuitive warning and brake support to help avoid a collision.

The S90 is set to be publicly unveiled at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit in January.