5 Minutes
The station wagon's place in a crossover world
The 5 Series Touring, Audi A6 Avant and Mercedes E‑Class Estate remain cornerstones of the premium estate market, and their smaller siblings still tussle with models like the Volvo V60. Despite the relentless rise of SUVs and crossovers, wagons continue to serve a dedicated audience in Europe and beyond—buyers who value low curb weight, efficient packaging and driving dynamics that SUVs often compromise.
2021 Volvo V90 T6 AWD — an overview
The 2021 Volvo V90 T6 AWD represents a polished, practical alternative to bulky SUVs. Marketed as a premium estate with strong safety credentials and refined Scandinavian design, the V90 blends usability with a composed on-road character. The T6 trim adds a punchier powertrain and all‑wheel drive, making it one of the more engaging long‑distance touring wagons available before the model’s discontinuation.
Vehicle specifications
Engine and drivetrain: The V90 T6 uses a high‑output 2.0‑litre four‑cylinder with both turbocharging and supercharging in Volvo’s configuration; power delivery is strong across the rev range and is routed through an automatic gearbox to all four wheels for improved traction in mixed conditions.
Transmission and suspension: An 8‑speed automatic (or equivalent modern automatic) and a well‑tuned suspension give the V90 composed handling and comfortable ride quality, striking a balance between road comfort and driver engagement.
Practicality: As an estate, the V90 offers a low liftover height, a broad cargo bay and rear folding seats that expand versatility for family life, outdoor sports or business hauling. Fuel efficiency and weight advantage over many SUVs also help running costs.
Design and interior
The V90 wears classic Volvo proportions: a long roofline, a sleek greenhouse and restrained details that emphasize elegance over flash. Inside, the cabin emphasizes quality materials, supportive seats and minimalist controls with an emphasis on ergonomics. The tasteful design also supports everyday comfort for four adults, with usable boot space and clever storage solutions typical of top estate cars.
Performance and driving character
Compared with SUVs, wagons like the V90 are typically lighter and have a lower center of gravity, which translates into sharper handling and a more car‑like feel. The T6’s boosted four‑cylinder brings brisk acceleration and confident merging ability on highways. Brake feel, steering response and chassis balance make the V90 well‑suited to long motorway runs or spirited B‑road driving—areas where many SUV drivers miss the engagement of a traditional estate.
Market positioning and why the V90 was discontinued
Volvo’s decision to phase out the V90 reflects broader market trends: global demand has shifted decisively toward crossovers and SUVs. While the V90 offered clear merits—efficiency, lower cost of ownership and a refined driving experience—sales volumes did not match the explosive growth of SUVs. Volvo states that the model’s removal aligns with its global product cycle plan that favors crossover variants designed to meet mainstream demand.
Comparisons: wagons vs SUVs and rivals
When compared to the BMW 5 Series Touring, Audi A6 Avant and Mercedes E‑Class Estate, the Volvo stands out for its Scandinavian simplicity and safety focus. Against SUVs, wagons win on weight, fuel efficiency and dynamics, while SUVs often offer higher ground clearance and a perception of safety. It’s important to recognize that safety depends on crash type and vehicle design, not simply body style.
Who should consider a wagon like the V90?
Buyers who prioritize driving dynamics, cargo usability without the bulk of an SUV, and lower running costs should seriously consider an estate car. Families, enthusiasts who need practical load‑lugging capability and those who want premium amenities without the height and weight penalty of SUVs will find wagons especially appealing.
Conclusion
The 2021 Volvo V90 T6 AWD exemplified the best qualities of modern wagons—efficient packaging, confident performance and elegant design. While market forces pushed Volvo to focus on crossovers, estates remain relevant for a segment of buyers. Premium wagons from BMW, Audi and Mercedes continue to prove that station wagons are not yet extinct—just more specialised in a landscape dominated by SUVs.
Comments