The current Volvo S90 sedan and V90 wagon have been on sale since 2016, so the time is right for a mid-cycle update to keep them looking fresh. Volvo has lifted the wraps off the updated 2021 S90 and V90, and as spy shots have shown, the exterior changes are very, very subtle. Compare them to the outgoing models, and you might struggle to tell them apart. Then again, the old models still don't look dated, so we can't blame Volvo for not wanting to mess with a winning formula.

To give the exterior a refresh, Volvo has updated the front and rear of the S90 and V90 with new fog lights, a redesigned spoiler, and a new lower front bumper. On the V90 and V90 Cross Country, the most noticeable changes are the revised rear lights with a new LED signature and a sequential turn indicator. New exterior colors and wheel options have also been added to the personalization options.

Inside, Volvo has upgraded the Bowers and Wilkins audio system with new features including an upgraded amplifier, automatic vehicle noise cancellation, and a new setting that mimics the sound of a jazz club.

Another new feature is an advanced air cleaner with a PM 2.5 particle sensor. First developed for the Chinese market, it allows drivers to monitor interior air quality via the center screen. If required, the Advanced Air Cleaner can clean the cabin air of almost all tiny particles within a few minutes. All models Volvo 90 and 60 series models now come with double USB-C charging points in the rear replacing the 12-volt outlets, while wireless phone charging is available on most variants. As for interior materials, the tailored wool-blend seats first introduced on the XC90 are now available on all 90 and 60 models. A leather-free interior option is also available for top trim levels.

While the exterior changes are extremely subtle, bigger changes can be found under the hood. For the 2021 model year update, the S90 and V90 utilize Volvo's 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain, which is now available for every Volvo model. First introduced on the XC90 and XC60 SUVs last year, the mild hybrids are now also available on all other 90 and 60 Series cars as well as on the Volvo XC40. This is the first time an electrified powertrain has been offered for the Cross Country range.

Volvo hasn't released any technical specification details yet, but the XC90 B-badged T8 Twin Engine model packs a 2.0-liter twin-charged four-cylinder engine with the hybrid system producing a combined 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to an energy recovery system that recovers kinetic energy under braking, Volvo's mild hybrids offer up to 15 percent fuel savings and emission reductions.