Volvo debuts its 5 Series-fighting S90 luxury sedan

It's only been about a year since Volvo stepped fully into the luxury arena with the XC90 SUV. Today, the automaker pulls the wraps from its second act.

The S90 is a large luxury sedan that is meant to challenge the likes of BMW's 5 Series and the Audi A6.

The S90 is based on Volvo's modular SPA platform, like the XC90 that precedes it; their basic chassis design, powertrain and suspension components are shared.

The T-shaped "Hammer of Thor" LED daytime running lights are unique to Volvo's cars.

Motivating the sedan is the automaker's T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain, which mates a turbocharger and a supercharger to a four-cylinder engine on the front axle and then adds an electric motor on the rear axle to the mix.

Volvo's distinctive vertical tail light design wouldn't work for a sedan, so the automaker has been flexible with the rear illumination.

The XC90's interior design is one of the best in the business, so we had high expectations for the S90's cabin.

Textured wood and leather cover most of the S90's interior surfaces. Interestingly, the XC90 Inscription's Orrefors crystal shifter does not appear in any of Volvo's photos.

The vertically oriented Sensus Connect infotainment system is at front and center of the cockpit. We're fans of the responsive and well-organized software.

Tiny Swedish flags adorn the seats, which feature an ergonomic design.

Top tier models will feature an encore presentation of the Bowers and Wilkins audio system that made an appearance in the XC90.

It's safe to assume that the S90 will feature the same high level of available driver aid tech that the SUV did.

The S90 will reach dealerships sometime in 2016.

We expect to see the luxury sedan enter the fray when it debuts at the 2016 Detroit auto show in January.