Volvo introduced earlier in December that it accomplished manufacturing of the primary “verification prototype” for a brand new mannequin code-named the V551, considered an electrical counterpart to the gas-powered S90 midsize sedan.

The verification prototype was constructed at Volvo’s plant in Luqiao, China. Such prototypes are usually used to work out snags within the manufacturing line earlier than the primary buyer examples are churned out.

Manufacturing of buyer examples of the V551 is rumored to start out by Might of subsequent yr. A Volvo government in Australia stated final yr that Volvo will launch an electrical midsize sedan by the tip of 2024, which backs the rumors.

The identical rumors additionally level to the brand new mannequin being referred to as an ES90, although Teknikens Värld reported final week {that a} completely different identify could also be required attributable to objections from Lexus which sells the ES midsize sedan.

2022 Volvo S90

The Swedish publication additionally reported particulars of the car’s dimensions primarily based on leaked data from a yr in the past. Based on the leaked data, the V551 will measure 196.8 inches lengthy and have a wheelbase of 122 inches. The size is about 6.3 inches longer than the unique S90 launched launched within the U.S. for the 2017 mannequin yr and 1.6 inches longer than the stretched S90L that was made the usual physique type within the U.S. for 2018.

The V551 is anticipated to be constructed on Volvo’s SPA2 platform, the identical devoted EV platform underpinning the upcoming 2025 EX90 midsize SUV. This implies we are able to anticipate related specs, corresponding to a 111-kwh battery, the selection of single-motor rear-wheel-drive or dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations, and energy outputs approaching 500 hp.

The platform additionally helps bidirectional charging and charging at charges of as much as 250 kw when utilizing a DC fast-charger. Based on Volvo, the EX90 with the 111-kwh battery can ship a variety approaching 300 miles and be charged from 10-80% in round half-hour. The vary within the V551 will possible be larger given its extra aerodynamic form.