Volvo is about to make a very welcome return to the luxury saloon market with a very sleekly designed model called the S90. The car is due to make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January and, according to Volvo, will come loaded with technology, including a system which will enable it to almost drive itself at motorway speeds.

Following on from the recently launched XC90 SUV the saloon continues Volvo’s comeback in the premium sector.

As well as a semi-autonomous drive mode the S90 will also be available as a plug-in hybrid and will come fitted with an anti-collision system that can now detect large animals.

Since becoming part of the Chinese-owned Geely organisation the company has invested more than £5 billion in new models and engines over the past five years.

Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president in charge of design at Volvo said: “Our idea was to bring something entirely new to this rather conservative segment and deliver a visual expression that exudes leadership and confidence on the exterior.

“On the inside, we have taken the S90 to the next level, delivering a high-end luxury experience that promises comfort and control.”

The interior of the S90 has the same quality of trim as used in the XC90 which in the latest R-Design specification is priced from £49,785.