Volvo has unveiled the new V90 Cross Country, aimed at buyers seeking a more ‘experienced-based lifestyle’ that occasionally takes them off the beaten track.

“The V90 Cross Country takes the elegance of the V90 and transforms it into an all-road car that delivers safety, comfort and performance in a capable and adventurous package,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President & CEO, Volvo Car Group.

The V90 Cross Country’s rugged character belies ‘a sumptuous interior that delivers a level of luxury uncommon in the segment’ says Volvo, with the Cross Country model also receiving connectivity and entertainment features launched in the new S90 and V90, including a high-end sound system by Bowers & Wilkins.

“Designing a Volvo Cross Country is not a styling exercise, a plastic job. It is based on honest capability. The Volvo V90 Cross Country brings a surprising and intriguing combination of a strong, powerful exterior and a luxurious, Scandinavian interior. It will continue the genuine tradition of the Volvo Cross Country with a new recipe: the blend of powerful off-road capability in a most elegant, sophisticated, tailored wagon suit,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Cars.

With some of the harshest winters on the planet and more than 77 per cent of the country covered in forest and lakes, Volvo says Sweden is the natural place to develop and test extreme durability and all-weather-capable cars - reflected in the new V90  Cross Country. With Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture providing the underpinnings, the V90 Cross Country undertook ‘rigorous’ testing - from secret testing facilities in the frozen north of Sweden, where temperatures regularly hit -40 degrees, to the searing desert heat of Arizona.

“Our cars are well known for their safety, strength and durability. With All-Wheel Drive, increased ride height and a chassis optimised for comfort and control in all weather and road conditions, the new V90 Cross Country takes our versatile V90 estate and adds the heart of an explorer,” said Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

Production of the car is set to start this autumn at Volvo’s Torslanda plant in Sweden.

UK prices will be announced later this year, with first deliveries expected in early 2017.