Automakers have been in a frenzy of late to claim a leadership position with electrification. Volvo has now taken a significant step in that direction by announcing its intention to include an electric motor in all of its models launched after 2019.

That doesn’t signify an exclusive leap toward battery electric cars, even though Volvo does plan to launch five all-electric vehicles between 2019 and 2021. Electrification can take many forms including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric-assist systems, plus of course cars that run exclusively on batteries. There will be a mix in the Volvo lineup depending on a model’s propulsion needs and market demands.

This move is not a surprise. Volvo announced three years ago that it was replacing the five- and six-cylinder engines that had been powering its models with a new and more efficient Drive-E four-cylinder. This engine architecture was designed from the beginning to include a start-stop motor and regenerative braking, plus ready integration with hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology.

The first use of Drive-E engines in the U.S. was in select 2015 Volvo models. Since Volvo’s plan all along was to transition its models to Drive-E power and this engine was designed for electrification, using electrically-augmented Drive-E engines – or in some cases battery electric drivetrains – in all new models after 2019 represents the next stage of this transition.

We live in a day and age when many consumers look to their car not only as a safe form of everyday conveyance, but also as a personal retreat or perhaps an extension of one’s office…with perhaps a dash of dynamic drive performance thrown in for good measure. Our recent drive experience with Volvo’s 2017 S90 T6 along Spain's Costa del Sol illustrated that this sedan answers all such anticipations with a spot-on drop of Thor's Hammer.

What Volvo has accomplished with the all-new S90 over a relatively short development timeline is nothing short of astounding. Simply, the Volvo S90 T6 delivers as promised with a comfortable, safe, quiet, and near-luxury driving experience. It follows the well-received XC90 in Volvo’s total reinvention of its model lineup.  For 2017, Volvo takes its second-generation Drive-E engine technology and performance to the next level, with the S90 powered by a very advanced, high output, supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that’s both fuel efficient and near zero emissions.

While most luxury sport sedan buyers seek turbocharged mid- to high-displacement V-6 through V-12 twin cam torque monsters to inject their adrenaline rush, Volvo sees things differently. This automaker envisions a future with turbocharged three- and four-cylinder gasoline engines fulfilling primary drive duties, cogeneration, and plug-in electrification in the near future. And Volvo engineering sees this no later than model year 2018. In fact, international S90 project lead Peter Martens tells Green Car Journal that cylinder count is inconsequential in today’s engine technology. In Peter’s words, “it’s the engine's horsepower and torque output that matters at the end of the day.”

But are four cylinders enough? As my co-driver commented during our test drive: “One would have to look under the hood of the S90 T6 to discover the four-cylinder.” Simply, this efficient engine is a source of exceptional power and satisfying performance. In all truth, the S90’s direct-injected, twin-cam aluminum 2.0-liter engine produces seamless torque. Notably, its use of both supercharging and turbocharging means there’s absolutely no turbo lag up to red line. An eight-speed automatic transmission contributes to the sedan’s overall fuel efficiency.

Producing 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft torque in the midrange, Volvo’s S90 T6 AWD achieves a respectable 0-to-60 mph sprint time of just 5.7 seconds, quick enough for the majority of drivers in the midsize luxury sedan segment. This efficient powerplant delivers an EPA estimated 22 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway.

A front-wheel drive T5 variant with a turbocharged rendition of the same mill produces a respectable 250 horsepower/258 lb-ft torque at 2200 rpm. This rivals the specs of many six-cylinder engines on the market today while achieving a desirable 23 city/34 highway mpg. Volvo expects market demand for the T5 and T6 variants will run about 50/50.

While we found the S90 T6 AWD model quite capable during aggressive driving on two-lane country roads, where this sedan truly shines is in long-range highway driving. It’s a luxury midsize rolling lounge with near-sports sedan handling attributes. Surprisingly, we found Volvo’s therapeutic seat requiring no break-in time. Our S90 came with driver and front passenger seating cooled, heated, and equipped with a massage option, arguably the best in the class. Leg, shoulder, and headroom is exceptional front and rear, as is this model’s premium-class fit and finish.

The S90 presents ride quality rivaling that of the best luxury commuters in the industry, thanks in no small part to Volvo’s optionally available rear air suspension, superior hydraulic dampening, and active electronic noise cancellation. It does this well while facilitating a split personality with the kind of sport-like-driving capability required by today’s all-inclusive consumer mindset.

Attention to the road is enhanced by a well-positioned heads-up display, where speed, engine temperature, and more can be monitored without requiring a glance at the instrument panel. The S90’s drive environment is well balanced, leather covered, wood-accented, and high-tech rich, yet intuitive in its operation. Everything is in its place and enveloped in high-end Swedish style and sensible accommodation.

Volvo runs a bit ahead of the trend with perhaps the best-working active safety suite available in the segment today.  As demonstrated through its S90, Volvo continues the company’s historical emphasis on driver and passenger safety by providing its notable active safety features on all S90 trim levels.

The S90’s City Safety feature includes frontal collision avoidance, low-and high-speed collision mitigation, and auto brake engagement, plus pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal recognition. Run Off Road Mitigation senses if the vehicle is about to unintentionally leave the pavement and takes corrective action. With Pilot Assist, the S90 will assist in driving up to 80 mph, but the driver’s hand is required to stay on the wheel in 15 second intervals to ensure driver attention. Yes, we did test this and it worked flawlessly with near dead-center lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control that maintained distance from the car ahead.

First to market in the States is the S90 T6 AWD, followed by the front-drive S90 T5. Later we’ll see the V90 Estate Wagon and the S90 T8 plug-in hybrid. The price of entry for the S90 T5 is $46,950 with the T6 coming in at a base of $52,950. Volvo’s Inscription trim level adds $3,300 to the cost of each. Whichever you choose, the Volvo S90 may well be the bargain of the midsize luxury sedan segment.

Like most automakers. Volvo is downsizing its engines to make them more fuel efficient. Future Volvo models will be all be powered by a family of Drive-E four-cylinder, 2.0 liter gasoline and diesel engines – no more five and six cylinders. The new engines, developed by Volvo in Sweden, will offer higher performance than today’s six-cylinder variants. They will also be 100 pounds lighter, more compact, and reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 30 percent.

The first new two-liter, four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains will appear in 2015 Volvos. These T5 and T6 gasoline and D4 diesel engines will all use the same architecture that includes an aluminum block, dual overhead cams, 16-valves, and continuously variable valve timing. They can be machined and assembled on the same production lines. All Drive-E models feature start-stop and brake regeneration.

Except in the U.S, the new S60 sedan, V60 wagon, and XC60 crossover will be available with three engines. The T5 and D4 will also be available in the new Volvo V70 wagon, XC70 crossover, and S80 sedan. We will not get the diesel engine here in the U.S. Rather, customers can choose between the new Drive-E engines and some current engines until Volvo transitions solely to Drive-E.

The T6 is both turbocharged and supercharged, using a Roots-style blower supercharger that fills in the bottom end torque to lend the feel of a large, naturally aspirated gasoline engine. The mechanically linked compressor starts functioning immediately at low rpms, while the turbocharger kicks in when airflow builds up. Power is impressive, with the T6 producing 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft torque. The T5 is turbocharged only and is rated at 240 horsepower with a torque rating of 258 lb-ft.

Friction-reduction in the T5 and T6 includes ball bearings on the camshaft. There is also high-speed continuous variable valve timing and intelligent heat management with a fully variable electric water pump. Other innovations are built in, with the Drive-E diesel featuring i-ART (intelligent-Accuracy Refinement Technology) with pressure feedback from each fuel injector instead of a traditional single pressure sensor in the common rail. Each injector has an intelligent chip on top that monitors injection pressure. Using this information, the self-adapting i-ART system ensures that the ideal amount of fuel is injected during each combustion cycle.

The diesels also feature refinements such as an advanced twin-turbo, reduced friction, and a smart valve on the cooling system for a more rapid heat-up phase after a cold start. Featuring a very high 36,750 psi rail pressure, the D4 produces 181 horsepower and 295 lb-ft torque. Drive-E engines are mated with either a new eight-speed automatic or an enhanced six-speed manual tuned transmission, though U.S, models will probably come only with the automatic. Both FWD and AWD will be available.

While official fuel economy numbers are not yet available, Volvo is estimating 36.8 mpg for a Volvo S60 T6 with the new 8-speed automatic and a 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) time of 5.9 seconds. The Volvo S60 D4 with a manual transmission should rate in the 62 mpg range.

Drive-E engines are ready to be used with an electric motor in hybrid Volvos. Because of the compact size of the four-cylinder engines, the electric motor can be located in front or at the rear. The battery pack would be located in the center of the car.