2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country spotted testing

Spy photographers have spotted a development mule for the 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country testing in the warm climates of southern Europe.

The mule shows how the future Audi A6 Allroad rival will sit on a raised V90 platform and wear its own unique bumpers and standard-fit roof rails.

The car’s overall look will likely be more rugged than the regular V90 thanks to black exterior trim and under body protection that will extend out under the front and rear bumpers. Smaller alloy wheels wrapped in higher profile tyres will help to finish off the off-roader look.

Read our review of the Volvo V90 D5

There may be a few minor changes inside to mark out the car’s more purposeful stance, but overall the layout will be largely the same – a good thing given that this is a strong part of the regular V90.

Top end models will come exclusively with all-wheel-drive, but lower specification cars could make use of front-wheel-drive, which is also the standard setup of the normal V90. That car does have one four-wheel-drive option, however - it comes as standard when the car is fitted with the D5 twin-turbo diesel engine.

Since the Cross Country will share its safety equipment with the regular car, we can expect Volvo's IntelliSafe Assist system, with adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous 'Pilot Assist II' system and distance alert to come as standard. Also included will be a lane keeping aid, driver alertness detection and warning, road sign recognition - which is linked to a speed limiter - and Volvo's 'run-off road mitigation' system.

Autonomous emergency braking will feature as well, with pedestrian, vehicle, cyclist and large animal detection, including warning lights, brake pulsing, front seat belt pre-tensioning and automatic braking at potential junction accidents.

Optional systems will include Volvo’s IntelliSafe surround, adding blind spot information, rear collision warning and cross traffic alert. A 360-degree camera, Park Assist Pilot and built-in booster seats will also be likely options.

Pricing is a long way off from being revealed, but given that the smaller V60 Cross Country starts at £30,195, close to £8000 more than the regular car, we can expect the V90 to be priced well above the regular V90’s base price of £34,555.

It’s main rival, the Audi A6 Allroad, is priced from £46,505.