Volvo is likely finished producing wagons.

      Volvo Cars

      The highly anticipated 2026 Volvo ES90 is poised to represent a new, genre-blurring direction for the brand. As the Swedish manufacturer moves towards an exclusively electric vehicle lineup, the CEO indicates that traditional models, such as wagons, will no longer be included.

      “It’s costly to introduce various models, maintain them in the market, and manage their marketing,” stated Volvo Cars CEO Jim Rowan in an interview with Autocar.

      But what happened to the talk of Volvo wagons being a permanent fixture back in 2022? Reflecting on that period, former CEO Håkan Samuelsson wasn’t implying that wagons would continue; rather, he was indicating their phase-out.

      Samuelsson noted a demand for vehicles with lower ride heights in conventional sizes (i.e., not crossovers or SUVs), but that are less boxy. Specifically, the S (sedan) and V (versatility) series would “be replaced with something more appealing to consumers.” The legendary boxy Volvo design would be a thing of the past, making way for a more aerodynamic and “coupé-like” aesthetic. This certainly sounds similar to the ES90, doesn’t it?

      Current Volvo CEO Rowan emphasizes, “We’re a relatively small company with finite resources. We are making deliberate decisions regarding where we want to compete and how we differentiate ourselves.”

      Despite delaying its EV lineup target to 2040, Volvo's long-term product plans remain intact. Rowan mentioned to Autocar that the brand aims to adhere to an “8×8” strategy, meaning the release of eight models within an eight-year timeframe, with major facelifts taking place midway. This is a rather restricted schedule that could potentially shift to a “7×7” strategy, further limiting niche models like low-selling sedans and wagons—at least in the U.S.

      Volvo has already discontinued the standard V90 in the U.S. and took similar steps across the Atlantic with the V60 and V90. However, genuine consumer demand (not from those hypothetical buyers wanting a brown wagon with a stick shift) has led to the return of estate cars in the U.K. The sedans, however, have been phased out.

      Currently, the U.S. market still offers non-CUV Volvo choices, including gas and PHEV variants of the S60 and S90, along with Cross Country versions of the V60 and V90, but for how long? The “60” series was last revamped in 2018, while the “90” models debuted in 2016. A complete discontinuation—particularly of the wagons—seems imminent.

      “Certainly, I think the market has changed, right?” Rowan remarked. “It’s significantly cheaper and more efficient for us to increase volumes using the same platform and form factor.”

      Rowan continued, “Instead of introducing a [redesigned] V90, would it be more advantageous to reposition [the XC60] in a slightly different manner? We have the Black Edition, and the Cross Country edition. Thus, we now have diverse versions of the same base car.”

      So, a potential ES90 Polestar Engineered Black Edition Cross Country? Perhaps consumers would be interested. Just ensure that plaid seats remain an option.

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