VOLVO has the BMW X5 in its sights with the launch of its new sport utility vehicle, the XC90, which will be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

The XC90 will be offered with up to seven seats and will have a choice of Volvo's new 163bhp 2.4-litre D5 common rail turbodiesel, or the twin turbo 272bhp 2.0-litre T6.

Volvo chief designer Peter Horbury said: 'We wanted the car to look masculine and confident, but not macho.'

Using Volvo's large car platform, the XC90 will showcase a range of new safety features and will receive its UK debut at next year's British International Motor Show in Birmingham in October. Full details and prices will be announced next year.