Volvo S90 Review: Swedish Luxury Redefined

The Volvo S90 represents the pinnacle of Swedish automotive luxury, combining Scandinavian design aesthetics with cutting-edge technology and safety innovations. As Volvo's flagship sedan, it competes directly with established German rivals while offering a distinctly different approach to premium motoring.

--FIRST CAR LIST HERE--

Volvo S90 Pricing and Trim Levels

The S90 lineup offers a range of configurations to suit different budgets and performance needs:

The T6 Inscription represents the sweet spot in the lineup, offering Volvo's more powerful engine paired with premium interior appointments. Our test vehicle, equipped with several options including the $3,200 Luxury Package and $1,200 air suspension, came to $66,365.

--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Exterior Design: Scandinavian Elegance

The S90's exterior design successfully translates Volvo's contemporary design language to a sedan form factor. Key styling elements include:

Front-End Presence

The S90 features Volvo's signature upright grille with diagonal bars, flanked by the distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights that have become a brand hallmark. Despite using a front-wheel-drive platform, designers gave the S90 elegant rear-wheel-drive proportions with a long hood and set-back passenger compartment.

Profile and Rear Design

The sedan's profile shows clean, uncluttered lines with minimal character lines. The rear features horizontal taillights that pay homage to classic Volvo designs, though some critics find the rear styling more conservative compared to the striking front end.

Color and Wheel Options

Volvo offers the S90 in a range of sophisticated colors including:

• Onyx Black Metallic
• Maple Brown Metallic
• Crystal White Pearl
• Bright Silver Metallic
• Denim Blue Metallic

Wheel sizes range from 18-inch standard to optional 20-inch alloys, with designs that complement the car's elegant character.

--SECOND CAR LIST HERE--

Driving Experience: Performance and Handling

The S90 offers a driving experience that prioritizes comfort and refinement over sportiness, though the available powertrains deliver strong performance.

Engine Performance

The T6's supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivers surprising punch for its size. The engine produces:

• 316 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
• 295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,200-5,400 rpm
• 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds (AWD models)

The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and responds quickly to throttle inputs. While the four-cylinder's performance impresses, some drivers may find its sound character less refined than the six-cylinder engines offered by German competitors.

Ride and Handling

The standard suspension provides competent handling but can feel firm over rough pavement. The optional air suspension ($1,200) significantly improves ride quality, making it a worthwhile upgrade for most buyers.

Driving modes include:

• Comfort: Default setting for balanced performance
• Eco: Maximizes fuel efficiency
• Dynamic: Sharpens throttle response and steering
• Individual: Customizable settings
• --FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
  

Fuel Economy

EPA estimates for the S90 lineup:

Premium 91-octane fuel is recommended for all S90 models.

Interior: Scandinavian Luxury

The S90's cabin showcases Volvo's commitment to minimalist Scandinavian design paired with premium materials and exceptional craftsmanship.

Materials and Finish

Standard and available interior materials include:

• Nappa leather upholstery
• Genuine wood inlays (walnut, birch, or linear lime)
• Metal accents with a matte finish
• Optional wool blend upholstery
• Crystal gear selector (Inscription models)

Seating and Space

The S90 offers comfortable seating for five adults, with particularly impressive front seats that provide excellent support:

• 14-way power front seats with memory
• Available ventilated and massaging front seats
• Heated outboard rear seats (Inscription)
• 40.4 inches of front legroom
• 37.8 inches of rear legroom
• --THIRD CAR LIST HERE--
  

Cargo and Storage

Practical considerations in the S90 include:

• 13.5 cubic foot trunk (comparable to German rivals)
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Generous door pockets and center console storage
• Optional grocery bag holder in trunk

Technology and Infotainment

The S90 features Volvo's Sensus Connect infotainment system, centered around a portrait-oriented 9-inch touchscreen.

Standard Features

• 9-inch Sensus touchscreen
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Bluetooth connectivity
• HD Radio
• 10-speaker audio system
• Dual-zone automatic climate control

Available Upgrades

• 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio
• Head-up display
• 4-zone climate control
• Apple CarPlay integration
• Rear-seat entertainment system

Interface Experience

The touchscreen interface is responsive and features smartphone-like gestures, though some functions like climate control adjustments would benefit from physical controls. The system supports over-the-air updates to keep features current.

--SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Safety: Volvo's Core Strength

True to Volvo's heritage, the S90 comes packed with advanced safety technologies.

Standard Safety Features

• City Safety automatic emergency braking
• Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving
• Run-off Road Mitigation
• Oncoming Lane Mitigation
• Lane Keeping Aid

Available Driver Assistance

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
• Cross Traffic Alert
• 360-degree camera system
• Park Assist Pilot
• Rear Collision Warning

Pilot Assist Performance

Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering for reduced driver fatigue on highways. While generally effective, some drivers report occasional ping-ponging between lane markers in certain conditions.

--FOURTH CAR LIST HERE--

How It Compares: S90 vs. The Competition

The S90 competes in the fiercely contested midsize luxury sedan segment. Here's how it stacks up against key rivals:

Volvo S90 vs. Audi A6

• Advantages: More distinctive design, superior standard safety features, available plug-in hybrid
• Disadvantages: Less refined powertrain, smaller dealer network, less sporty handling

Volvo S90 vs. BMW 5 Series

• Advantages: More comfortable seats, cleaner interior design, better value
• Disadvantages: Less engaging driving dynamics, smaller trunk, fewer engine choices

Volvo S90 vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

• Advantages: More distinctive Scandinavian design, better standard safety tech
• Disadvantages: Less prestigious badge, no V6 or V8 options, smaller rear seat

Ownership Considerations

Prospective S90 buyers should be aware of several ownership factors:

Reliability and Maintenance

Volvo offers competitive warranty coverage:

• 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty
• 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty
• 3-year/36,000-mile scheduled maintenance

Long-term reliability data suggests Volvo is average among luxury brands, with most common issues relating to electronics and infotainment systems.

Resale Value

The S90 depreciates faster than segment leaders like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, making used examples good values for budget-conscious luxury buyers.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Volvo S90?

The S90 makes the most sense for buyers who:

• Prioritize safety technology
• Appreciate Scandinavian design aesthetics
• Want an alternative to German luxury sedans
• Value comfortable, supportive seats
• Prefer a more understated luxury statement

It may not satisfy buyers who:

• Demand sporty handling dynamics
• Prefer traditional luxury powertrains (V6/V8)
• Want the prestige of German luxury brands
• Need maximum rear seat space