Volvo has rightfully earned its reputation as a builder of safe, comfortable, reliable cars that also flirt with real performance. The flagship S90 furthers that reputation, and it's easy enough to add the punch if desired.
The S90 builds upon the luxury found in the outgoing, long-in-the-tooth S80, but it draws many styling cues from the Concept Coupe of 2013. As such, with the exception of its subtle, familiar Volvo "shoulder" line, it departs from recent Volvo styling with its slightly concave grille, which sits between LED headlights. The heavily raked windshield and back glass frame a low roofline. Overall, it is an elegant, flowing look that suits the car's dimensions.
Two trims are offered -- S90 Momentum and S90 Inscription -- and each is available in either T5 front-wheel drive or T6 all-wheel drive configuration. The differences are greater than simply which wheels are powered, however. T5 models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four, which produces 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. T6 models benefit from a 2.0L four that is "twin-charged," with both a supercharger and turbocharger. The combination is good for 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet, and it means that turbo lag is almost non-existent, with the supercharger spooling from low in the rev range and the turbo taking over higher up. All S90s utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all are equipped with ECO+ automatic stop/start functionality. Adjustable drive modes include Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, Off Road and Individual, and allow drivers to customize responsiveness of the S90's engine, transmission and optional air suspension.
No matter the powerplant and drive configuration, Momentum models offer 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome-tipped dual exhaust, leather upholstery and trim, aluminum sills, power adjustable front seating with 4-way lumbar support, 2-zone electronic climate control, a power sunroof, adaptive cruise control, park assist, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and HD radio.
Inscription models differ with 19-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights and "Thor's Hammer" running lights, and headlight washers. Upgrades inside include soft Napa leather with heated and cooled front seats, walnut inlays, a leather-clad dash, 4-zone climate control with a cooled glovebox and a 12.3-inch digital display.
Popular packages on the S90 include the Vision Package, with auto-dimming mirrors, blind spot information with cross-traffic alert, and visual park assist with "fisheye" view in the front. A Climate Package brings heat to the front and rear seats, steering wheel, windshield washer nozzles, and windshield. The Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System adds upgraded audio with a 12-channel amplifier, 1,400-watt output, and 19 speakers.
Standalone options include a graphical head-up display with driver information, as well as air suspension, which automatically adjusts the rear height to account for load. The system also adapts on the fly to changing road conditions.
Safety has not been overlooked in the newest Volvo. In addition to anti-lock braking and stability and traction controls, a bevy of air bags fill the cabin. Advanced standard safety features include front collision mitigation with emergency braking, lane keeping assist, pedestrian/cyclist/animal detection, and OnCall telematics, which can remotely unlock or start the car and notify first responders in an emergency. Additionally, Pilot Assist pairs semi-autonomous self-steering, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control to allow the S90 to drive itself with minimal driver input in certain scenarios.
Volvo-standard Safety And Quality
Two Powerful Engines
Striking New Design
Standard Features
Available All-wheel Drive
Luxury
For 2018 the Volvo S90 grows by around four and a half inches in length. This means in rear seat room has improved considerably. The S90 now offers oodles of space back there, enough to compete with long wheelbase versions of the Audi S8 and the BMW 7-Series.
The S90 is a welcome replacement for the S80 in Volvo's mid-size luxury spot. It goes head to head in a crowded segment with some of Europe's best, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6, along with players from Japan like the Hyundai Genesis and Lexus GS, not to mention America's chief contingent, the Cadillac CTS and XTS. The S90 provides a welcome alternative and is priced quite competitively, with an incredible list of standard convenience and safety features, not to mention an innovative powerplant in the twin-charged T6.
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