Volvo S90, The Swedish Representative Car

In a segment where German luxury sedans have reigned for more than 20 years, Volvo has not thrown in the towel and launches the new Volvo S90, a huge saloon with one of the most technological interiors  you can find.

The war against the almighty Mercedes E-Class or Audi A6 in terms of sales is already lost, so its main rival is the Jaguar XF, another that is among the misunderstood sedans.

Volvo S90 exterior design

With this radical design change, in which it has been modified to the name, Volvo has achieved a vehicle with a powerful and convincing image.

The front has a huge nose and a grille in an almost vertical position, this adds that character that it did not have before. The cleanliness of its lines makes elegance predominate over sportiness, something very different from what happens to a BMW 5 Series, for example.

From the side, we can see a silhouette with very defined three volumes, something that has always been liked in a luxury saloon, but makes it appear longer than it really is.

The rear is the most complex and peculiar, with drivers that are clearly Volvo, but do not quite fit in with the general aesthetics of this Volvo S90. Even so, on the subject of taste there is nothing written.

Interior design and habitability

As soon as you enter the front seats you are invaded by that feeling of warmth that only a Volvo can transmit, all the materials used are very pleasant to the touch and look the perfect combination of luxury and practicality. The space in these squares is outstanding, and people of great height can be accommodated without problem.

The dashboard stands out for the combination of different materials that provide a very cozy home air, but at the same time, a huge screen placed in an upright position reminds us that we are in a car with the latest technology and connectivity.

In the rear seats there is no lack of space for two adults to travel in total comfort, the central seat is much more uncomfortable than the side seats but, in this aspect, it is better resolved than most of its rivals. The quality of materials is also at a very good level in the rear area and maintains that pleasant appearance that surrounds the S90.

The trunk has a capacity of 500 liters, a fair figure for a 4.95-meter-long car, but enough to accommodate the family’s luggage.

Dynamics and engines

As with the entire current range of the brand, this Volvo S90 stands out for its good work on fast roads. The soundproofing of the cabin and intelligent suspension make tackling long journeys a real pleasure. The sense of poise is remarkable, as is the on-the-go refinement, though it falls short of the exquisiteness of a Mercedes E-Class.

On slow roads the length and weight of the vehicle are very noticeable, and a BMW 5 Series surpasses it in every way. This is not to say that the Volvo S90 is a clumsy car, but most of its rivals handle the changes of support between curve and curve better, and have more informative directions.

Regarding the available engines, the brand offers a very well structured power scale, with the inclusion of a very interesting plug-in hybrid version.

In gasoline, it starts from a 2.0-liter turbocharged 254 hp block called T5, a highly recommended option due to the good relationship between performance and consumption. Above, with the name T6, we find the same block but with 320 hp, the sportiest option of the model.

In diesel, the most affordable option is the D3, which has two liters of displacement and 150 hp. It provides a consumption of only 4.3 l / 100 km and a correct performance. The D4 maintains block but increases power to 190 hp, perhaps the most recommended option : it accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in just 8.2 seconds and maintains the consumption of the D3.

With the same engine, the brand also offers an option with 235 hp (D5), with which it turns the S90 into a very fast car, capable of completing 0 to 100 km / h in seven seconds and adjusting consumption to 4, 8 l / 100 km.

As a last option we have the T8, the plug-in hybrid variant of the Volvo S90. It comes from the union of the 320 hp gasoline engine coupled with electric motors, with which the power is increased to 408 hp. With it, it goes from 0 to 100 km / h in just 5.2 seconds and is capable of maintaining an average consumption of 1.9 l / 100 km, a real feat.

Price and conclusion

The Volvo S90 starts at € 44,911, which is worth the D3 with the Momentum finish and manual transmission, a highly recommended option due to the good basic equipment that it equips. The top of the range, with € 76,627, is the 408 hp T8.

They are prices slightly higher than their more direct competitors, with the exception of the Mercedes E-Class. Part of that difference can be justified with a more complete equipment but, in a segment where the status of the brand is paramount, increasing its bad sales figures is not going to be an easy task.