In case you’re somebody that frequently has to load a number of folks right into a automobile and you do not need a crossover however slightly one thing somewhat extra elegant, then the Volvo S90 provides a full-size luxurious sedan for the job. This cruiser comes with Scandinavian model and opulence, and it would not require you to stretch to Mercedes S-Class pricing.
The usual mannequin packs in lots of options off the bat, together with smooth-grain leather-based upholstery, ash wooden decor, Google Constructed-In, and complex ambient lighting. The T8 Recharge model of the S90 reviewed here’s a plug-in hybrid that we spent per week with, and it brings the turbo and supercharged hybrid powertrain as much as 455 horsepower, whereas it is able to delivering as much as 38 miles of vary on electrical energy alone.
Styling: Preserving It Timeless
Volvo would not get in your face with styling. The S90 would not want an absurdly massive grille, so it would not have one. It would not want sharp creasing making shapes down the aspect, so it would not have them. It would not want 21-inch wheels, so it would not match them. As an alternative, you get distinctive styling that’s, and can proceed to, age properly. Standout design components just like the distinctive Thor’s Hammer headlights and C-shaped LED taillights do the speaking, and the lately up to date grille lets you already know it is a Volvo. The entry-level (but confusingly-named) S90 Recharge Plus mannequin comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, whereas the remainder of the line-up incorporates 20-inch models.
Inside: Upscale Swedish Espresso Store Vibes
We have raved about Volvo’s inside design earlier than, and the S90 vary would not disappoint with its normal smooth-grain leather-based upholstery, real wooden inserts and decor, and inside lighting that means Volvo checked out what Mercedes has been doing and did the other. The result’s one thing that is by no means even heard of the phrase garish and would soothe even probably the most aggressive road-rage artist caught but once more in LA visitors into simply stress-free with a podcast. Nevertheless, a number of luxuries are, surprisingly, lacking. For instance, the driving force has to make do with a manually adjustable steering wheel.
The entrance is comfy, however driving within the again is much from being caught in a penalty field. The seats recline somewhat, and there is legroom for a basketball participant again there. Simply as spectacular is the 13.5 cubic toes of cargo area, which appears constructed for airport runs and is available in greater than what the S-Class has out there.
Powertrain: Not As Refined As It Might Be
Whether or not you go for the B6 S90 with delicate hybrid or the T8 Recharge model, you are getting a turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine that has rather a lot requested of it. The Volvo S90 Recharge provides that {smooth} energy higher, nevertheless it nonetheless would not really feel as easy as opponents utilizing V8s or twin-turbo V6s. Nevertheless, its gas-only opponents do not get 30 mpg mixed, not to mention 38 miles on an electrical cost alone.
Whereas the T8-powered Recharge generates 455 hp and 0-60 mph in a claimed 4.3 seconds, it is not a automobile that urges you to make use of all of it. As an alternative, that energy provides the S90 Recharge a surety of acceleration when wanted and greater than sufficient to be sure to get to that assembly or flight regardless of having to return for Astrid’s laptop computer that she left within the workplace. Once more.
Infotainment: Embracing Google
The S90’s infotainment hasn’t made any nice leaps and bounds and nonetheless options every part anybody wants right here in 2023, together with Apple CarPlay. Nevertheless, Volvo has chosen to embrace Google and hands-off navigation on to Google Maps, which is a brilliant transfer. Google Constructed-In additionally means Google Play is native to the infotainment system and the apps that include that (similar to Spotify) and Google’s voice assistant. Not like another automakers, although, Volvo is promoting “all information included,” which incorporates distant providers by way of the Volvo Automobiles app.
The S90 Recharge Final trim makes a Bowers & Wilkins sound system out there that is superbly tuned with audio system able to encompass sound. If music is your factor, it is properly definitely worth the improve at $3,200.
On The Highway: Your Cash’s Value
The Volvo S90 Recharge begins at $65,650 and, in any trim stage, delivers a {smooth}, comfy, and stress-free journey. The Final model is available in at $71,200 and would not add something to the journey high quality, which smooths out the bumps properly till you attain longer stretches of poorly maintained street. You possibly can add adaptive air suspension optionally for an much more chic really feel.
Off the road, the S90 Recharge is fast however attempting to maintain up the tempo in something however a straight line, and it begins to indicate its weight. In case you’re on the lookout for some sportiness along with your government transporter, then it is time to have a look at the German manufacturers. Nevertheless, if that is not essential however cultured consolation with the ability to overhaul slower visitors and cruise with certainty on the freeway are the principle elements you search, the S90 Recharge begins to appear like a cut price.
Verdict: Luxurious, Not Opulant
Our time with the S90 Recharge was curiously refreshing. Whereas different automakers enjoying within the massive sedan area are throwing expertise’s equal of the kitchen sink at their automobiles, Volvo is specializing in consolation and security. The S90 vary is not an instance of minimalism – that will be a nonsense declare – however it’s an instance of luxurious that is not wasteful. For instance, the infotainment display is the proper dimension, and the system is not attempting to be a laptop computer. Volvo understands that what most drivers and passengers need in a automobile is a navigation system that is {smooth} and a few technique of enjoying music, podcasts, or an audiobook. Volvo can add to that with consolation and a relaxed ambiance on high of that.
Cynically, it may very well be claimed Volvo has created the right Uber Black automobile. And which will really be the case. Nevertheless, we might say that Volvo has delivered an government sedan that does not waste cash and does ship model and substance. Ask your self this: How typically do you really change the steering wheel place? Volvo has ticked each field aside from that one.