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The Volvo S90 does things differently from its German rivals, which is exactly why we like it so much

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The Volvo S90 does things differently from its German rivals, which is exactly why we like it so much

# data.attributes.metatag[].attributes.content
The Volvo S90 does things differently from its German rivals, which is exactly why we like it so much

# data.attributes.metatag[].attributes.content
The Volvo S90 does things differently from its German rivals, which is exactly why we like it so much

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The Volvo S90 does things differently from its German rivals

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"description":"The Volvo S90 does things differently from its German rivals

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which is exactly why we like it so much"

# data.attributes.field_cars_driving.value
This is not a competitor for the BMW 5 Series or Jaguar XF when it comes to handling. The Volvo S90 does nothing to encourage you to drive quickly – even though you’ve got nearly 400bhp at your disposal, it’s much more comfortable on the motorway or pottering around town than it is haring cross-country. It steers and stops fine, but make no mistake, despite the chunky power output the S90 is for cruising. And very good it is at that, too.

WHAT ENGINES CAN YOU GET?

Just one. It’s called the T8, and it’s a plug-in hybrid that marries a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a small electric motor. The combustion engine powers the front axle and the e-motor does the rear, so you get all wheel drive. Combined output is just shy of 400bhp, which makes the S90 really quick. With the 11.6kWh battery fully charged it’ll do 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds. Claimed electric range is up to 37 miles, but mid-twenties is more likely (and perfectly respectable). Charging the battery takes between two and six hours depending on what kind of plug/cable you’re using.

In practice the S90 shuffles power around smoothly – there’s no jerkiness as the petrol engine switches on or off and the eight-speed auto gearbox shifts smoothly. But the powertrain isn’t as harmonious as it is in newer plug-ins like the BMW 530e and Mercedes E300e. The combustion engine is louder and less refined than it ought to be, especially under hard acceleration and/or when the battery’s flat, and the whole system takes a fraction of a second too long to respond to your inputs. Like the handling, it doesn’t like being rushed. Which is ironic given this is such a quick car.

IS IT COMFORTABLE?

It is. You can’t get the S90 with the V90’s adaptive suspension, which is a pity because it’s not as soft or pillowy as we’d like, but it’s still a hugely comfortable car. The ride is mostly placid (though it can get a bit out of sorts if you try and drive quickly), and the superb seats and general ambience of the cabin make S90 mentally comforting as well as physically.

# data.attributes.field_cars_driving.processed
This is not a competitor for the BMW 5 Series or Jaguar XF when it comes to handling. The Volvo S90 does nothing to encourage you to drive quickly – even though you’ve got nearly 400bhp at your disposal, it’s much more comfortable on the motorway or pottering around town than it is haring cross-country. It steers and stops fine, but make no mistake, despite the chunky power output the S90 is for cruising. And very good it is at that, too.

WHAT ENGINES CAN YOU GET?

Just one. It’s called the T8, and it’s a plug-in hybrid that marries a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a small electric motor. The combustion engine powers the front axle and the e-motor does the rear, so you get all wheel drive. Combined output is just shy of 400bhp, which makes the S90 really quick. With the 11.6kWh battery fully charged it’ll do 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds. Claimed electric range is up to 37 miles, but mid-twenties is more likely (and perfectly respectable). Charging the battery takes between two and six hours depending on what kind of plug/cable you’re using.

In practice the S90 shuffles power around smoothly – there’s no jerkiness as the petrol engine switches on or off and the eight-speed auto gearbox shifts smoothly. But the powertrain isn’t as harmonious as it is in newer plug-ins like the BMW 530e and Mercedes E300e. The combustion engine is louder and less refined than it ought to be, especially under hard acceleration and/or when the battery’s flat, and the whole system takes a fraction of a second too long to respond to your inputs. Like the handling, it doesn’t like being rushed. Which is ironic given this is such a quick car.

IS IT COMFORTABLE?

It is. You can’t get the S90 with the V90’s adaptive suspension, which is a pity because it’s not as soft or pillowy as we’d like, but it’s still a hugely comfortable car. The ride is mostly placid (though it can get a bit out of sorts if you try and drive quickly), and the superb seats and general ambience of the cabin make S90 mentally comforting as well as physically.

# data.attributes.field_cars_inside.value
The ambience of the S90’s cabin is a massive part of what separates it from its German rivals. Particularly in Inscription spec, with the light-coloured leather and wood trim, the S90’s cabin is a bright, inviting environment that really soothes the stresses associated with using and sharing Britain’s uniquely terrible road network with millions of other people.

The front seats are superb, as is the Volvo way, and it’s most easy to find a comfortable driving position. Material quality is largely beyond reproach too, with few nasty, cheap-feeling plastics to speak of.

IS THERE MUCH SPACE IN THE BACK?

Yep, adults and kids will be fine back there. In some parts of the world Volvo even does a long-wheelbase S90 for taxiing/chauffeuring, but the standard car we get here in the UK more than does the job – it feels bigger in the back than the 5 Series or A6, with enough room to stretch out on longer journeys. At 461-litres the boot isn’t vast, but it’s a usable shape/size and you can flip the rear bench down in a 60/40 split for loading larger items.

WHAT ABOUT THE TECH?

Many of the controls are integrated into the nine-inch portrait touchscreen. Yes, including the air conditioning. There is a physical home button, and hard-keys for the heated screens and hazards, but we’d prefer more knobs and switches.

Still, the S90’s touchscreen is easy enough to use, but Volvo has been using this same system since 2015, so it is starting to feel its age in places. Good news, then, that new S and V90s get the Android-based operating system as fitted to the Polestar 2 and all-electric Volvo XC40 P8. It’s much better.

# data.attributes.field_cars_inside.processed
The ambience of the S90’s cabin is a massive part of what separates it from its German rivals. Particularly in Inscription spec, with the light-coloured leather and wood trim, the S90’s cabin is a bright, inviting environment that really soothes the stresses associated with using and sharing Britain’s uniquely terrible road network with millions of other people.

The front seats are superb, as is the Volvo way, and it’s most easy to find a comfortable driving position. Material quality is largely beyond reproach too, with few nasty, cheap-feeling plastics to speak of.

IS THERE MUCH SPACE IN THE BACK?

Yep, adults and kids will be fine back there. In some parts of the world Volvo even does a long-wheelbase S90 for taxiing/chauffeuring, but the standard car we get here in the UK more than does the job – it feels bigger in the back than the 5 Series or A6, with enough room to stretch out on longer journeys. At 461-litres the boot isn’t vast, but it’s a usable shape/size and you can flip the rear bench down in a 60/40 split for loading larger items.

WHAT ABOUT THE TECH?

Many of the controls are integrated into the nine-inch portrait touchscreen. Yes, including the air conditioning. There is a physical home button, and hard-keys for the heated screens and hazards, but we’d prefer more knobs and switches.

Still, the S90’s touchscreen is easy enough to use, but Volvo has been using this same system since 2015, so it is starting to feel its age in places. Good news, then, that new S and V90s get the Android-based operating system as fitted to the Polestar 2 and all-electric Volvo XC40 P8. It’s much better.

# data.attributes.field_cars_owning.value
With only one engine option and two trims to choose from, buying an S90 is not at all complicated. ‘R-Design’ is the sporty-looking one, with the big wheels and high-gloss black trim, and ‘Inscription’ is the more luxurious one with much chrome outside and wood inside. There’s only £775 between them if you buy outright - £56,025 for R-Design plays £57,050 for Inscription, only a few £/month – and little difference in terms of kit. It’s (mostly) in the details, so simply pick whichever one takes your fancy. Most go R-Design, but we’d go Inscription because it better matches the S90’s character.

The amount of standard equipment is predictably generous, with all S90s getting everything you might want or need. Far too much to list here. On top of the standard equipment there are Seat, Lighting, Climate and Lounge option packs you can specify. Seat only gives you a power adjustable passenger-seat. Lighting adds fancy adaptive headlights, Climate gives you heated rear seats, a heated windscreen and heated steering wheel, while Lounge adds a sunroof, interior air filter and Harmon Kardon stereo.

Individual options include a head-up display at £750, 360-degree parking cameras at £525 and the mighty Bowers & Wilkins stereo for… £3,000. Audiophiles – if you can stretch to that then by all means do, you won’t be disappointed.

Besides buying outright or leasing/PCP’ing in the normal way, the S90 is also available through the ‘Care By Volvo’ subscription service. You’ll pay more per month than you would on a normal PCP or lease, but there’s no deposit to pay and you can hand the car back and cancel (or swap to a different one) with three months’ notice. Everything bar insurance is included, just tell Volvo how many miles you’re going to do (they’ll adjust the price accordingly) and you’re away.

# data.attributes.field_cars_owning.processed
With only one engine option and two trims to choose from, buying an S90 is not at all complicated. ‘R-Design’ is the sporty-looking one, with the big wheels and high-gloss black trim, and ‘Inscription’ is the more luxurious one with much chrome outside and wood inside. There’s only £775 between them if you buy outright - £56,025 for R-Design plays £57,050 for Inscription, only a few £/month – and little difference in terms of kit. It’s (mostly) in the details, so simply pick whichever one takes your fancy. Most go R-Design, but we’d go Inscription because it better matches the S90’s character.

The amount of standard equipment is predictably generous, with all S90s getting everything you might want or need. Far too much to list here. On top of the standard equipment there are Seat, Lighting, Climate and Lounge option packs you can specify. Seat only gives you a power adjustable passenger-seat. Lighting adds fancy adaptive headlights, Climate gives you heated rear seats, a heated windscreen and heated steering wheel, while Lounge adds a sunroof, interior air filter and Harmon Kardon stereo.

Individual options include a head-up display at £750, 360-degree parking cameras at £525 and the mighty Bowers & Wilkins stereo for… £3,000. Audiophiles – if you can stretch to that then by all means do, you won’t be disappointed.

Besides buying outright or leasing/PCP’ing in the normal way, the S90 is also available through the ‘Care By Volvo’ subscription service. You’ll pay more per month than you would on a normal PCP or lease, but there’s no deposit to pay and you can hand the car back and cancel (or swap to a different one) with three months’ notice. Everything bar insurance is included, just tell Volvo how many miles you’re going to do (they’ll adjust the price accordingly) and you’re away.

# data.attributes.field_cars_stand_first
Volvo's big, luxury saloon is wilfully different from the German competition. Good

# data.attributes.field_cars_verdict.value
The Volvo S90 does things differently from its German rivals, which is exactly why we like it so much. It’s an incredibly relaxing way to travel and quite cool too, even though its powertrain doesn’t quite live up to its billing.

Pity you can only get the plug-in hybrid nowadays – the resulting high entry-price is bad news for private buyers, who may be better served by a normal petrol or diesel engine and will therefore be tempted to look elsewhere.

It’s not as bad if you’re a company car driver because the BiK rate is so low and you’re leasing the car anyway – but even so the S90 is pricier than the equivalent plug-in BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class.

# data.attributes.field_cars_verdict.processed
The Volvo S90 does things differently from its German rivals, which is exactly why we like it so much. It’s an incredibly relaxing way to travel and quite cool too, even though its powertrain doesn’t quite live up to its billing.

Pity you can only get the plug-in hybrid nowadays – the resulting high entry-price is bad news for private buyers, who may be better served by a normal petrol or diesel engine and will therefore be tempted to look elsewhere.

It’s not as bad if you’re a company car driver because the BiK rate is so low and you’re leasing the car anyway – but even so the S90 is pricier than the equivalent plug-in BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class.

# data.attributes.field_cars_verdict_against
Not cheap, keen drivers will want more, only one engine option

# data.attributes.field_cars_verdict_for
Stylish Swedish looks, unashamed aura of calm and serenity

# data.attributes.field_cars_verdict_text
The Volvo S90 does things differently from its German rivals, which is exactly why we like it so much

# data.attributes.field_cars_what_is_it.value
It’s Sweden doing a Germany – the S90 is a big, executive saloon in the mould of the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6. But while those three are a bit derivative, the S90 does things entirely its own way. It’s the same size, shape and price as the Germans, but it’s unmistakably Swedish in its design and drive. Which is without doubt its greatest strength.

The S90 is effectively the same car as the excellent V90 estate, minus the big (but not as big as you might think) boot. They sit on the same ‘SPA’ platform you’ll find under the seven-seat XC90 SUV as well as Volvo’s smaller ’60-series’ cars and SUVs; the S60, V60 and XC60. Engines and technologies are shared across the line-up.

SO, WHAT ENGINES CAN YOU GET?

Nowadays all Volvos are electrified to some degree. Across its whole line-up the company offers mild-hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full-on electric cars, but at the time of writing the only car that gives you the choice of all three is the XC40 crossover/small SUV.

At the moment the S90 is only available as a plug-in hybrid. A fast one, too. The S90 T8 marries a 303bhp four-cylinder petrol engine, which drives the front wheels, with an 87bhp electric motor for the rears. Said e-motor draws power from an 11.6kWh battery, giving the S90 up to 37 miles of electric range. When the battery’s charged and the combustion engine and e-motor are working together, the S90 can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds. Which is quite brisk.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Incredibly comfortable and relaxing, particularly if you’ve specified the bright leather and wood trim. Oh and the tremendous (but pricy) Bowers & Wilkins stereo, which is one of the best sound systems fitted to any car. Plenty of space in the back too. Fun fact – elsewhere in the world you can get an S90 with a stretched wheelbase for even more legroom.

Volvo was early to the Tesla-style portrait touchscreen game. In the S90 all the major controls are integrated into the display, beneath which there’s a ‘Home’ button, a big volume knob and hard keys for the hazards and heated screens. The existing system is fine but feels its age (the S90 was revealed in 2015, don’t forget). But don’t worry – the S90 is about to get the same Android-based setup, developed with Google, as the Polestar 2 and all-electric XC40 P8. It’s much better.

IS IT EXPENSIVE?

Yes. Back when you could have an S90 with a conventional, unassisted petrol or diesel engine you pick one up for not much more than £30,000. But nowadays – thanks largely to the T8 powertrain that used to be the top-of-the-range but is now your only option – the cheapest S90 costs £56,275. You can spend well over £60,000 with options.

It’s more cost efficient as a company car. CO2 emissions from 44g/km mean you’ll save loads in BiK versus a purely combustion-engined car.

# data.attributes.field_cars_what_is_it.processed
It’s Sweden doing a Germany – the S90 is a big, executive saloon in the mould of the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6. But while those three are a bit derivative, the S90 does things entirely its own way. It’s the same size, shape and price as the Germans, but it’s unmistakably Swedish in its design and drive. Which is without doubt its greatest strength.

The S90 is effectively the same car as the excellent V90 estate, minus the big (but not as big as you might think) boot. They sit on the same ‘SPA’ platform you’ll find under the seven-seat XC90 SUV as well as Volvo’s smaller ’60-series’ cars and SUVs; the S60, V60 and XC60. Engines and technologies are shared across the line-up.

SO, WHAT ENGINES CAN YOU GET?

Nowadays all Volvos are electrified to some degree. Across its whole line-up the company offers mild-hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full-on electric cars, but at the time of writing the only car that gives you the choice of all three is the XC40 crossover/small SUV.

At the moment the S90 is only available as a plug-in hybrid. A fast one, too. The S90 T8 marries a 303bhp four-cylinder petrol engine, which drives the front wheels, with an 87bhp electric motor for the rears. Said e-motor draws power from an 11.6kWh battery, giving the S90 up to 37 miles of electric range. When the battery’s charged and the combustion engine and e-motor are working together, the S90 can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds. Which is quite brisk.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Incredibly comfortable and relaxing, particularly if you’ve specified the bright leather and wood trim. Oh and the tremendous (but pricy) Bowers & Wilkins stereo, which is one of the best sound systems fitted to any car. Plenty of space in the back too. Fun fact – elsewhere in the world you can get an S90 with a stretched wheelbase for even more legroom.

Volvo was early to the Tesla-style portrait touchscreen game. In the S90 all the major controls are integrated into the display, beneath which there’s a ‘Home’ button, a big volume knob and hard keys for the hazards and heated screens. The existing system is fine but feels its age (the S90 was revealed in 2015, don’t forget). But don’t worry – the S90 is about to get the same Android-based setup, developed with Google, as the Polestar 2 and all-electric XC40 P8. It’s much better.

IS IT EXPENSIVE?

Yes. Back when you could have an S90 with a conventional, unassisted petrol or diesel engine you pick one up for not much more than £30,000. But nowadays – thanks largely to the T8 powertrain that used to be the top-of-the-range but is now your only option – the cheapest S90 costs £56,275. You can spend well over £60,000 with options.

It’s more cost efficient as a company car. CO2 emissions from 44g/km mean you’ll save loads in BiK versus a purely combustion-engined car.

# data.attributes.field_cars_what_we_say
The Volvo S90 does things differently from its German rivals, which is exactly why we like it so much