2020 Volvo S90

The flagship sedan of Volvo’s lineup comes with a variety of powertrain’s ranging from 250 hp T5 to 316 hp T6. All of the powertrains are mated to slick shifting 8 speed automatic transmission. Cabin design is truly Scandinavian which is known for simplicity and functionality yet it feels more luxurious than a German sedan.

The sole Swedish car maker aims at the buyer who is looking for a midsize sedan which includes Audi A6 sedan, BMW 5 series and Jaguar XF. Synonymous with Safety, Volvo has equipped the S 90 with advanced safety features.

The Volvo S60 Sedan is available in two trim which is Momentum and Inscription. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. The base variant comes with an inline-four engine that produces 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Inscription variant comes with a high-performance powertrain generating 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Both of the powertrains are mated to a smooth 8-speed automatic gearbox.

We Recommend

For its price, the standard Momentum variant seems to be the bang-for-the-buck deal as its powertrain provides excellent driving dynamics without compromising on efficiency. Furthermore, you also get a plethora of features as standard and if you miss any of them, fret not as you can add exclusivity to your S90 with a slew of optional features. However, let's not forget that each optional feature will add on top of the MSRP of the said trim.

"So, we have a few technology quibbles, but overall the 2020 Volvo S60 is a worthy challenger against the A4, the 3 Series, and the C-Class. Its elegant styling whispers rather than shouts, yet its impressive performance is certainly deserving of some bravado. This S60 overflows with quiet confidence by artfully blending comfort, safety and technology at a price that makes it slightly more accessible than its German rivals. Even with the knowledge that a redesigned BMW 3 Series is just over the horizon, we're confident the Volvo S60 will remain a top choice for quite some time." - Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

The Volvo S90 sedan is available in three engine options, with a four-cylinder engine and forced induction to choose from. The base turbocharged T5 engine is the only iteration that comes standard with front-wheel drive and produces 250 hp. All-wheel drive is optional with the T5 powertrain. The T6 engine adds a supercharger and increases the horsepower rating from 250 to 316. This 250 hp superb all-rounder delivers generous power just where you need it

 The base turbocharged T5 engine is the only iteration that comes standard with front-wheel drive and produces 250 hp. All-wheel drive is optional with the T5 powertrain. The T6 engine adds a supercharger and increases the horsepower rating from 250 to 316. 

Both of the powertrains are mated to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. Gearshift has been optimized to provide a more precise driving experience with faster acceleration. Gearshift points have been calibrated to utilize the optimized mid-range engine performance, while the gear hold function maintains the same gear when cornering with high lateral g-force.

The Audi A 6 wins the horsepower wars with the 3.0-liter powertrain. The BMW 5 series, Volvo S90 and Jaguar XF are similar in terms of power output and stay behind the S 60.

Acceleration

With 400hp the combination of a four-cylinder gas engine and powerful electric motor offers the power and performance of a much larger engine, using much less fuel. The S90 hybrid can take you from 0 to 60 in just 4.8 seconds which is faster than most of the cars.

The Volvo S90 with its T5 engine producing 250 hp takes 6.9 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill. The T6 S90 with AWD takes 6.0 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60 mph. The S 90 with 335 hp can take from 0 to 60 in just 5.4 seconds which is above average for this segment.

The Audi A6 is the fastest among all and just takes 4.4 seconds to decimate the 0 to 60 mark. The BMW 5 series, Volvo S 90 and BMW 5 series have similar performance and they go neck to neck with each other.

Ride and Handling

The S90 Sedan comes with two engine options, both of them are adequate on power but the T6 is much thrilling. The S 60 Hybrid is the fastest among all with 400 hp power output and instantaneous acceleration. The suspension is tuned for compliant ride and precise handling. Double wishbone front suspension and integral axle rear suspension soaks up bumps quite good. The optional rear air suspension with active chassis has different settings to suit your requirement and keeps maximum level of traction on the road.

There is visible body roll on corners as this big sedan is more of a natural cruiser and not a corner carver. The active chassis helps to keep the optimum level of handling regardless of road conditions. The steering is well weighted and offers ample response but it can’t be called sporty. Majority of individuals would be satisfied with the ride and steering response. Hill Start Assist makes pulling away on an incline effortless by holding the car on the brake until you press the accelerator. The standard drive modes—Comfort, Dynamic, and Individual—are especially pronounced with the optional air suspension.

Braking

The Volvo S90 packs more stopping power than most of the rivals has an automatic emergency braking (AEB) feature that enables the driver to use the maximum break strength available in case of emergency. The pedal travel I short and the brakes remain consistent on repetitive use.

The Volvo S 90 and Audi A6 are heaviest among the lot and takes identical time to stop from 60 mph closely followed by the Jaguar XF. BMW 5-Series has the best braking and it takes just 106-feet to cease from 60mph.

A host of engine options and forced induction helps to keep the Volvo relatively fuel efficient than most of the rivals. The standard 250 hp variant of the S90 T5 puts out 23 mpg city, 35 highway and 27 combined with front-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive doesn’t affect the fuel economy much and it delivers 22/31/26 mpg for the T5 AWD. The T6 is only available with all-wheel drive and it delivers 21 mpg city, 31 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg combined. To maximize the efficiency there’s an Eco Mode, which adjusts the gearbox and throttle response for the lowest possible fuel consumption.

For the sake of comparison, the Audi A6 3.0-liter Quattro stands at last with 24 mpg combined because of higher engine output. The Volvo S 90, Jaguar XF and BMW 5 series returns a similar 34 mpg on the highway.

Sporting a style all it's own allows the S90 to stand out from the prevailing luxury-brand status quo. Its interior design is as simplistic and elegant as the exterior and provides acres of passenger space in both front and rear seats. The S90 serves as a rolling technology showcase, too, as Volvo has equipped it with futuristic driver-assistance features - Carnadriver

Seating and Comfort

Inside the Volvo S90 combines Scandinavian design with modern tech to give you exceptional comfort. The cabin is constructed from world class material such as Swedish crystal and birch wood inlay (optional). A 9 inch portrait styled touchscreen helps in reducing the number of knobs and makes reading and scrolling maps easier. The driver focused style looks great and works perfectly. A metal finish surrounds air vents and different controls that looks beautiful.

The front orthopedic seats are sculpted to support the spine and provide exceptional comfort. The shape of the backseat is superb and provide more legroom than any of the other vehicles in this segment. The cabin is spacious and individually controlled heated seats mean every occupant have an equal level of comfort.

All the rivals can seat four people in relative comfort, the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 are more spacious closely followed by the Volvo S 60 sedan and Jaguar XF.

Interior features

• 10-way, Power Front seat Power Lumbar and Driver Seat Memory Sensus Navigation
• Volvo Sensus Connect with 9" Touchscreen
• 8" Driver Display (Digital Instrument Cluster)
• 3" Driver Display (Digital Instrument Cluster)
• USB Input
• Rear Seat USB Hub
• Voice Control
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Dark Flame Birch Wood Inlays
• Crystal Gear Shift Knob by Orrefors
• Volvo Aluminum Sill Plates Auto Dimming Interior Mirror
• Clean Zone Air Quality System
• 2-Zone Climate Control
• 4-Zone Climate Control and Cooled Glovebox

Infotainment system

The Volvo S 90 is equipped with intuitive Sensus Connect system. You get pinch to zoom feature and it is pretty much like an android phablet. The Sensus system lets you to you interact with your car using a smartphone app while giving you direct access to emergency support. It comes equipped with the following amenities.

• 3" Digital Driver Display (T6 and T8)
• 9" Sensus Touchscreen
• Bluetooth audio streaming
• USB inputs
• Voice control
• Steering wheel controls
• Tethering via WiFi
• High Performance audio system (330 W, 10 speakers)
• Internet radio via apps
• Volvo On Call with Engine Remote Start 4-Year Complimentary Subscription

Cargo Capacity

The Volvo S 60 sedan comes with descent 13.5 cubic feet of space and it can increase with the 60/40 split folding seats. The trunk is small for a luxury sedan still Utility is still good, though. Those seats also fold fairly flat. You can push a button to electrically lower the second row, and hands-free power trunk access makes it easy to open the cargo hold when you have your arms full.

The 2020 Volvo S90 Sedan loses the competition in the car cargo space with 13.5 cubic-feet. Whereas the other competitors of the BMW 530i, Jaguar XF sedan, have more cargo space.

The 2020 Volvo S90 luxury sedan is a major part of the Swedish marque's rebirth. After years of producing good vehicles, the company is now making great vehicles. This is accomplished by addressing every major and minor area, establishing a fresh design approach, developing new engines and setting even higher standards for interior quality, while staying true to traditional Volvo values like safety and comfort - Autotrader

Dimension and Weight

The S90 sedan is a classic expression of timeless Scandinavian design with bold lines and tastefully creased metal. The concave grille is upright, shaped between sweptback headlights which are shaped like Thor’s hammer. The long-hood, low-slung body, with the classic Volvo hallmark of a wide and muscular shoulder line makes the car look lower than it actually is. The standard panoramic moon roof lets you get fresh air and create endless space.

Around the back, The S90 looks ultra -modern with C shaped taillights and trunk lid spoiler. A body-colored rear diffuser with integrated tailpipes adds to the sporty aspect with a classic “Volvo” badge. The S60 carries out the design language of Volvo exceptionally and puts the Swedish at the top of its class when it comes to looks.

The Volvo S 90 has the best clearance of 6.0 inches while all the other rivals are close to 5 inches. The Audi A6 is the heaviest among the lot followed by Volvo S90, BMW 5 series sedan, and Jaguar XF is the lightest among all. Volvo S90 also cast the largest with 200 inches of length.

Exterior features

• Laminated Panoramic Moonroof with Power Sunshade
• LED Headlights with Thor’s Hammer DRL & Auto Highbeam (AHB) LED Fog Lamps with Corner Illumination
• LED Taillights with Side Marker Lights
• 19" 5-Triple Spoke Tech Matte Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
• Retractable Side View Mirrors
• Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
• Front Grill, High-Gloss Black with Glossy Chrome Frame
• Bright Chrome Window Surround
• Dual Visible Tailpipes with Chrome Sleeves

Volvo is synonymous with road safety. Your Volvo S90 comes with comprehensive IntelliSafe technologies as standard, including all the safety you’d expect from a Volvo and more. These technologies can see what the driver cannot.

• Volvo On-Call Emergency Sos
• Rear Parking Sensors
• BLIS Blind Spot Sensor
• City Safety and Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Keeping Aid/Run-Off-Road Mitigation Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Keeping Aid/Run-Off-Road Mitigation Lane Departure Warning
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Driver Knee Airbag
• Power Rear Child Safety Locks
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
• Park Assist Back-Up Camera
• Dstc/RSC Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control

Audi A6

German cars are known for their reliability and the A6 will never disappoint you in any way

Audi cars are known for their performance and reliability and the A6 will not disappoint you. Audi hasn't changed much in the exterior of the 2018 Audi A6 but it sure gets improved performance and handling. Volvo S90 is more value to money as it offers more space, comfort, better technology, and better safety features. But for a driving enthusiast, the A6 will be a better option as it has more power and dynamic handling.

Jaguar XF

Jaguar has produced some of the finest cars and XF is one of them. It is the cheapest car in the lot and offers enough room for 5 people to sit properly. The 2018 Jaguar XF has better handling and performs better than the Volvo S90. Also, the XF offers the biggest trunk without compromising with the comfort of passengers. If you seek power, better handling, and better trunk size, pick Jaguar XF. But if you look for exquisite interior and comfort choose Volvo S90.

BMW 5 series

The BMW 5-series is a better option for those who crave good handling, power, and great balance. The car has sublime steering, better aerodynamics and is quite agile. The car costs higher than its rivals but it sure is value for money. You can upgrade your 5-series with a more powerful V8 engine that generates 456-horsepower. BMW 5-series is a better option to choose over S90 any day.

The S90 sedan may appeal to everyone who has a BMW or an Audi or a Jaguar in their shopping list. In terms of quality and comfort, the S90 surpasses the German Rivals but falls short when it comes to aggressive driving. You can throw it in corners or enjoy around town, everything comes into balance on the Swedish super sedan. The S 90 is about on-point as its get when you strip away sillier expectations.