2024 Volvo S90 Review

The midsize S90 stands as Volvo's largest sedan, introduced as the luxury car flagship in 2017. It boasts a range of powertrains, including turbo- and supercharged inline-four engines, as well as plug-in hybrid options that remain available today. Since its initial launch, non-plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants have incorporated mild hybrid integration.

Distinguishing itself from other luxury sedans, the Volvo S90 occupies a unique size category, positioned between mid-size and full-size competitors in terms of both interior space and price. Its distinctive design extends to both the interior and exterior, offering a standout aesthetic.

Volvo provides two all-wheel-drive powertrains, each equipped with a four-cylinder gasoline engine and all-wheel drive. The base B6 model features a 48-volt hybrid system, while the Recharge plug-in hybrid boasts more potent electric motors and a battery pack that grants an EPA-rated 38 miles of electric driving range.

Despite its graceful aging and contemporary appearance, the S90's driving experience falls short of the refined standards set by some competitors, potentially impacting its ability to fully meet luxurious expectations.

Features:

1.Engine & Power:

Equipped with the 295-hp B6 mild-hybrid powertrain, the S90 showcases a respectable zero-to-60-mph time of 6 seconds in testing. While this marks a slightly slower performance compared to the previous T6 model, the hybrid powertrain compensates with its low-end torque and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, contributing to a lively sensation upon acceleration. In the case of the earlier version of the plug-in hybrid Recharge model, it demonstrated an impressive performance on our test track, matching the results of the six-cylinder BMW 540i xDrive (4.5 seconds) in the 60-mph testing.

The car's handling is surefooted, providing a sense of confidence on the road. However, this stability comes with a trade-off—the ride lacks the plush comfort akin to terry cloth. On rough stretches of road, the car transmits more vibrations into the cabin compared to its more softly sprung competitors.

2.Fuel Economy:

S90 models featuring the B6 powertrain achieved EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the hybrid Recharge models earned an impressive rating of up to 66 MPGe combined, highlighting their efficiency in blending electric and gasoline power sources.

3.Interior & Comfort:

The standout feature of the S90 lies in its impressive cabin. A harmonious blend of premium materials such as open-pore wood, genuine leather, brushed metal, and finely grained plastics creates a unified and decidedly contemporary interior. The 14-way power-adjustable front seats provide all-day comfort, catering to various body shapes.

However, the S90 does fall short in terms of expected features in its segment. Notably, the presence of a manual steering column is both surprising and disappointing, especially considering that nearly all of its rivals offer power adjustments. Despite this, the S90 sedan remains well-suited to meet the needs of most drivers, and models with the folding rear seatback offer a remarkably spacious cargo area.

4.Technology:

The S90 competes fiercely in connectivity with its counterparts, relying extensively on its infotainment touchscreen to govern numerous functions. Across all S90 models, a prominent 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is centrally mounted on the dashboard. The system requires user interaction even for basic adjustments like heated seats or optional head-up display settings. This trend is becoming standard in the luxury brand arena, with varying levels of user-friendliness among different systems.

While the S90's infotainment system is relatively straightforward, drivers may experience a learning curve before feeling entirely at ease making on-the-go changes. Volvo's latest Android-based infotainment system not only supports Apple CarPlay but also facilitates over-the-air software updates, adding to its contemporary features.

What’s new in 2024?

The S90 Recharge plug-in hybrid is expanding its offerings with the introduction of the lower Plus trim, resulting in a noteworthy reduction in its base price by several thousand dollars. Additionally, a fresh color option, Vapour Gray Metallic, has been added to the palette, and metallic paint is now a standard feature. However, it's worth noting that the previous choices of Black Stone and Thunder Gray Metallic have been discontinued.

Which model do we recommend?

With the Recharge plug-in hybrid now accessible in the more affordable Plus trim, opting for this configuration stands out as a balanced choice, blending value and performance. This variant offers a notable increase in speed compared to the base B6 four-cylinder setup, while still delivering improved fuel efficiency and a practical electric-only range. The combination of value and power makes the Recharge plug-in hybrid in the Plus trim an attractive option.

Potential Competitors:

The BMW 5 Series, Genesis G80, Lexus ES, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are all prominent contenders in the luxury sedan segment. Each model represents a unique blend of sophistication, performance, and cutting-edge technology, catering to the discerning preferences of luxury car enthusiasts. With distinctive design elements, advanced features, and a commitment to delivering a refined driving experience, these vehicles showcase the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship and innovation in the luxury sedan market.

Conclusion:

In the 2024 Volvo S90 expert review by Bob Hernandez, the midsize S90 emerges as Volvo's largest sedan and a luxury car flagship. Introduced in 2017, it offers a range of powertrains, including turbo- and supercharged inline-four engines, and plug-in hybrid options that persist to the present day. Notably, non-plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions have incorporated mild hybrid integration since the S90's debut. The S90 also serves as the basis for the V90 Cross Country wagon, competing with premium four-door rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Genesis G80.

The pros of the 2024 Volvo S90 include its generous standard feature content, the quickness and range of the Recharge PHEV model, and its captivating design. On the downside, the S90 is criticized for being a pricey PHEV, featuring a noisy interior, and not being as sporty as some rivals. Overall, the S90 presents a compelling option in the luxury sedan market, balancing notable features with certain drawbacks that potential buyers should consider.

FAQs:

⦁ What are the safety features available? The 2024 S90 comes with a comprehensive set of standard driver assistance features, showcasing Volvo's commitment to safety. Included in the package are front and rear automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, and parking sensors. Additionally, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers are part of the standard equipment, ensuring a well-rounded safety suite for every S90 model.

⦁ What are the trims available? For the 2024 model year, the Volvo S90 and S90 Recharge offer two available trims: Plus and Ultimate. This dual-trim lineup provides consumers with options to suit their preferences and needs, allowing for a personalized selection based on desired features and specifications.