The Volvo S90 2023 is the epitome of luxury sedans, exuding a distinct Scandinavian personality with an unmistakable interior and exterior design. Not only that, but it also offers a competitive price-performance ratio compared to its rivals.
Volvo S90 2023: Technical Specifications, Price, Release Date
With a price point that competes with mid-sized luxury sedans such as the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the S90 occupies an intriguing middle ground with a rear seating area comparable to that of the Genesis G90 and the Lexus LS. A four-cylinder turbocharged engine with variable hybrid support comes standard. The most powerful and expensive model is the Recharge Plug-in Hybrid, with an EPA-rated electric range of 38 miles on a full charge.
What's new for 2023?
For the new model year, the Volvo S90 offers a simplified range of options. The Plus and Ultimate trims replace the previous Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription versions, with the S90 Recharge Hybrid only available in the Ultimate trim. Additional Google-based connectivity features are also on board.
We would opt for the well-equipped Ultimate model with the 1500 Euro Lounge package upgrade, which enhances the rear seats. Whether one deems the added power and range of the Recharge Hybrid drive worth thousands more is a personal decision, but the B6 base engine is entirely adequate.
Motor, Transmission, and Performance
With the new 295 horsepower B6 mild-hybrid powertrain under the hood, the S90 managed a solid 6.4 second sprint from 0 to 100 km/h during testing. Although slightly slower than its predecessor, the T6 model, the low torque of the hybrid powertrain and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission contribute to the car's spirited performance even after takeoff. The previous version of the plug-in hybrid recharge was as fast as the six-cylinder BMW 540i xDrive (4.5 seconds) on our test track, and we have yet to test the even more powerful hybrid version introduced last year.
We also hope that the revised hybrid powertrain will eliminate some of the previous hiccups. The car's handling is good, but at the cost of a ride that hardly feels like terry cloth. On rough terrain, more vibrations are transmitted to the interior than with the softer-sprung competitors. The steering feels heavy, but it's not as direct and precise as it should be, which undermines the S90's perceived sportiness.
Fuel economy and MPG in practice
Models with the B6 powertrain achieve EPA fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while plug-in hybrid models achieve a combined fuel economy of up to 66 mpg. In our fuel consumption test on the highway at 75 mph, the S90 with the standard B6 powertrain achieved a consumption rate of 29 mpg.
The Interior, Comfort, and Loading
Undoubtedly, the interior of the S90 is its most impressive feature. A blend of high-quality materials, including open-pore wood, genuine leather, brushed metal, and finely textured plastic, creates a harmonious and unmistakably modern ambiance. The 14-way electrically adjustable front seats provide all-day comfort and adapt to every body shape.
However, the S90 lacks some features that are expected in this segment. The manual steering column is a surprise and a disappointment, as almost all of Volvo's competitors offer electric adjustment. The S90 sedan will satisfy the needs of most drivers, and the models with a foldable rear seat backrest provide a spacious loading area.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Volvo S90 is as well connected as no other vehicle in its class and controls many functions through its infotainment touchscreen. All S90s feature a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen in the center of the dashboard. To adjust simple functions such as seat heating or the optional head-up display, the driver must interact with the system. This is typical for luxury brands, and some systems are more user-friendly than others.
The system of the Volvo S90 is easy to use, but it requires some familiarization time before the driver feels confident enough to make changes while driving. Volvo's latest Android-based infotainment system now supports Apple CarPlay and offers software updates over the air interface.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The long list of driver assistance features of the Volvo S90 is impressive, and Volvo offers most of them as standard. For more information on the crash test results of the Volvo S90, please visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The most important safety features include.
Volvo provides a standard warranty of four years and assumes all scheduled maintenance for the first three years. Genesis, on the other hand, offers a longer warranty to the owners of its G80 and G90 sedans, which are the outliers in this segment.
The limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty is valid for the same period. Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
The suggested retail price is €82,140.