Engine: 1969cc, 188bhp; Performance: 0-62mph 8.2 seconds / Top Speed 140mph; Economy: 64.2mpg - Official / 39.2mpg - Test; Emissions: 116g/km; Price: ?35,555 / Price as tested ?43,230; Test car supplied by Volvo UK; Test car options Winter Pack - ?1,175 . Perhaps that has something to do with the huge, 20-inch wheels and low-profile tires that come on this T8 Inscription test car. All things considered, the Volvo S90 Inscription gets it done. Several of my passengers over the week of the loan mentioned that the back of the S90 looked like it was missing something—and they're not wrong. Publisher - Review Gallery Price & Specs $ 96,900 – $ 98,900 Mrlp. But even with the government's help, I don't think the T8's extra fuel efficiency warrants the price. Here's the thing about good taste: So often, it's ruined by others. I'm all for a conservative tack on the design, but this is a missed opportunity. With 316 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque and a 0-60 time of 6.0 seconds, that's plenty of power and traction for me. The Volvo S90 on the road review including ride and handling information. It's already pretty hard to get killed in a Volvo these days, but the S90 takes it even further with its semi-autonomous Pilot Assist feature and a whole suite of other capabilities—active park assist, automatic emergency braking, "large animal detection," a 360-degree camera, and more—to keep your insurance premium from going up. The Good Gorgeous looks inside and out make this midsize luxury sedan stand proud among strong competitors. The Bad The poor brake modulation of the T8 model is a deal-breaker. by: Auto Express team. The S90 is also designed to be experienced from the back seat, but there's not enough room under the front seats for big feet, and the pop-out cupholders are shallow and flimsy. A 12.3-inch instrument cluster display sits ahead of the driver, while a 9-inch Sensus Connect touchscreen atop the center stack can run Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay. On its own, the turbocharged and supercharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine is great at delivering off-the-line torque, but is a little more lively thanks to the 87-horsepower electric motor mounted at the rear axle. The base S90 T5 Momentum no longer comes standard with leather seats and instead gets faux leather for 2019. James Ward. Long-term test review: Volvo S90 Final report: it’s time to say goodbye to our classy luxury Volvo S90 saloon, and we’re really going to miss it . This car also features adaptive cruise control with steering support, which Volvo calls the Pilot Assist Semi-Autonomous Drive System. Sleek from any angle—but the back is a tad unfinished. This sort of poor braking modulation is a deal breaker for me. The S90's elegantly straightforward interior provides tasteful, comfortable and spacious environs equally suited to around-town commutes or long-distance travel. Charging the S90's battery on the go used a lot of fuel, though, and as a result, I achieved less than 23 miles per gallon after 500 miles of mixed city and highway meandering. Our verdict on the Volvo S90 D4 Inscription The S90 isn't as good to drive as the Jaguar XF, and it isn't quite as comfortable as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but it offers a good compromise. In politics, it's Florida, Florida, Florida. Pick the best engine and compare performance with similar cars. Ah, you're one of those. It works about as well as most radar-guided cruise control systems with automated steering, but it could do a smoother job of keeping me between the lines along gently curved sections of freeway. Even with attention-getting gaudiness at a minimum, the S90 is still one of the most seductive sedans on the market. Edmunds' expert review of the Used 2018 Volvo S90 provides the latest look at trim-level features and specs, performance, safety, and comfort. 173 kW. Too obvious. But the wacky cross-pollination that somehow merged Volvo's safety-first DNA with a stunning new design is only part of the story. With a wagon this good looking, who needs high ground clearance? 0; 0; The Volvo S90 has gotten the fine plug-in hybrid of the XC90. The S90 is one of the best ways to turn heads without appearing as though you're trying too hard. Volvo S90 LWB T5 Inscription review. 2017 Volvo S90 Inscription review. by David Booth | April 10, 2017. The term "balance" is admittedly tricky, because we've come to expect cars to do it all, to be everything to everyone. I'll give the Sensus touchscreen this: The "front page," which contains four context-dependent tiles for your most-used features, is a fine system that covers your needs maybe 70 percent of the time. There's enough of a trunk to avoid being lumped into the nebulous "hatchback-sedan" design craze. It's fine. On others, particularly when it comes to aggressive driving, it falls somewhat short, especially considering you can snag a BMW 5 Series for the same money. It's not so soft you can't throw it into a corner, or too hard to enjoy around town. When the S90 first launched a few years ago, Volvo initially advertised it with the phrase "relaxed confidence." I wish I could have had it in Pure Mode more often. Mechanically, it's impressive that Volvo has figured out how to make a supercharger. When moving quickly through a turn, its steering lacks accuracy and feel. The 14-way power-adjustable front seats in our Inscription test vehicle were all-day comfortable and should fit all body shapes. Cheat on your spouse in a Jag? Infotainment is managed via Volvo's Sensus Connect interface that's a bit busy with its bevy of menus. 2021 Volvo S90 Review - Trims, Prices, Features, Performance And Rivals Comparisons . This is why we should outsource all of our design decisions to the Swedes. Big feet will get squished, though. The Volvo S90 is a smart-looking and super compelling midsize luxury car. Run a little close in an Audi? Standard driver-assistance features include collision-mitigation braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beams and blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert. 2017 Volvo S90. The poor brake modulation of the T8 model is a deal-breaker. Even with attention-getting gaudiness at a minimum, the S90 is still one of the most seductive sedan… The steering a little numb and heavy, and it pushes through the turns like the 4,100-pound car that it is. Now, picture yourself in a 2018 Volvo S90 Inscription. Hands down, for my money (used), this … T6 models come with a leather gear-shift knob as opposed to my tester's Orrefors crystal knob which I absolutely detest -- it feels so cold and uncomfortable in my hand, and it's a design trend I'd like to see dead and decomposing. Volvo broke the then-record for fastest four-door car around the Nurburgring last year and are only getting around to telling us now. But the car does drive with a, well, relaxed confidence that makes casual trips a delight but doesn't offer much in terms of excitement or performance. 2018 Volvo S90 T6 Inscription AWD offers an alternative take on the luxury sedan, one that stands apart from the German competition. You can tow 4,300 pounds with one of these. I tested Mercedes, BMW, Acura, and Audi. It's like being inside an Ikea, except nicer and you don't want to kill yourself. The Volvo S90 T8 could work for a sliver of consumers who stick within a 21-mile radius of a 240-volt charger, or perhaps those who just want the greatest-possible straight-line performance. Enough room in the back—and plush carpeting. Then, as though the car has pooped out a parachute, top-fuel dragster-style, you and your passengers jolt forward as the car stops with greater force. I found if I shifted into reverse within a few seconds of starting it up, the backup camera would often fail to display. Volvo S40 T5 : The Drive's Daily Mileage Champion, Sometimes it takes 86 years of suffering to write a $30,000 check. Class-leading tech and a mild-hybrid powertrain help the new A6 stand out. The ride is comfortable and the interior is quiet, as well, but neither of those two attributes stand out as best in class. The interior's elevated plushness is bolstered by a laudable 1,400-watt, 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system, but surprisingly, I was a little more impressed by the version of the system I tested in the Volvo XC60 earlier this year. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. For about $11,000 less than my car's $82,190 as-tested price (including $995 for destination), I'd have an S90 I'd be much happier to live with day to day. But no matter the angle, Volvo's midsize luxury sedan carries an imposing but approachable presence. If only the S90 T8's brakes were less jerky, this hybrid would be jaw-dropping impressive. Volvo's gorgeous S90 flagship sedan is electrified, elongated, and enhanced for 2018. As much touching as Sensus Connect requires, it's nice that you at least don't have to click out of smartphone mirroring to get access to the car's native interface. Check specs, prices, performance and compare with similar cars. Edmunds also has Volvo S90 pricing, MPG, specs, pictures, safety features, consumer reviews and more. Edmunds also has Volvo S90 pricing, MPG, specs, pictures, safety features, consumer reviews and more. Forget to signal in a BMW? To see whether this is one Swedish model you can actually live with, I borrowed a 2018 Volvo S90 Inscription for a week of banal errands, chauffeur duties, and everyday driving around The Drive's west coast bureau in Los Angeles. Under initial braking, you feel normal pedal pressure and everything goes smoothly until you're about 25 percent through the pedal's travel. Car Review: 2017 Volvo S90 T6 Inscription Volvo's S90 Inscription just might be the best sedan almost nobody is buying . What's New for 2019? © 2021 CNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. The S90 is a very convincing exec alternative Or maybe, Hey, that's a sensible choice. Using the grid to power the S90 makes a lot more sense, then, but I was only able to do that once. After a week with the top-tier S90, I think a less-is-more approach might be best if you're considering filling your garage with this salient Swede. That said, the brakes really feel like they need to go back to the drawing board. The Volvo S60 Polestar Held The Four-Door 'Ring Record For Two Months Last Year. Check out the little flag detail. A proper wagon in a world of SUVs and crossovers. On those fronts, it delivers in spades. With 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, the nearly 4,600-pound sedan can scoot to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. All that instant, electric power is especially useful if you need to dart ahead of traffic to make a lane change after the signal turns green. The S90 interior is a Scandinavian dreamscape of clean lines, warm tones, raw wood, and supple leather. Polestar’s Precept Previews The Future Of The Brand . This is not a car that's trying to slay the Nürburgring, and it's not trying to out-Maybach a Maybach on a $60,000 budget. The $3,450 Luxury Package adds massaging front seats, heated and ventilated rear seats and an upgraded rear-passenger center armrest that I actually don't like because it prevents the rear seatbacks from folding. 1. Not the most thrilling of descriptions, and mercifully it seems to have disappeared into the black hole of spent marketing terms. 2 Dec 2020. Combined MPG: 61.40mpg ... Find an Autocar review Latest Drives. I bet that guy has a fiscally-sound retirement plan. But taking a wider view, everything comes into balance on the S90. The 2017 Volvo S90 Inscription T6 AWD is one of the sexiest cars around! Take the sharp, meticulous, and all-around great cars produced by the headlining European luxury marques, and consider the driver stereotypes that untold millions in marketing dollars have failed to eliminate. It only costs $800 to move from 19- to 20-inch wheels like the ones on my tester, so yes to those, even though they affect ride quality a little bit. Fuel Economy. The S90 T6, meanwhile, is a car I'd happily welcome into my garage any day. For as stunning as the rest of the car is, the rear end is pretty uninspired. Volvo S90 2.0 D4 Inscription 4dr Geartronic. Some things you might not ever use but will appreciate as a luxuriant quirk, like the front passenger seat controls located in the rear passenger armrest. team. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The car combines a double-wishbone front suspension with a high-tech new design on the rear axle, conventional coil springs making way for a transverse leaf spring formed from composite. 5.1 L. Engine Power. When it comes to available option bundles, I swear by the $2,550 Convenience Package which includes features like automated parallel parking, a 360-degree camera and a power trunk lid. Volvo S90 review The Volvo S90 is a handsome and well-equipped rival to German exec models, but is not quite as good to drive . The 2017 Volvo V90 Cross Country Review: A Wagon Done Right. View Photos. It's not going to appeal to everyone who might cross-shop it with a BMW or an Audi or a Jaguar, and it makes no extraneous efforts to convert anyone. See Also: 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Review & Test Drive. Notable options I'd choose in addition to the B&W audio include the $900 head-up display and the $300 heated steering wheel, which makes us arrive at $71,390 including destination. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. The S90 represents Volvo’s most concerted effort yet to challenge that dominance, and the recipe is – on paper – impressive. Volvo's digital screens are bright and crisp. Volvo has been a brand to help pave the way to electrification, and vehicles like the new S90 Recharge T8 eAWD Inscription makes a valid move of the needle for a plug-in hybrid. Highlights. One of the most luxurious cars in the premium, midsize class. My S90 is outfitted with the $1,200 rear air suspension, but despite that, the car still feels like it's riding on nothing more than a good set of steel springs. You'd think that its fastest and (potentially) most fuel-efficient T8 variant would be the ultimate S90, but I'm not so sure. Luckily, the non-plug-in-hybrid Volvo S90 doesn't have that problem, so I'd recommend getting a T6 model instead. But if you need to venture beyond that, there's no saving you from the unintuitive mess of features and settings found on the secondary pages. For me, though, the lack of a folding rear row is a bullet worth biting in order to gain those front-seat massagers, but be advised that the S90 -- even the base, front-wheel-drive, 2.0-liter turbo, 250-horsepower model at $48,100 -- offers a stingy 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space, so if you need the extra room with the rear seats folded, you may want to skip the Luxury Package. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. This is the story of Tony, the 2004 Boston Red Sox, and a Volvo S40 that was the rolling embodiment of a money whore, Not to be superficial, but there's no way to talk about the Volvo S90 without first stating the obvious: This is a beautiful car, and it will probably make you look less beautiful by comparison. After a full work day of 110-volt charging (240-volt charging takes around three hours), I was able to complete a 17-mile trip on electrons alone, easily keeping the car strictly electric even at highway speeds. Still, for the level of sound you're getting, upgrading to the top-spec audio package is a bargain for $3,200. Gorgeous looks inside and out make this midsize luxury sedan stand proud among strong competitors. The S90 lacks features we've come to expect in this segment, though. The S90 T8 plug-in hybrid is talented at jolting you back into your seat. Here's our review. Standout design declares the 2020 Volvo S90's place atop the maker's luxury sedan range and sets it apart from the competition. During my week with the T8, I often used the Save Mode that allowed me to recharge the battery while driving. It's not ostentatious, but it is striking in its own way. The S90 T8's regenerative brakes are to blame here -- the transition from regen to mechanical braking is really jarring. 2016 Volvo S90 D4 Inscription Review Quick Specs. Verdict - currently reading. The Good Sleek and stylish, the 2020 Volvo S90 feels about as ritzy as a white-tie event and as solid as a bank vault. All these induced forc .. By A. Vats June 18, 2020. Surprising, I know. Every other T8-spec Volvo does this, too. The S90 T8 works best if you plug it in often. These two upper trims can come with the Recharge plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, which is an extra $5,400. There are still some aspects to the whole package that belie the luxurious image. BMW's stalwart 5 Series is better than ever, and comes with its own plug-in hybrid option. It has the best interior you can buy for the money, full stop. Share review. The excess of empty space is highlighted by the way the taillights frame the edges of the car. The long-wheelbase Volvo saloon isn't available in the UK, but we had a go in one anyway to see what we're missing out on. Heated Front Windscreen; Heated Steering Wheel; Headlight Cleaning System; Heated … Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. The Bottom Line The S90 is one of the best ways to turn heads without appearing as though you're trying too hard. The driving experience is ... fine. The S90's gas engine is quiet, but driving in silence on e-power alone (Pure Mode) elevates the car's luxurious appeal. 2017 Volvo S90 D5 Inscription – THE VERDICT. And some things are just plain nifty, like the cooled glovebox that can double as a refrigerator. It's also incredibly comfortable and relaxing to drive. There are a ton of little touches that help vault this car above a lot of the competition. 2018 Volvo V90 Inscription Review: The Station Wagon Goes Supernova. Welcome to Critic's Notebook, a quick and off-the-cuff car review consisting of impressions, jottings, and marginalia regarding whatever The Drive writers happen to be driving. This is not a car that's trying to slay the Nürburgring,and it's not trying to out-Maybach a Maybach on a $60,000 budget. The interior is just as impressive. It's like driving around inside a page from an IKEA catalog—one of the pricey pages, of course—where everything is perfectly assembled and arranged and lit. All things considered, the Volvo S90 Inscription gets it done. And if they're really digging, I wonder if he smells like patchouli? Everyone loves beauty; not everyone loves the way a turbocharged four-cylinder engine sounds, or the way a front-wheel-drive-based sedan drives, or the way a buttonless infotainment system works. But if Volvo wants to make its top-of-the-tree T8 a real winner, it needs to work on that braking feel. Elegant off-white interior goes well with lens flare. Read the definitive Volvo S90 2020 review from the expert What Car? My favorite thing about it is how Apple CarPlay or Android Auto take residence in the lower portion of the screen while Sensus menus are always at the ready near the top. The engine is competent, well-engineered, and nowhere near as elegant as the rest of the car. That heavy-hitting comfort lasts whether you're behind the wheel for just a few minutes or a few hours. Its simple design is anchored by the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlamp accents that make a great first impression as you approach the front of the vehicle. Read more and see photos at Car and Driver. Price: £39,150. Today's edition: The 2018 Volvo S90 Inscription. My 2017 Volvo S90 inscription T6 has every option available. There are two powertrain… Some things you notice all the time, like how the windshield washer fluid comes out of the wiper arms to avoid that unsightly spray. And the whole thing is painfully slow to respond to inputs, especially when you first turn on the car. We don’t review cars based on their styling and appearance here at CarAdvice, but it’s hard not to be won over by this stunning Swede, the 2017 Volvo S90 D5 Inscription. Research the 2021 Volvo S90 with our expert reviews and ratings. A mixture of high-end materials—open-pore wood, genuine leather, brushed metal, and finely grained plastics—come together in a cohesive and undeniably modern space. Instead of the Maroon Brown, I'd opt for the much brighter Blond Perforated Nappa Leather that makes the walnut trim pop a lot more. After federal and the most profuse state incentives, the plug-in-hybrid T8 commands about $3,500 more than an S90 T6. © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Brookline Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. I found myself tapping and swiping more than I felt necessary on the center stack's 9-inch touchscreen, but overall, it's not a bad system. By Kingshuk Dutta | Updated: 15-Dec-20 09:23 AM IST. Powertrain: 2.0-liter twin-charged four-cylinder engine, 316 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque; eight-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel-drive, Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city/31 highway/25 combined, 0-60 MPH: 5.6 seconds (Car & Driver testing). The S90's seats are cosseting, and activating the available massage function for the driver and front passenger seats dials the comfort up to 11. The S90 is striking. What's the worst anyone can say now? Had I never employed Save Mode, I would have gotten closer to the EPA's 29 mpg combined estimate. A burst of beauty and grace, here at the end of days. by: Auto Express. The S90 is also packed with advanced driver-assistance features in keeping with Volvo's heritage of safety. We drove the Volvo S60 on Indian roads and see what all it has to offer. And it's not "second mortgage" expensive, but it still radiates luxury and class. The S90 D5 is a refreshing take on the large luxury sedan market. And seriously, no physical HVAC controls? 9,337 Views. The Volvo S60 will be launched in India in March 2021. And at the same time, it doesn't feel. In a Volvo, it's safety, safety, safety. Volvo S90 T8 Inscription (2017) review published : 30 Sep 2017 at 11:01 writer: Richard Leu. The, Fortunately, beauty isn't skin deep here. The Volvo S90 is a smart-looking and super compelling midsize luxury car. Really though, Volvo's svelte new models are so far removed from the boxy hippie-tanks rooting the company's family tree that they might as well be a different species. Keeping things down to a cruise is more the S90's speed. The T6, meanwhile, is estimated to achieve 25 mpg combined, without having to plug in. But when you strip away the sillier expectations, the Volvo S90 is about as pure and on-point as it gets. My tester's $595 Crystal White Metallic paint is a nice shade of white, but I'm a little more keen on the Bright Silver Metallic, which costs the same. The Volvo S90 has further refined its mild-hybrid tech for 2021 and is the only car of its kind that comes equipped with a turbocharger, a supercharger and a mild hybrid system. Dimensionally, it's long, low and wide, with design features that amplify its confident stance and proportions. The ride is a little harsh but the chassis still feels slightly loose—a weird juxtaposition. Research the 2019 Volvo S90 with our expert reviews and ratings. It sounds every bit a four-cylinder engine when you step on it, and while it's plenty smooth, it lacks the interesting character of the V6s and V8s of the competition. SHARE STORY. My tester is outfitted with Maroon Brown perforated Nappa leather, complemented by walnut wood trim that lends to a high-quality cabin that's as good-looking as it is comfortable. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Well, that makes sense, a**hole. And as with the V90, the beautiful off-white leather seats are highly susceptible to staining. The 2019 Volvo V60: Domestic Life Need Not Be Frumpy. CO 2 … Unless you're darting away from a traffic light, this sedan would rather be hushed than rushed. CAP Model: S90 DIESEL SALOON . The S90's cabin is by far its most impressive feature. Once you're on your way, the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. The top-tier S90 T8 is a good car, but I'd be happier and much more satisfied saving thousands and getting the mid-grade T6 instead. Volvo S90 review: Volvo does things its own way. And had my trips been short enough to use electric power only, I would have approached the EPA's 71 MPGe figure. The Bad Some of the tech is unintuitive, and this is not a driver's car. The S90 is hands-down beautiful, graceful, and elegant. Volvo S60 T4 Inscription Review. And even if you don't worship at the altar of displacement, you have to admit that the resulting fuel economy here—22 city, 31 highway, 25 combined in ideal conditions—isn't terribly impressive. It's a truly likeable, stylish alternative to the established executive saloons, and if you're fed up of the offerings from the German 'big three', this should be high up on your shortlist. I'd start with the all-wheel-drive T6 Inscription at $58,600. It's a car that reaches the next level of luxury without even trying too hard, and it's unequivocal proof that Volvo can measure up to the legacy brands. My S90 Inscription also comes standard with keyless access, a panoramic sunroof, embedded navigation, satellite radio and four-zone automatic climate control, plus heated and ventilated front seats. 17 Apr 2018. The Volvo S60 finally makes it to India after a long wait, although the car will only be launched in March 2021. A manual steering column makes a surprising—and disappointing—appearance, as nearly all of … It knows what it is: midsize luxury for the intelligentsia—buyers who want to know they've made the correct decision in terms of quality, comfort, and value. According to the EPA's annual fuel cost estimates, with the money saved on gas, it would take the average consumer more than six years to recoup the extra dough spent up front on a T8 versus a T6 (again, factoring in federal and generous state incentives). Bummer. The 2021 S90 Inscription and sporty S90 R-Design both start at $55,645. So go ahead, hitch up your hygge trailers and hit the road.