Volvo has earned a reputation as a builder of safe, luxurious and dependable cars and the S90 is furthers that tradition.
Two trims are offered -- S90 Momentum and S90 Inscription -- and each is available in either T5 front-wheel drive or T6 all-wheel drive configuration. The differences are greater than simply which wheels are powered. T5 models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0L inline 4-cylinder, which produces 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. T6 models benefit from a 2.0L four that is "twin-charged," with both a supercharger and turbocharger. The combination is good for 316 horsepower and 295 lb-feet, virtually no turbo lag and strong output across the rev range. All S90s utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all are equipped with ECO+ automatic stop/start functionality. Selectable drive modes include Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, Off Road and Individual, and allow drivers to customize responsiveness of the S90's engine, transmission and optional air suspension to the road conditions or even their whimsy.
No matter the powerplant and drive configuration, Momentum models offer 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome-tipped dual exhaust, leather trim, aluminum sills, power adjustable front seating with 4-way lumbar support, 2-zone electronic climate control, a power sunroof, adaptive cruise control, park assist, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity and HD radio.
Inscription models offer 19-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights and "Thor's Hammer" running lights with headlight washers. Upgrades inside include soft Napa leather with heated and cooled front seats, walnut inlays, a leather-clad dash, 4-zone climate control with a cooled glovebox and a Harmon Kardon Audio system.
Popular packages on the S90 include the Vision Package with auto-dimming mirrors, blind spot information with cross-traffic monitoring and visual park assist. A Climate Package brings heat to the front and rear seats, steering wheel, windshield washer nozzles and windshield. The Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System adds upgraded audio with a 12-channel amplifier, 1,400-watt output, and 19 speakers.
Standalone options include an air suspension, which automatically adjusts the rear ride height to account for load. The system can also adapt on the fly to changing road conditions.
The wagon version of the S90, known as the V90, comes in R-Design and Inscription trim levels and the S90's lineup of 2.0L engines as well as a choice of front-wheel and all-wheel drive. While not offering 3rd-row seating, a quite capacious 20 cubic foot cargo space is offered. Put the rear seats down and an impressive 69 cubic feet is available.
An all-wheel-drive-only Cross Country version of the V90 lifts the body and adds extra suspension travel for off-road capability. This allows for some different driving character on-road as well. Volvo intended the V90 Cross Country as a nice mid-point between the everyday practicality of the V90 wagon and the big SUV of the XC90. The V90 Cross Country adds all the soft off-road capability and practicality of the Audi allroad or the Subaru Outback but with mountains more style and comfort.
Safety has not been overlooked in the newest Volvo. In addition to anti-lock braking and stability and traction controls, a suite of air bags surround the cabin. Advanced standard safety features include front collision mitigation with emergency braking, lane keeping assist, pedestrian/cyclist/animal detection and OnCall telematics, which can remotely unlock or start the car and notify first responders in an emergency. Additionally, Pilot Assist pairs semi-autonomous self-steering, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control to allow the S90 to drive itself with minimal driver input in certain scenarios.
Volvo-standard Safety And Quality
Two Powerful Engines
Striking New Design
Standard Features
Available All-wheel Drive
Luxury
For 2019 the Volvo S90 receives a shuffling of optional packages and standard features. T5 equipped models now offer the 12.3-inch infotainment system, HomeLink, a power outlet for the cargo area and heated washer nozzles. All-wheel-drive-equipped models now come with standard heated front seats. LED headlamps with auto-high beam functionality and washing motion now come packaged with a self-parking feature, 360-degree exterior camera system, a power-operated trunk lid and a heads-up display as a part of the new Advance Package.
The S90 goes head to head in a crowded premium luxury sedan segment with some of Europe's best, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. The S90 provides a welcome alternative and is priced quite competitively, with an incredible list of standard convenience and safety features, not to mention an innovative powerplant in the twin-charged T6.
The V90 builds on the S90's styling and luxury by adding a wagon version for those requiring greater flexibility. It easily competes with the E-Class as well as other luxury crossovers like the Cadillac XT5 and the Jaguar E-Pace by offering dramatic styling and advanced safety features for which Volvo is known.
