2022 Volvo S90

The Volvo S90 is a large executive sedan that's too classy to ooze its class. While the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series are making sure everyone sees them as top-level luxury sedans, Volvo is sticking to its understated guns. The 2022 Volvo S90 remains sophisticated and stylish inside and out while packing a turbo and supercharged four-cylinder engine under the hood. There are two flavors of drivetrain available, both all-wheel-drive (AWD) and both hooked to an eight-speed transmission. The "entry" level model generates 308 hp and 310 lb-ft with help from a mild-hybrid system, while the upgraded drivetrain makes 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque with Volvo's eAWD system taking advantage of an 87-hp electric motor at the front.

Make no mistake, though. Even with its 400-hp drivetrain, the Volvo S90 isn't trying to be a sports sedan. It's all about smooth elegance and a serene ride. The question is: Is it close enough to perfection?

The S90 has to be one of the best examples of car design in the last decade. Somehow, Volvo managed to build something that's both elegant and sinister at the same time. It's aging particularly well, and it has been kept fresh in recent years with subtle updates like a new grille design, Volvo's updated Iron Mark, and a new front fascia. At the rear, there are distinctive taillight clusters. All models in the range retain the famous Thor's Hammer daytime running lights, and active bending LED headlights. The entry-spec Momentum comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the rest of the line-up rides on 19s. A power moonroof is also standard across the range. R-Design trims have high-gloss black exterior accents, while Inscription models have a model-specific front grille with chrome bar insert and a chrome frame.

The design creates the illusion that the Volvo S90 sedan is much longer than it is. It may look barge-like in its dimensions, but it's only slightly longer than the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. The overall length is 200.1 inches, riding on a 120.5-inch wheelbase. Maximum width is 79.5 inches, and it stands 57.1 inches tall. That's on par within the segment, but it sits lower to the ground than most of its competitors. We're okay with that, considering the visual drama it creates.

The lightest S90 weighs 4,190 pounds, while the T8 plug-in hybrid tips the scales at 4,673 lbs in Inscription specification. That's on the hefty side, considering a BMW 5 Series with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine has a curb weight of just 3,783 lbs. A six-cylinder 5 Series with AWD weighs in at 4,138 lbs.

The S90's color palette is quite reserved, but the colors were carefully chosen to emphasize the stunning exterior. Black Stone is the only no-cost option. Metallic colors retail for $695, and the selection consists of Bright Silver, Onyx Black, Birch Light, Thunder Grey, and Platinum Grey. There's also a blue metallic shade called EXT723 and one exclusive color called Crystal White. We're a bit disappointed that there are no reds on offer. Volvos always look sensational in red, and for proof, look no further than the S60 sedan in Fusion Red Metallic.

There are two powertrains on offer: B6 or T8. When Volvo overhauled itself a few years ago after a healthy influx of Chinese capital, it dropped all five-, six- and eight-cylinder engines from its range. It's now exclusively a three- and four-cylinder operation, with both hybrids and all-electric models included in the mix. The B6 model uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's both turbocharged and supercharged, and it has a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It's good for 308 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which are decent enough specs. The T8 trim adds an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined power output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. According to Volvo, the B6 is capable of a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. The T8's 400 hp gets it to 60 mph in only 4.6 seconds. Like all Volvos, the S90 is limited to a top speed of 112 mph, part of Volvo's plan to reduce fatal car crashes.

Plug-in Hybrid S90s have the option of adding the Polestar Performance software too, for optimized mid-range engine performance, improved throttle responses, and faster gearshifts. Still, performance figures for the S90 are irrelevant. The S90 is not a performance car, and it doesn't respond particularly well to a heavy right foot. Volvo's power plants are tuned for luxury, providing a linear torque curve. All-wheel drive is standard, primarily for safety reasons. Overall, the Volvo's performance is confident, but it's an entirely different proposition from the rear-wheel-drive German rivals. If it's an engaging drive you seek, it's best to have a look at what the Germans have to offer.

Both the B6 and plug-in hybrid T8 use the same basic 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's both supercharged and turbocharged. While the dual-charged four-cylinder engine is a technical marvel, it's not as refined in direct comparison with a German straight-six or V8. Both models also use the same eight-speed automatic transmission, but that's where the similarities end. The T6 is equipped with a typical AWD system, while the T8 uses an eAWD system. The latter means there is no mechanical coupling between the front and rear motors, and they act independently. When driving in pure electric mode, the T8 is essentially RWD.

The Volvo S90 T8 is quick off the line with the electric boost, and quick on the highway when all 400 horses and 472 lb-ft are churning away. The less powerful B6 powertrain has lower outputs of 308 hp and 310 lb-ft. However, the combination of the 48-volt mild hybrid system, supercharging, and turbocharging makes this model a decent performer too. Overtaking isn't a chore with the B6, while the T8 drivetrain makes for an even more satisfying woosh up to overtaking speed. In either case, the car's transmission goes about its business in an unruffled manner around town or on the freeway. In fact, it's easy to forget the S90 has a transmission as it's so smooth and well-programed.

If you want your full-size executive sedan to be grandiose and exciting to drive, then you'll want to look elsewhere. If you want your big executive sedan to take all the stress and discomfort out of driving, then read on. The car in front of you is doing 35 mph in a 55 zone? No problem. You'll likely not feel the urge to try and push them by tailgating. Is freeway traffic flowing along some mph over the limit? No worries, you'll keep up without exerting any real effort on the car's behalf. However, it's not all easy sailing. Power is readily accessible, but there can be a delay with the T8's power system between a sharp prod on the accelerator and feeling the go - an issue we didn't get at all in our week with the B6 drivetrain model.

On long stretches of rougher roads (in our case, California freeways around LA), the standard suspension can be a little jittery and transmit that into the cabin. If that's something you'll contend with often, you'll want the softer-feeling air suspension upgrade for sure. The steering has a nice balanced weight to it but isn't as direct as it could be. However, that would only be a real complaint if the S90 was trying to be sporty. What's important here is how predictable and easy the S90 is to drive, particularly over long distances, where we learned how non-fatiguing the driving experience is.

If you ever get the urge to push the S90 around a curvy road, it quickly becomes apparent that it's not what the car is designed for. If there had been a sport mode in our B6 drivetrain equipped model, we would only have prodded it out of curiosity, then forgotten about it.

The S90's gas mileage figures are acceptable but not class-leading. According to the EPA, the S90 B6 should be capable of 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined. The PHEV T8's EPA-estimated figures are 63 MPGe and 30 mpg on the combined cycle. Volvo claims an electric range of 22 miles for the T8 (21 miles as per the EPA's website), which we found easy enough to achieve the last time we drove an S90.

The 15.9-gallon tank should get the B6 around 413 miles between refills, while the PHEV gets closer to 480 miles. To fully charge the T8's 11.6 kWh high-voltage battery takes around three hours with an 11 kW charger, but a standard outlet will increase that time to six hours.

There are two manufacturers responsible for the current minimalist interior trend: Audi and Volvo, and both pull it off very well. Volvo's approach is exceptionally Scandinavian, and, thankfully, it already comes fully kitted out. As we've noted in previous reviews, material quality is superb, and the available colors are warm, natural, and soothing. It's a nice departure from the cold and clinical German interiors, but you'll find a little bit of this in the sportier Volvo S90 R Design models.None of the materials are faux, with even the most affordable model getting genuine leather and Linear Walnut inlays. It sounds like a back-handed compliment to describe driving an S90 as being in a high-end Scandinavian coffee shop, but it's apt in that it's an incredibly relaxing place to be and it's an easy yet opulent comfort that doesn't fuss too much.

Higher-spec models add evenmore comfort and luxury features like heated and ventilated seats, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Visibility is good, though the long hood can be disconcerting at first. You soon grow used to it, however.

The S90 isn't a driver's car, so passengers are equally taken care of. In this case, five people in total can fit in the cabin easily, even if they're all tall. In the back, there's a luxurious 40.4 inches of legroom for everyone but the center passenger. However, due to its width, it's not a horrible squeeze for whoever gets the short straw and the center seat. The seats are all-day comfortable as well, which is true to form with the attention to detail Volvo puts into all of its ergonomics. We're not fans of the sporty R Design trim level, but the sporty seats are just as comfortable and there's an extra level of snugness in the extra bolstering.

The base Momentum comes with genuine leather upholstery, available in either Charcoal or Blond. The Inscription trim dials it up a notch by offering ventilated Nappa leather as standard, available in four colors. These are Charcoal, Amber, Slate, and Blond, and all are available at no extra charge. The R-Design comes with sportier body-hugging seats in Charcoal Nubuck/Nappa leather or Charcoal perforated Nappa leather on its own. It's refreshing that none of these available trims cost a dime extra.

The Momentum specification comes with Linear Walnut inlays, and the Inscription adds a crystal gear shift lever. The sportier R-design gets metal mesh aluminum inlays and a Charcoal headliner.

The S90's cargo capacity works out to 13.5 cubic feet, for both gas and PHEV versions. Rivals like the BMW 5 Series have larger trunks, but the S90's trunk will suffice for daily needs. The rear seats do fold flat at the touch of a button, which is a nice touch. Volvo doesn't claim a figure for this specific seat configuration, but it should be large enough to transport the odd large thingamabob occasionally. Volvo offers an optional hands-free power tailgate for easier access to the trunk. Since the S90 was designed with hybridization in mind, the electric motor placement has no impact on cargo capacity.

Interior storage consists of a large glovebox, a center armrest with a storage bin, dual cupholders up front, and two cupholders hidden in the rear center seatback.

The base Momentum trim is already equipped with all the luxuries one could expect at the price. You get dual-zone climate control, a panoramic moonroof with a power sunshade, a rearview camera, power-adjustable front seats with memory for the driver's side, heated front seats, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, keyless entry, and a 12V outlet in the trunk. As it's a Volvo, it also comes with a host of safety features such as post-impact braking, adaptive cruise control, front and rear park assist, and a lane-keeping aid - we'll delve into the full safety specification later.

The Inscription trim adds four-zone climate control, power rear door sun curtains, a memory function for the front passenger seat, and front-seat ventilation. The R-Design costs precisely the same as the Inscription but is aimed at a different kind of buyer. While the specification levels are similar, the R-Design comes with body-hugging front seats and more aggressive styling upgrades, while losing out on some luxuries like standard front seat ventilation.

The S90 comes with Volvo's latest Android-based infotainment system. It starts with a nine-inch vertically mounted touchscreen that even works with gloves. A neat and bright homepage keeps your main information right in front. There are two other main screens for your settings and your audio sources (that's where your battery hold and battery charge functions can be found, as well as your driving assist systems), which can be swiped to at any time. A home button at the bottom brings you back.

The system will be familiar to anyone who has used an Android device, although as usual, it will take some time to fully familiarize yourself with the various menus. An array of Google services includes Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. The system also has USB inputs for whatever else you keep music stored on. It can be controlled through voice or touch and can become a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. We've used that feature, which worked flawlessly when a massive storm moved through the Midwest and knocked out power for a ton of people.

The standard sound system on the Momentum boasts 220 watts of power and 10 speakers. For $800 more, this model can be equipped with a 600-watt, 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. Both the Inscription and R-Design models get the Harman Kardon unit installed by default. The most impressive sound system is an optional 19-speaker, 1,460-watt Bowers & Wilkins unit, although it isn't offered on the base Momentum. It's one of our favorite in-car audio systems and music lovers opting for the upgrade will not be disappointed - it's worth every dollar of the $3,200 price.

According to the NHTSA, the 2022 Volvo S90 has not been recalled for any reliability issues at the time of writing. The 2021 model was recalled once for a rotor and shaft that may separate; this could lead to a loss of ABS assistance, increasing the chances of a crash. 2020 models were recalled for a similar braking issue, along with a low-pressure fuel pump fuse that can fail. Overall, the Volvo's total number of recalls shouldn't be a dealbreaker. Consider that the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was subject to no less than nine recalls.

Every new Volvo S90 is sold with a four-year/50,000-mile limited and powertrain warranty. Volvo also throws in three years/36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance, matching BMW in this regard. Hybrid components are covered for eight years/100,00 miles.

Considering safety has always been a unique selling point for the brand, it's odd that no Volvo S90 safety review has yet been conducted by the NHTSA, so it remains unrated from this particular US agency.

2022 S90 models received six top scores of Good from the IIHS, although headlights scored Acceptable. This applies to the PHEV, too. The 2021 model did, however, receive a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS, but only for vehicles built after September 2020. This is the highest rating possible, indicating that the S90 is an exceedingly safe car.

A few years ago, Volvo promised that no person would be seriously injured or killed in one of their vehicles by 2020. As it turned out, the world was kind of preoccupied with a virus in 2020, so this critical milestone just slid by unnoticed. Unfortunately, there is no official record, apart from the XC90's track record in the UK. In 2018, it was reported that not a single person had died in a Volvo XC90 since that SUV was launched in that region.

The S90 continues to build on Volvo's stellar safety reputation by offering seven airbags (including a driver's knee airbag), hill start assist, lane-keep assist, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, road sign information, oncoming lane collision mitigation, and collision mitigation both front and rear. Other safety items that won't add anything to your bill are a rearview camera, post-impact braking, adaptive cruise control, and rear parking sensors. Pilot Assist is a partially autonomous system that helps the S90 maintain its position in the center of the lane with marginal steering support, up to speeds of 80 mph. This feature can also be used in stop-and-go driving conditions. For an added cost, a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a head-up display is available.

Standing alone, the S90 is an excellent luxury sedan but with a few caveats. The ride quality isn't quite as polished at the edges as the BMW 5 Series or Audi A6, and the four-cylinder engine isn't as refined, even with electrical assistance, as more straightforward blocks.

However, and it's a big "however", the overall experience of driving and riding passenger in the S90 is top-notch. Upper trims with the optional adaptive suspension are smooth and cosseting. The interior excels in any trim level, both in quality, styling, and atmosphere - but there's another caveat unique to the R Design trim. The sporty styling is confusing as a design choice and jarring once you've experienced any Volvo with a more traditional upscale interior. We'd stick with the Inscription.

The entry-level S90 B6 in Momentum trim has an MSRP of $52,850. Inscription and R-Design models both retail for $55,950. The plug-in hybrid T8 is only available in Inscription and R-Design trims, both with an MSRP of $61,050. The base price of the Volvo S90 excludes the automaker's destination charge of $1,045 in the USA. It's worth mentioning that the S90 PHEV qualifies for a federal tax credit.

The Volvo S90 is available in three trim levels: Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design. The B6 mild-hybrid model can be ordered in all three trims, while the T8 is only available in Inscription and R-Design derivatives.

Both models are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine. B6 models use a standard AWD system and a 48-volt system, while the T8 uses an eAWD system with an electric motor on the rear axle. The combined power output of the T8 is 400 hp. No RWD configurations are on offer, as is the case with the BMW 5 Series.

Momentum models are equipped with 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, and a moonroof with a power sunshade. Interior niceties include dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with a driver's-side memory function, a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, and the nine-inch Android-based infotainment system. A 10-speaker sound system is standard.

There are essentially two top-tier models, retailing for the same amount. The luxury-oriented Inscription comes with Nappa leather seats that are both heated and ventilated in front. The sound system is upgraded to a 14-speaker Harman Kardon unit, while the climate control is split into four separate zones. The R Design gets all of these, minus the ventilated seats. It gets racier touches that include gloss black exterior accents, metal mesh interior trim, sportier seats with more side bolstering, and a sporty suspension setup.

Volvo doesn't offer many options, as a lot of features are already standard. On all models, you can add the $750 Climate Package, which includes high-pressure cleaning for the headlights, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Advanced Package costs $1,900 and adds a surround-view camera, a head-up display, a power tailgate, and an advanced air cleaner. The base model also has access to the $800 sound upgrade with the 14-speaker Harman Kardon setup.

The luxury of the Inscription trim can be elevated via the Lounge Package, adding $2,050 to the price. It comes with a luxury rear armrest, massaging front seats, and ventilated rear seats. On the T8 models, the Polestar Performance upgrade goes for $1,295 and will add optimized powertrain software to further increase performance and aspects like throttle response. Every model besides the B6 Momentum can be equipped with the four-C adaptive air suspension for $1,200, or the top-end Bowers & Wilkins sound system for $3,200.

The best way to figure out which Volvo S90 model to buy is by process of elimination. If the B6 model sounds underpowered, you have just two trims to decide between for the T8 model. You may feel differently, but we would cross off the R Design as it just doesn't suit the S90's personality in any way. That leaves you with the luxurious Inscription trim. If you're not spending hours at a time driving and moving passengers around, the Lounge Package can be skipped but is essential if it's going to used like that. The Advanced Package with its surround-view camera, head-up display, and air-cleaner is a no-brainer to us at the T8's price point, but a power tailgate should be standard. For what the S90 is designed to be, the Polestar Performance upgrade is a "pass" for us. The $1,200 C adaptive air suspension upgrade is a must in our book, though.

If the B6 powertrain is plenty for you, a little more thought is needed. The Momentum trim is the value-for-money choice and one we would be happy to spend a lot of time with. If we knew our S90 would be carrying passengers in the rear every day, we would pay for the Inscription model and pretend it's for the four-zone climate control and not the front heated and ventilated seats and audio upgrade. At that point, you may as well add the Lounge Package. You can't get the C adaptive air suspension system with the Momentum trim, but with the Inscription trim, we would absolutely tick that box.

The Audi and Volvo are similar in execution. Both have a sleek, sinister exterior and an upmarket interior with an emphasis on comfort. Like the Volvo, the Audi is available with a turbocharged four-cylinder, but there's also a turbocharged V6 engine that offers more excitement but less power. The latter engine is silky smooth, even when treated aggressively. To outsprint the Volvo S90 T8, you'll need to spend way more money on the powerful Audi S6. The Volvo T8 is more frugal than the V6-engined A6, yet also more powerful. Being an Audi, quattro AWD is standard across the A6 range. Audi has had a lot of time to develop and refine its AWD systems, and it shows; out of these two cars, the Audi handles and feels the best. We reckon that people interested in these two cars will be looking for something less obvious than a BMW 5 Series. The Audi is still very Germanic, and thanks to the Volvo's Swedish charm, we're more inclined to steer you in that direction.

We just referred to the 5 Series as the obvious choice. There's an excellent reason for this - it's been the segment leader for decades. BMW has the recipe for this segment so refined that we have no real criticism to level against it. We suppose the current generation isn't as involving as previous iterations, but its ride and handling are still good enough to trump the competition.

BMW offers four powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid. Overall, the lower-powered 5 Series models are more frugal than the S90. BMW's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is just as responsive as Volvo's unit, but a lot more refined. And there's always the option of upgrading to turbocharged six- and eight-cylinder models; by comparison, the Volvo is limited to four cylinders.

Volvo offers a more modern take on the segment, but BMW has been at it for longer, and it shows. If buying something less obvious is the main concern, we highly recommend the Volvo. It's a great car, and you'll be highly pleased. But the 5 Series is too good to be dismissed for simply being the default car in the segment.