Review: 2017 Volvo S90 T6 AWD Inscription
How Does Volvo’s All-New Flagship Sedan Stack up Against the Competition, and More Importantly, Against Older Versions of Itself?
There are two different kinds of people in this world: ones that believe in love at first sight, and ones that don’t. Typically these different-minded folks will go on about life in unique manners, approaching the more meaningful things the world has to offer in complete contrast from each other, until they both accomplish the same thing — happiness.
After a week driving the 2017 Volvo S90, I am thoroughly convinced that both kinds of people would ultimately fall in love with it. Some would fall in love upon gazing at its forward-thinking exterior design, and the less passionate bunch would do so once at speed and behind the wheel.
The truth is that life happens in cars, and Volvo seems to understand that better than any other company at the moment. During our recent test of the 2017 Volvo XC90 T6 Inscription, we dubbed it the “pinnacle of family transportation,” and said that spending $70 grand on any other SUV would simply be a mistake.
Can we make a similar statement about the all-new S90? Let’s find out!
The Design
The S90 offers a powerfully elegant, yet simple exterior design. In addition, it shatters any mold Volvo has previously abided by in terms of design, and makes the newest hardware from Germany look outdated.
Often times a European sedan must choose how it looks. Does it look luxurious, or sporty? Should it look conservative, or modern? In my experience, only a handful of vehicles have managed to check all the boxes, such as the W210, W211 Mercedes E-Class, and now, the Volvo S90.
The interior is equally as scrumptious as the exterior, if not more. Referred to as the “Scandinavian Sanctuary,” the interior accommodations are nothing less than breathtaking. Natural woods and supple nappa leather wrap the cabin in a light, airy and modern luxury. The kind of luxury you’d expect at “The Edition” Ritz-Carlton hotel in NYC, rather than “The Plaza.”
The Driving Experience
Just because there aren’t deck-lid spoilers, front diffusers, or “R” badges on the thing, it doesn’t mean it’s slow or boring. Quite the contraire.
Powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo and supercharged engine, the S90 produces 316-horsepower and 295 lb. ft. torque. An 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with adaptive shift manages the robust engine confidently, and it never skipped a beat during our week-long test. In this case, our press car was fitted with all-wheel drive system.
If I hadn’t learned the S90’s engine specs ahead of my test drive, I would’ve thought the horsepower figure to be around 350, and the same applies to torque. Step on the throttle at any given time, and a gradual surge of torque will gently push you against the exquisitely crafted seats. I spent 90 percent of the time driving in “Comfort” mode, as it enhanced the S90’s qualities. The ride was firm, yet forgiving. The steering, acceleration, and gear shifts were relaxed, but not sloppy. It truly offered a perfect all-around experience.
On “Sport” or “Eco” mode, the S90 seems to exaggerate things in either direction. Acceleration would either be abrupt, and steering response too sharp, or mundanely-slow and disconnected. Don’t bother with these, the middle setting is where it’s at.
At the end of our test we achieved a combined average of 20 mpg.
Technology & Safety
Once Geely purchased Volvo 2010, it was clear that everything had to be overhauled in order to have a shot at the competition. This included bringing Volvo’s in-car technology up to modern standards, as well as developing new cutting-edge safety driving aids, etc.
The 9.5-inch touchscreen which serves as the focal point of the interior is called “Sensus.” It works similar to an Android tablet or iPad, and its vertical rather than horizontal orientation allows for better menu layouts, and it’s easily accessible while resting your hand on the shifter. Sensus houses everything, and I literally mean everything that’s relevant with the S90.
Climate control, music, sound settings, auto-start/stop, HUD adjustments, Apple CarPlay, and even a full owner’s manual are housed in Sensus. It’s easy to understand and operate, though not without the occasional glitch or hiccup. More on this later…
When it comes to safety and semi-autonomous features, the 2017 S90 features the second-generation Pilot Assist system. Pilot Assist utilizes the vehicle’s radar, sensors, and stereo cameras to control speed, distance from other vehicles, as well as to steer itself for brief periods of time. The system can accelerate up to 80 mph, as well as self-brake from the same speed under emergency situations. Watch the video below for a brief demonstration.
Overall
It’s hard not to fall in love with the 2017 Volvo S90. It’s such a departure from everything currently on the market, and it’s able to steal customers from the Germans based on looks alone.
Whether you’re in the mood to cruise on a breezy night while listening to Jazz on its glorious Bowers & Wilkins sound system, hit the open road on a family road trip, or put the hammer down on your favorite back roads, the S90 is in to please.
I previously said that driving an XC90 made me feel like a better dad due to its many comfort, but primarily safety features. The S90 isn’t any different. If it wasn’t for Sensus going haywire a handful of times and not letting me adjust fan speed or climate temperature, our week would’ve been flawless.
- Starts at: $46,950
- Price as tested: $66,106
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Photos via: @napcarphotography
