Volvo S90 Recharge
The Volvo S90 is a refreshingly different take on the luxury sedan. Reminiscent of the rising trend that we call ‘quiet luxury.’ The S90 represents the same way of thinking. Understated elegance. Refinement and exclusivity without obnoxiously overt displays of wealth. A sort of Loro Piana with four wheels. With its distinctly Scandinavian styling inside and out, the clean, simple but highly sophisticated design of the S90 will certainly appeal to many.
What’s even better than understated luxury, is an unexpectedly reasonable price tag. While the Volvo S90 may be priced similarly to mid-size luxury sedans like the BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, its size and rear legroom is more akin to full-size entries like the Lexus LS or Genesis G90. As such, the value is hard to deny. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is standard across the board, with a range of hybrid help. The Recharge AWD Ultimate plug-in hybrid model is our top pick for a variety of reasons.
At the top of the list of these reasons is the 295-hp B6 mild-hybrid powertrain. Delivering brisk acceleration with plenty of low-end torque and a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission. The S90 feels quick on its feet, lively and always ready to promptly overtake slower highway commuters. The steering has a great weight and feel, but could be more precise. Handling is tight, but can let in more bumps and rattles then some of its softer sprung luxury competitors. Despite these small criticisms, the S90 is comfortable, athletic and excellent as a cross-country companion.
On a full charge, the Volvo S90 Recharge will take you over 60 miles, dependent on driving style of course. Once switched over to gas, you’ll see a mpg of 29 combined. So, it drives well, will save you a serious buck at the gas pump, especially around town, and features handsome exterior styling. Where the S90 really shines though, is in the interior. Here, a cocktail of luxurious materials swirl together to great effect. Genuine leather, brushed metal and open-pore wood come together cohesively. The S90 cabin is modern, simplistic and easy to navigate. A truly beautiful place to spend time in.
The Ultimate model takes it several steps further with ventilated Nappa leather front seats, power cushion extenders, the trademark crystal gear shifter, power operated sun curtains, a Harman Kardon Premium Sound system, air purifier, 360 surround view camera and much more. There’s even an additional Lounge Package that will add front seat massagers, rear seat ventilation and a beautiful Nubuck headliner. To save you the Google search, Nubuck is simply a buffed leather. You’ll find room to comfortably fit five adults. As far as Cargo space is concerned, with folding rear seats, the word cavernous comes to mind. If you still need more, check out the V90. Which is effectively an S90 in wagon-bodied form.
After a very enjoyable week in the new Volvo S90 Recharge, it was easy to dwell on the many pros and almost forget about some of the cons. Sure, it might lack a feature or two present in other luxury sedans. The ride might be a tad rough at times and the steering input not as direct as I’d like. Yet, despite these minor offenses, the S90 shines. From the outside, it embodies that’ quiet luxury’ that’s becoming more and more popular these day. Cabin materials are plush, the rear seat is roomy and its ride offers a nice balance of comfort and athleticism. Volvo has only progressively gotten better and better over the years, and the S90 undoubtedly represents some of its best work to date.
Price as tested: $78,390.00
