2018 Volvo S90
The Best of Volvo
When a carmaker introduces a flagship luxury sedan, that model needs to not only be competitive in its segment but also make a positive statement about the brand. The 2018 Volvo S90 looks ready to accomplish both.
The S90 takes the best of Volvo’s engineering and technology and puts it in a vehicle the brand has admittedly needed for some time. Replacing the S80, the S90 rides on Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform and features efficient Drive-E powertrains, standard semi-autonomous driving features, and even an incredibly efficient plug-in hybrid variant. Simply put, it's a bold new face in the luxury sedan segment.
Performance
The S90 follows the XC90 crossover as the second model to use Volvo’s all-new SPA platform. Developed completely from scratch, it’s designed to elevate the performance of Volvo’s cars and accommodate new technologies like plug-in hybrid powertrains. Volvo’s new flagship sedan launches in the US with a turbocharged four-cylinder that is available in two standard all-gasoline models—T5 and T6—as well as the plug-in hybrid model, the T8.
The standard powertrain is the T5. It delivers 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque (from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine) and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard.
The next step up is the T6, which uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is both turbocharged and supercharged, boosting output to 316 hp. Using both forms of forced induction ensures smooth and instant power delivery. The supercharger works at lower engine speeds, while the turbo takes over once it has a chance to spool up. Like the T5, the T6 uses an eight-speed automatic transmission but comes standard with all-wheel drive.
New for 2018, Volvo offers an S90 model with the same plug-in hybrid powertrain that debuted last year on the XC90. The 400-hp T8 twin engine plug-in hybrid powertrain sits atop the all-four-cylinder-engine range with Volvo eAWD. The T8 offer the same high performance driving features as the T5 and T6—semi-autonomous driving, drive mode selector, eight-speed Geartronic™ automatic transmission—but it produces 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of instant torque, all while conserving fuel and reducing its own carbon footprint.
Features
The 2018 Volvo S90 is a four-door, five-seat, full-size luxury sedan. It's available with two engine options and two trim levels: Momentum and Inscription. Pricing starts at $48,100.*
Standard equipment found on Momentum models includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and fog lights, keyless entry/ignition, and a rearview camera. To provide additional comfort and convenience to occupants, the 2018 S90 also includes dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
As Volvo's flagship sedan, the S90 also boasts a number of in-demand technologies that will make your commutes easier and more enjoyable. These include a navigation system, a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and a 10-speaker audio system.
Upgrading to the Inscription trim brings with it a number of exterior enhancements, as well as interior features designed to surround both driver and passengers in complete luxury. In addition to 19-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, and headlight washers, the S90 boasts Nappa leather upholstery, upgraded front seats with both heating and cooling, a leather-wrapped dash panel, walnut trim accents, four-zone climate control, a 12-inch instrument display, and Apple CarPlay™ integration.
Design
More than ever, Volvo is putting an emphasis on design, and we’re not talking Ikea-grade stuff, either. The S90 adopts the cool and sophisticated styling theme of the XC90, complete with “Thor’s Hammer” T-shaped headlight elements. The large concave grille is meant to reference Volvo’s classic P1800 coupe and features the latest version of the company’s “Iron Mark.” The distinctive front end is matched by a sleek four-door coupe body with a low roofline that still allows for plenty of interior space.
And the interior has more to offer than just headroom. The 2018 S90 is 4.7 inches longer than last year, every inch of which goes to benefit the rear passengers' leg room. Like the exterior, it’s very stylish but also restrained. At the center of it all is a touchscreen display for Volvo’s Sensus Connect system. Unlike the screens in virtually every other car this side of a Tesla Model S, it’s portrait-oriented. That makes using it more intuitive for anyone used to a smartphone. The screen is flanked by two “air blades” that add a stylistic flourish. Real wood and metal trim help the S90 live up to its luxury billing.
Safety
The S90 continues and expands Volvo’s unwavering commitment to safety. The vehicle is one step closer toward the company’s “Vision 2020,” which states that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by the year 2020 with the introduction of semi-autonomous driving technology.
Volvo’s Pilot Assist system is standard on the S90. In traffic, it can automatically maintain a set distance from the car in front and give “gentle steering inputs” to keep the S90 centered in its lane. The S90 also has the ability to detect pedestrians, cyclists, or even large animals, and automatically brake if it determines a collision is imminent.
Additional available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree view camera. Also available are autonomous parking and front parking sensors.
Verdict
The 2018 S90 is a luxury sedan as only Volvo could make one. It pairs exquisite design with luxurious refinement while incorporating the latest safety technologies, making it one of the most compelling luxury sedans Volvo has ever created.
To inquire about test-driving the all-new S90, contact us online or visit Volvo Cars Silver Spring at 3121 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
* Prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), Base Price or Starting At price and excludes destination fees, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees. Images shown are for informational purposes only. They may not necessarily represent the configurable options selected or available on the vehicle and they do not show true renderings of colors and/or upholstery. We cannot be responsible for typographical or other errors, including data transmission, display, or software errors, that may appear on the site.
Image Credit: Volvo