2022 Volvo S90 – First Drive
The Grand Scale of Luxury Sedan
The Volvo S90 offers first class commuting in a full-size sedan format. With efforts towards sustainability, Volvo has introduced a Recharge edition enabling the S90 to achieve an EV range of up to 40 miles via its plugin-hybrid electric-gasoline engine for model year 2022.
Starting price of the Volvo S90 rings in at $54,000 for the non-plugin hybrid base Momentum model while the plugin hybrid trim is reserved for the Recharge model available in the T8 Inscription trims with prices starting at $62,095.
| Momentum | $53,900 |
| R-Design | $57,375 |
| Inscription | $57,625 |
| Recharge T8 Inscription (Under Test) | $62,355 |
Swedish Design Principles
Looks wise, the Volvo revolves around Scandinavian design principles embracing both elegance and simplicity. In the case of the S90, there’s not much of an eye candy to be had; but rather relies on its shear size and straight laser precision contours to express its ultimate presence. The digital-inspired LED Xenon headlamps adds a contemporary and new-aged finish to bring the front fascia.
Majority of its interior components are shared among other models in the Volvo family tree including the ultra-large 12.3″ center console touchscreen establishing a unique and unified ergonomic approach. Both Android Auto and Apple Carplay come equipped as standard for seamless smartphone connectivity
Simplicity is furthered with the complete removal of a conventional center-climate control stack and is replaced by an easy and intuitive graphical user screen on the convenient touch screen display.
Brushed aluminum, wood trimming and black leather portrays a more classical luxury than contemporary look. It’s almost too dark for my liking, but the panoramic sunroof helps fill the cabin space with natural sunlight during the day.
The S90 also comes with a Bower & Wilkins audio system whose brand is well established in the high-fidelity audio equipment industry.
Other unique features include luscious massaging front and rear seats, perforated tanned leather seats, a crystal-glass gear shifter knob and an all-digital instrument cluster display.
Performance
The engine is a unique B6 mild plugin-hybrid engine integrating a turbo, supercharger and electric motor into its inline-4 engine to produce an optimal balance of performance and efficiency. With just 40 minutes to a full charge on standard Level 2 AC power, the plugin hybrid achieves an incredible 60 MPGe fuel economy with up to 40 miles of available EV range. Once depleted, the hybrid engine exclusively powers the S90 while still achieving a respectable 30 MPG fuel economy.
Test Drive and Final Thoughts
The shear amount of free space especially in the rear seating area is what makes the saloon such a luxury commodity. But at such a high price point, more could have been offered in our books.
Ride quality proved exceptional comfort and stability with a saloon-like experience. A plethora of legroom and luxury features for rear passengers adequately pampers even the most demanding high profilers
Riding or driving, the Volvo S90 is an overall secure, comfortable and robust tank-like experience. Above all, the available Recharge T8 Inscription trim scores exceptional fuel economy thanks to its mild hybrid powertrain and up to 40 miles of EV range.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2022 Volvo S90
- Model (Under Test): S90 Recharge
- Vehicle Type : Luxury sedan
- Seating Capacity : 2+3
- Engine : B6 Turbocharged + Supercharged Electric I-4
- Transmission : 8-speed automatic
- Price as tested: $62,095
Pros
- Luxury quality with business class seating space
- Fuel efficient for its size
- Clean, simple and elegant design
Cons
- Lack of power in some occasions
- Dated interior cabin design
- Harsh ride quality