A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4
Comfort & Interior
4.7
Running Costs
3.8
Practicality
4.2
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a luxury saloon that prioritises comfort and safety above all else? The Volvo S90 might be exactly what you need. This executive saloon combines Scandinavian elegance with cutting-edge technology, offering a serene driving experience that rivals the German premium brands. It’s the car for drivers who want refinement and sophistication without the aggressive styling of its competitors.
From first glance, the S90 commands attention with its distinctive Thor’s Hammer LED headlights and flowing silhouette. The interior takes this premium feel further, featuring beautifully crafted materials and an intuitive infotainment system that puts many rivals to shame. Competitors like the BMW 3 Series focus on sporty dynamics, but the S90 takes a different approach, prioritising passenger comfort and advanced safety technology.
Driving the S90 feels like gliding rather than rushing. The engines are refined and smooth, while the suspension setup prioritises comfort over sharp handling. It’s a car that excels on long motorway journeys and makes every trip feel relaxing. While it may not be the most dynamic choice in its class, the S90 offers something genuinely different: a luxury saloon that puts wellbeing and tranquillity first.
What's the Volvo S90 Like to Drive?
The Volvo S90 offers a range of refined engines designed for smooth, effortless progress. The entry-level T4 petrol delivers around 190 horsepower, providing adequate performance for most situations. For those wanting more power, the T5 and T6 variants offer stronger acceleration, with the T6 managing 0-60mph in around 6.5 seconds. The T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid combines petrol and electric power for impressive performance and improved fuel economy.
Where the S90 truly excels is in its composure and refinement. The steering is light at parking speeds but provides good feedback on faster roads. The suspension setup prioritises comfort, absorbing road imperfections beautifully while maintaining good body control. This executive saloon feels most at home on motorways, where its excellent noise insulation and smooth power delivery create a genuinely relaxing experience. It may not be as sharp as German rivals, but it offers a uniquely serene driving character.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder Turbo / T8 Hybrid
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Power Output
190 - 400 bhp
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0-60 mph
8.2 - 4.9 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 113 mpg (T8 hybrid)
- Boot Space
- 500 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Volvo S90: Comfort & Features
Step inside the S90 and you’re immediately struck by the quality and attention to detail. The dashboard features clean, minimalist design with high-quality materials throughout. The large portrait-style touchscreen dominates the centre console, controlling most functions through Volvo’s intuitive Sensus system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, making smartphone integration seamless.
The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, offering excellent support and multiple adjustment options. Higher-spec models feature massage functions and ventilation for ultimate comfort. The cabin is remarkably quiet, with excellent sound insulation that keeps road and wind noise to a minimum. Rear passengers enjoy generous space, with plenty of legroom and headroom even for taller adults. The overall ambience feels calm and luxurious, creating a perfect environment for relaxed long-distance travel.
The Volvo S90 is a compelling choice for buyers who prioritise comfort, safety, and refinement over outright performance. It successfully delivers a uniquely calm and luxurious driving experience that stands apart from its German rivals. The interior quality is exceptional, and the advanced safety technology gives genuine peace of mind for family use.
Is the Volvo S90 Expensive to Run?
As a premium executive saloon, the S90 comes with higher running costs than mainstream alternatives. Fuel economy varies significantly depending on the engine choice. The petrol engines typically achieve around 35-40 mpg in real-world driving, while the T8 Recharge hybrid can deliver over 100 mpg with regular charging. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, though they’ll be higher than for smaller cars.
The initial purchase price reflects its premium positioning, with new models starting from around £40,000. However, the S90 holds its value well thanks to Volvo’s strong reputation for reliability and safety. Servicing costs are competitive within the luxury segment, and Volvo’s extended warranties provide peace of mind. The T8 hybrid models qualify for reduced company car tax rates, making them attractive for business users. Overall, while not the cheapest option, the S90 offers reasonable value when you consider the comfort, safety, and refinement it provides, especially with car finance making ownership more accessible.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Volvo S90
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BMW 5 Series
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Mercedes E-Class
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £40,000 | £42,000 | £44,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L T4 190hp | 2.0L 184hp | 2.0L 197hp |
| Power | 190 bhp | 184 bhp | 197 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 8.2 seconds | 8.5 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 38 mpg | 42 mpg | 40 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 500 litres | 530 litres | 540 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Excellent safety tech, Luxurious interior, Hybrid options | Sharp handling, Strong engines, Tech-focused | Premium build quality, Advanced driver aids, Refined ride |
Volvo S90 Practicality & Boot Space
For an executive saloon, the S90 is impressively practical. The 500-litre boot easily accommodates a family’s luggage for a week’s holiday or several large suitcases. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo space further, though the opening isn’t as wide as you’d find in an estate or SUV. Inside the cabin, storage is well thought out with useful compartments for phones, drinks, and personal items.
The S90 really shines as a family car or for business users who cover long distances regularly. The spacious rear seats make it comfortable for adult passengers on extended journeys. Its refined character and advanced safety systems make it an excellent choice for motorway commuting. While it may not have the versatility of an SUV, the S90 offers enough space and comfort for most real-world situations. For those who appreciate the elegance of a traditional saloon, it provides excellent practicality without compromising on style, especially when compared to other used Volvo cars.
I’ve owned my S90 for two years and it’s been fantastic. The comfort levels are outstanding, and I genuinely look forward to long drives. The safety technology gives me confidence with my family on board. My only minor complaint is that the touchscreen can be slow to respond sometimes, but overall it’s a superb car.
The Volvo S90 stands out in the competitive executive saloon market by offering a genuinely different approach to luxury motoring. It combines exceptional comfort, advanced safety technology, and understated Scandinavian elegance in a package that feels refreshingly unhurried. While it may not be the sharpest or most powerful car in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most for relaxed, premium motoring.
You choose the S90 because you want an executive saloon that feels like a sanctuary on wheels. Its whisper-quiet cabin, supremely comfortable seats, and advanced driver assistance systems make it perfect for long-distance travel and daily commuting alike. If you’re looking for a luxury saloon that prioritises wellbeing over sportiness, the S90 should definitely be on your shortlist, with excellent options available through Bad Credit Car Finance Guide for flexible ownership solutions.
