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
4.4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.1
Comfort & Interior
4.7
Running Costs
3.6
Practicality
4.6
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
Thinking about a luxury estate that combines Scandinavian elegance with genuine practicality? The Volvo V90 might be exactly what you’re looking for. This premium estate car delivers sophisticated styling, advanced safety technology, and impressive refinement that sets it apart in the executive car segment. The V90 excels at blending comfort with capability, offering a serene driving experience and generous load space that makes it perfect for families or business users who need both style and substance. Whether you’re considering rivals like the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class, the V90 stands out with its distinctive design and exceptional build quality. With efficient engines, cutting edge infotainment, and Volvo’s legendary safety credentials, this estate offers a compelling alternative to German luxury. The V90 represents everything Volvo does best, combining practical family transport with premium comfort and advanced technology that few competitors can match in the luxury estate market.
What's the Volvo V90 Like to Drive?
The Volvo V90 prioritises refinement and comfort over outright performance, and it excels in this area. The engine lineup centres around smooth and efficient powertrains, with the T4 petrol offering around 190 horsepower providing adequate performance for most needs. The T5 and T6 variants deliver more punch, with the T6 reaching 60 mph in around 6.5 seconds, making overtaking and motorway merging effortless. The diesel D4 and D5 engines offer excellent fuel economy while maintaining that characteristic Volvo smoothness.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder Turbo Petrol/Diesel
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Power Output
190 - 320 bhp
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0-60 mph
8.2 - 6.5 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 55 mpg
- Boot Space
- 560 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Volvo V90?
Step inside the V90 and you’re immediately struck by the quality and attention to detail. This is one of the finest interiors in the executive estate class, featuring beautiful materials like real wood inlays, premium leather, and brushed metal accents. The dashboard centres around Volvo’s impressive Sensus infotainment system with a large touchscreen that controls most functions. While it looks stunning, some physical controls would be welcome for frequently used features like climate control.
The Volvo V90 excels as a refined Scandinavian estate, blending luxury with practicality. Its cabin feels premium, with exceptional build quality and serene interior ambiance. While not a performance beast, the T6’s 6.5-second 0-60 mph dash and smooth powertrains deliver confident highway composure. However, higher running costs and a somewhat stiff ride in lower trims may deter some, making it ideal for families prioritizing comfort over thrills.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Volvo V90?
As a premium estate, the Volvo V90 comes with running costs that reflect its luxury positioning, though they remain reasonable for the class. The diesel engines are the most economical choice, with the D4 capable of achieving over 50 mpg in real world driving, helping to keep fuel bills manageable. Petrol engines are less efficient but still respectable, with the T4 returning around 40 mpg in mixed driving. Insurance costs are moderate for a car of this class, though higher than mainstream family estates.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Volvo V90
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BMW 5 Series Touring
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Mercedes E-Class Estate
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| Starting Price | £38,000 | £40,000 | £42,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L T4 190hp | 2.0L 184hp | 2.0L 194hp |
| Power | 190 bhp | 184 bhp | 194 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 8.2 seconds | 8.1 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 42 mpg | 45 mpg | 44 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 560 litres | 570 litres | 640 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Scandinavian luxury, Outstanding seats, Excellent safety | Sharp handling, Premium interior, Strong brand | Sophisticated tech, Smooth ride, Spacious cabin |
Volvo V90 Practicality & Boot Space
The V90 excels as a practical family car while maintaining its premium credentials. The 560-litre boot is generous enough for most family needs, easily accommodating holiday luggage, sports equipment, or the weekly shop. With the rear seats folded, cargo space expands dramatically to over 1,500 litres, making it genuinely useful for larger items like furniture or bicycles. Clever storage solutions throughout the cabin include door pockets, cup holders, and a useful storage area under the boot floor.
We bought our V90 two years ago and it’s been brilliant. The seats are incredibly comfortable on long trips and the boot swallows everything we throw at it. Build quality feels rock solid and it’s whisper quiet on the motorway. Only minor complaint is the touchscreen can be fiddly while driving.
The Volvo V90 stands out in the premium estate market by offering a distinctively Scandinavian take on luxury motoring. It combines outstanding build quality, exceptional comfort, and class leading safety technology in a package that’s both practical and stylish. The interior sets new standards for materials and design, while the refined driving experience makes every journey a pleasure. While it may not offer the sportiest drive in its class, it more than compensates with comfort, refinement, and that special Scandinavian character.