Automaker charts its own course with a new premium sedan
300 pounds heavier than the S80.
Along with a slightly lower roofline, the sedan’s platform — shared with the XC90 — gives it a hunkered-down stance.
The S90’s sleek and shapely body panels put to rest any semblance of boxiness that had long been a Volvo tradition. Still, a few quirky touches, such as a concave grille, “Thor’s Hammer” LED running lights and jagged taillights provide a measure of nonconformity.
More of that go-your-own-way attitude is on display inside the well-appointed cabin, which has plenty of attractive, verySwedish-modern birch wood trim on the dashboard, door panels and floor console. The 8.0- and available 12.3-inch touch-screens that run the climate control, communications, audio and navigation systems are wellpositioned and will find favor with people who aren’t keen on pop-upstyle screens found in other luxury cars.
Comfortable seating is a Volvo specialty, and the buckets and rear bench are well-padded and wellbolstered, and available in creamy leather coverings.
The S90 can be ordered in front-
The base front-wheel-drive S90 T5 Momentum that rings in at $48,000, including destination charges, doesn’t scrimp on content. You get dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats with memory settings, power sunroof, front and rear Park Assist cameras, and an impressive array of active safety to prevent crashes.
Move up to the FWD T5 Inscription, and the list grows to include leather-covered seats that are heated and ventilated in front, premium walnut wood trim, quadzone climate control and 19-inch wheels (18-inchers are standard).
Both Momentum and Inscription models can be upgraded with the turbocharged and supercharged engine — called the T6 — which also gets you all-wheel drive.
Sometime in 2017, Volvo will add a plug-in hybrid S90 that will have an expected 400 horsepower. Until then, the big sedan should do well with its unique good looks, sumptuous cabin, plenty of safety gear, and a level of content that should make prospective purchasers and luxo-class rivals sit up and take notice.