2023 Volvo S90 Review: Suave And Sophisticated Swedish Sedan

When it comes to large and luxurious executive sedans, the 2023 Volvo S60 should be on the radar of any prospective buyer. After all, it competes with some of the biggest names in the game, like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series. Even so, it doesn't go out of its way to stand out with sharp styling or tire-burning antics, instead letting its reputation for safety and reliability talk for itself. The sophisticated yet understated exterior also belies its luxurious and well-appointed interior. The only gas engine on offer is a 295-horsepower four-pot that prioritizes linear power delivery and fuel efficiency over anything else; a plug-in version with up to 455 hp is available, too, but we review the Volvo S90 Recharge separately. The gas model comes with all-wheel drive as standard, which helps to ensure the sedan's appeal in cold-weather states. The lack of blistering performance is balanced by a generous list of standard features and excellent safety but is that enough to make the S90 more appealing than its racier European rivals?

What's the Price of the 2023 Volvo S90?

The price of the new Volvo S90 range starts at $57,200 for the now entry-level Plus trim. The higher-tier Ultimate will cost you $62,750. Available options and packages can push this over $70k. These are MSRP prices for the Volvo S90 and do not include tax, registration, or the $1,095 destination fee.

2023 Volvo S90 Handling and Driving Impressions

While it may not be lacking in power, the 2023 S90 is by no means a sporty executive sedan in this configuration. Instead, its sole focus is comfort and safety. That being said, you won't have any trouble keeping up on the highway or passing any overly laid-back drivers. But, even when traveling at high speeds, the steering doesn't provide much feedback to incentivize more spirited driving. It could also be a bit more accurate, though it has a good feel and sense of weight when driving. For the most part, the suspension does a great job of soaking up bumps and road imperfections, but particularly long stretches of poor road can start to unsettle it. Luckily, there is an air suspension upgrade for the Ultimate trim that can handle anything you throw at it, making for a truly smooth driving experience. The Volvo S90 is a luxury cruiser that will quickly let you know when you've pushed it out of its comfort zone.

Verdict: Is The 2023 Volvo S90 A Good car?

There really is a lot to like about the Volvo S90, including high levels of luxury and a generous base-level tech specification. It is moderately spacious, too. However, it lacks power when compared to its leading rivals, like the BMW 5 Series. Ride comfort is also not as good unless you pay more to add the air suspension to the already pricey top trim. But while the experience of driving the S90 may not be thrilling, it is legitimately relaxing and pleasing. The Swedish executive is a sedate and luxurious cruiser above all else, backed by a reputation for peerless safety and good reliability, which is not something all its European competition can claim. It is definitely a safe choice, and it boasts decent fuel economy for a premium car. Buyers aren't likely to regret this purchase.

What 2023 Volvo S90 Model Should I Buy?

The USA has a lot of powerful luxury cars to choose from, so it's easy for the S90 to fly under the radar with its mild-mannered engine. To make it stand out a little more, we'd suggest going all out for the Ultimate trim, which adds a good list of additional features at a moderate increase in price. We'd also suggest speccing the air suspension so that the ride can be as comfortable as anything you'd experience in a Merc or Bimmer. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system is a nice addition, but not a necessary one if you want to save a few grand.