2019 Volvo S90 Review: Svelte Swedish Simplicity
To redefine the idea of luxury - that was the aim of the Swedish dream team when designing the 2019 Volvo S90. Merging Scandinavian design and advanced technology, it may have done just that, putting together its flagship midsize sedan with as many comfort and convenience features as possible. Oozing charm and elegance without being overly ostentatious, the S90's sophistication and refinement is quite a heady recipe. Add to the mix class-leading safety and the result is an excellent sedan that rivals class favorites like the Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class, and BMW 5 Series. With equally stylish interior appointments, efficient and powerful engine options, and smooth driving styles, the three German giants go toe-to-toe for bragging rights as the top luxury sedan. Will Volvo be able to step ahead of the venerable German powerhouses in this latest iteration and make the gods bleed in the process?
What's the Price of the 2019 Volvo S90?
An entry-level model T5 Momentum will set you back $47,350 if you want it in front-wheel-drive. For the all-wheel-drive variant, an MSRP of $49,850 can be expected. Swapping out the base engine for the T6 version on the Momentum costs $54,350, while the range-topping T6 Inscriptions remains under the $60k mark at $59,450 without taxes, licensing, registration, or Volvo's $995 destination fee.
2019 S90 Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200.1 in | 120.5 in | 57.1 in | 74.4 in | 64.1 in | 64.1 in | 3,870.0 lbs |
2019 S90 Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The S90 feels polite and yet confident to pilot at the same time; precise steering that has a good on-center feel is great, but it does feel like a lot of work for a luxury sedan. Ride quality is excellent though, with comfort levels clearly prioritized overall. Four drive modes are available for selection, too, with Comfort, Eco, Dynamic or Individual adapting throttle responses, steering, and the optional active chassis to suit your desired style of driving. While the S90 is more than capable of absorbing road scars and imperfections, and it does a brilliant job of isolating any jarring noise or feeling from the cabin, it does feel a little ponderous in comparison to the more agile BMW 5 Series - it's also a little hoarse, which doesn't suit its cultured character very well.
Nonetheless, it's a soft ride that can take corners as needed but will be less than impressive at speed despite all-wheel-drive and grippy tires striving to control it. Braking, however, is solid and inspires confidence. Overall, the S90 suits languid road trips and sedate Sunday cruises much better - save your athletic sprints and speedy winding road stints for the Germans, who just do it so much better.
2019 S90 Interior
2019 S90 Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Volvo S90 A Good car?
With only a few negatives that really detract from the S90's appeal, the answer to this question seems obvious. Handsome styling, a divine interior, powerful engine options, and excellent fuel economy are already many of the boxes ticked when discussing luxury sedans. Add to that, class-leading safety ratings, brilliant semi-autonomous driving technology, and a well-priced package overall, and there really isn't much to gripe about. Unless, that is, you were hoping for a sedan with a sportier persona, nimbler handling, and an intuitive, easy-to-use infotainment system - if this is the case, sadly, the S90 will disappoint. Both the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series have these bases covered, so look in that direction instead. However, if your mission is to find a comfortable, luxurious, sublime drive, with all the benefits of high-quality cabin materials and space, then the S90 is the perfect fit. Top safety ratings also make this an ideal family vehicle, and with the top-end Inscription priced at $7,650 less than the top-of-the-range Audi A6, the Volvo S90 has got to be on your list of sedans to test drive.
What Volvo S90 Model Should I Buy?
A loaded question, to be honest; depending on your priority, the Volvo S90 can cover both ends of the comfort versus performance spectrum, or at least make an attempt and meeting the latter's demands. Overall, the Inscription is the model that offers the most to meet these needs, is fitted with the more powerful engine, and will require the least optioning on of packages - it has all the safety boxes ticked, and upgrades the interior to the fine Nappa leather seating, also boasting the more premium sound system. With it's MSRP still under $60,000, it feels like a worthy outlay for what you get in return. Still, if you're happy with the T5 engine as we are, there's nothing to regret about purchasing the Momentum - just add on the available packages (both the Heated Seats and Advanced Packages), which puts the pricing to around $53,450, which is still good value for money in this segment.
2019 Volvo S90 Comparisons
2019 Volvo S90 vs Audi A6
Facing off against the Audi sedan, the two vehicles stand toe-to-toe in terms of performance at the entry-point to the range. With both sporting 2.0-liter powertrains, the Audi makes 248 hp to the Volvo's 250 hp but offers more torque at 273 lb-ft. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and is known for its ability to nip through corners with superb grip and respond much quicker to the beck and call of the driver. It has also been redesigned for 2019 and has a host of exciting new technologies on board. Its interior is no less stunning, although the S90 has much more space - especially in the back - for comfortably carrying around passengers. Its much-higher starting price does warrant giving the Volvo S90 some consideration though - with neither being cause for regret - we're inclined to give the Volvo the benefit of the doubt at a base level.
2019 Volvo S90 vs BMW 5 Series Sedan
Comparing the Volvo to the BMW is very much like a classic rom-com - does the leading lady go for the gentlemanly nice-guy who treats her right, or the cheeky bad-boy that leaves her slightly breathless in anticipation? In this case, the BMW 5 Series is the rebel, with its much more enthusiastic range of powertrains, on-road zeal, and generally more engaging drive - a recipe for head-spinning trysts on the track or twisting back road. On the other hand, the Volvo S90 offers a polished and secure environment, where your comfort is prioritized above all else, you feel safe and valued, and the world is much more predictable. This is a close call (and at risk of being cheesily subjective), we'd suggest a blind date with the BMW to get the rebellion out of your system before settling down with the Volvo and living happily ever after.