2023 Volvo S90 Performance

There are two powertrains on offer: B6 or T8. When Volvo overhauled itself a few years ago after a healthy influx of Chinese capital, it dropped all five-, six- and eight-cylinder engines from its range. It's now exclusively a three- and four-cylinder operation, with both hybrids and all-electric models included in the mix. The B6 model uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's both turbocharged and supercharged, and it has a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It's good for 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which are decent enough specs. The T8 trim adds an 87-hp electric motor, resulting in a combined power output of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. According to Volvo, the B6 is capable of a 0 to 60 mph time of around 6.2 seconds. The T8's 455 hp gets it to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. Like all Volvos, the S90 is limited to a top speed of 112 mph, part of Volvo's plan to reduce fatal car crashes.

Plug-in Hybrid S90s have the option of adding the Polestar Performance software too, for optimized mid-range engine performance, improved throttle responses, and faster gearshifts. Still, performance figures for the S90 are irrelevant. The S90 is not a performance car, and it doesn't respond particularly well to a heavy right foot. Volvo's power plants are tuned for luxury, providing a linear torque curve. All-wheel drive is standard, primarily for safety reasons. Overall, the Volvo's performance is confident, but it's an entirely different proposition from the rear-wheel-drive German rivals. If it's an engaging drive you seek, it's best to have a look at what the Germans have to offer.

Both the B6 and plug-in hybrid T8 use the same basic 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's both supercharged and turbocharged. While the dual-charged four-cylinder engine is a technical marvel, it's not as refined in direct comparison with a German straight-six or V8. Both models also use the same eight-speed automatic transmission, but that's where the similarities end. The T6 is equipped with a typical AWD system, while the T8 uses an eAWD system. The latter means there is no mechanical coupling between the front and rear motors, and they act independently. When driving in pure electric mode, the T8 is essentially RWD.

The Volvo S90 T8 is quick off the line with the electric boost, and quick on the highway when all 455 horses and 523 lb-ft are churning away. The less powerful B6 powertrain has lower outputs of 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. However, the combination of the 48-volt mild hybrid system, supercharging, and turbocharging makes this model a decent performer too. Overtaking isn't a chore with the B6, while the T8 drivetrain makes for an even more satisfying woosh up to overtaking speed. In either case, the car's transmission goes about its business in an unruffled manner around town or on the freeway. In fact, it's easy to forget the S90 has a transmission as it's so smooth and well-programmed.

The S90's gas mileage figures are acceptable but not class-leading. According to the EPA, the S90 B6 should be capable of 23/32/26 mpg city/highway/combined. The PHEV T8's EPA-estimated figures are 66 MPGe and 30 mpg on the combined cycle. Volvo claims an electric range of 22 miles for the T8 (21 miles as per the EPA's website), which we found easy enough to achieve the last time we drove an S90.

The 15.9-gallon tank should get the B6 around 413 miles between refills, while the PHEV gets a little over 500 miles. Due to its 3.7-kW onboard charger, the battery cannot be charged any faster than around five hours. But using a standard outlet will increase that time to eight hours.