Introduction

The Volvo S90 is the brand's flagship sedan, and it doesn't wear that title lightly. Quiet, competent, and cosseting, this big Volvo epitomizes the brand's current direction better than anything else in its lineup. The cherry on top? It continues to be offered in wagon form, dubbed V90 and far more rare than it has any right to be. 

For 2021, Volvo keeps the changes to the S90 to a minimum. An incredibly subtle facelift is about the extent of the changes, though a few small updates are peppered within the standard equipment list. 

The engine choices carry over from 2020. Starting things off is a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter turbo-4, known as the T6. It makes 316 horsepower, which gets sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The EPA rates the T6 for 21 mpg city, 32 highway, 25 mpg combined. 

Plug-in T8 models have been renamed Recharge, but the new name continues to denote a T6 engine affixed with an 11-kwh battery and an electric motor. Total output is 400 hp, and 22 miles of all-electric range is possible. When running as a hybrid buyers can expect gas mileage of 30 mpg combined. 

The long list of standard safety kit includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and blind-spot monitors. Also standard: a semi-autonomous mode known as Pilot Assist that lets drivers briefly take their hands off the wheel. 

The IIHS was impressed with the S90's crashworthiness, noting it aced all six crash tests it was subjected to. Headlights were only deemed marginal, however, which kept the S90 from cinching a Top Safety Pick award. The NHTSA has not conducted testing of the S90. 

Lineup

Volvo divides the S90 lineup into three trims: base Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The latter two are priced the same but chase different aesthetics; R-Design is catered to the performance buff, while Inscription is luxury done the traditional way. The Momentum is exclusively offered with the T6 engine, while the other two trims can be had with either the T6 or T8. 

Priced at $52,195, the Momentum comes well equipped with technology such as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, voice recognition, and AppleCarPlay and Android Auto. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-folding rear seatbacks, and a panoramic roof are also standard. 

The R-Design begins at $55,295 for a T6 model. Compared to the Momentum, it adds nappa leather upholstery, mesh metal interior trim, front power cushion extensions, and power sun blinds for the rear doors. Racier exterior trim provides a more sporty appearance. 

The Inscription costs the same as an R-Design and comes with much the same features. The only major differences are power side bolsters, cooled front seats, and real wood trim. 

Walkaround

The S90 defines elegance in a uniquely Scandinavian way. Everything has been pared down to just the basics; there is no gingerbread to speak of anywhere on the car. The closest the S90 gets to being flamboyant is the individual lettering spelling out the Volvo name on the trunklid. The understated nature of the big S90 distinguishes it among competition that tries too hard to be seen. 

And when we say it's big, we mean it: the S90 rides a 120.5-inch wheelbase and stretches an even 200 inches long. The Volvo feels lower and longer and far more elegant. From a styling perspective, the S90 is almost better compared against the flagship German sedans. 

Interior

The paradoxical high-impact, low-key design is just as apparent in the cabin. Beautiful materials fill out an interior that has been styled with the eye of a minimalist; even Marie Kondo couldn't find anything here to dispose of. Every little flourish seems to have been sweated over, and the result is a stylish, elegant interior that is finished to an appropriately high standard. 

Volvo has not approached the luxury segment timidly; it has gone full stop with standard leather upholstery, navigation, power features, and indulgences like dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. Most competitors would charge extra for most if not all of those features. 

Every trim gets its own seat design, and they differ in small but noticeable ways. The Inscription seat is the most indulgent for its power bolsters and cooling cushion, the R-Design is the sportiest and most supportive, the base model splits the difference. Yet for their differences there isn't an uncomfortable choice here. All three are excellent chairs for a cross-country trip. 

The backseat spoils passengers with over 40 inches of leg room. The upright design and tall roof provides plenty of head room as well. 

The trunk holds 15.4 cubic feet of cargo, which can be expanded by lowering the power-activated, split-folding rear seatback. 

Driving Impression

Volvo isn't pushing sportiness as a brand hallmark. On the S90 lineup, that means the R-Design trim is as outwardly sporty as it gets, and a 400-hp hybrid is the extent of any performance aspirations. 

The Recharge models pushing 400 hp are gracefully fast, whisking the car to speed without drama or fanfare. Extensive sound deadening keeps noise levels to a minimum. That it nets 30 mpg combined in normal operation or 22 miles of electric range is a bonus; the real joy of this powertrain is the strong, nearly silent acceleration. 

Most models will likely get the less potent T6 engine. It lacks the hybrid's power and efficiency but still delivers a nice wallop of torque down low. Being both supercharged and turbocharged, lag is entirely mitigated; a sudden stab of the throttle results in instant response. The 8-speed automatic is happy to play along and is quick to downshift. 

Most models ride on coil springs, which lose their edge as the wheels grow from 18 to 19 inches. The best way to preserve the creamy ride is opting for the available air suspension. It preserves and enhances the relaxed, coddling attitude the S90 is selling itself on. 

Summary

The 2021 Volvo S90 is a unique, tempting alternative to the usual class of big luxury sedans. It far undercuts the similar-sized German liners, though its powertrains and equipment are far from S-Class territory. But compared to the mid-size luxury segment, the S90 brings competitive style, grace, and luxury. The Recharge is the real winner here, but cost might push us towards a T6 Inscription. 

 

-by Anthony Sophinos, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.