161020 Volvo S90 D5 01
161020 Volvo S90 D5 02
161020 Volvo S90 D5 03
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Nadine Armstrong5 Nov 2016
REVIEW

Volvo S90 2016 Review

Volvo S90 sets to out-class its German counterparts with top-notch Scandi design.

Volvo S90 D5
Road Test

Volvo’s new S90 flagship sedan may not be a game changer as such, but it will help close the gap on its German rivals who, for so long, have had the upper hand in the large prestige sedan market. With a starting price of $79,900 (plus on-road costs), and generous kit as standard, the S90 is readying itself for battle.

Volvo’s new S90 arrives in Australia with a tough job ahead because, for as long as Volvo cares to remember, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have owned this space. It’s clear that Volvo accepts this challenge with much enthusiasm, undercutting both Benz and BMW at base level offerings – by as much as $10k in the case of Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class. But those entry-level offerings are not here yet.

Revealed at the Detroit Motor Show, we first drove the S90 at the international launch in Spain and it impressed us there. It’s now in Australia and landing the top-spec Inscription models first up, current S90 offerings are priced from $96,900 for the turbo-powered D5 and $98,900 for its T6 petrol counterpart. Expectations just lifted.

We’re testing the S90 D5, fitted with the optional Technology Pack that adds $3000 (more about those costs later).

The S90 range is powered by four-cylinder engines matched to eight-speed automatic transmissions. The 2.0-litre engine (yes, 2.0-litre) found in the D5 produces 173kW/480Nm. It has a top speed of 230km/h and its claimed sprint from 0-100km/h is 7.3sec.

By comparison, the S90s petrol unit in the T6 lifts power to 235kW with torque dropping to 400Nm. The entry-level Momentum models due later this month deliver 140kW/400Nm in D4 shape and 187kW/350Nm from the turbo-petrol T5.

The S90 winds out a commendable amount of power, but the small-capacity engine offering may be a deal breaker for some buyers.

Its all-new architecture is shared with the large XC90 and will later be seen in V90 wagon variants, too.

First impressions rate high. Presented with the softest leather, real wood (Walnut) details and a sleek technology interface, the S90’s interior is beautiful and refreshingly different.

It’s Scandi design at its best, and a step change from strong competition. Design differentiation will be an advantage.

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At the heart of the S90s technology offering is Volvo’s tablet-style infotainment interface that is good enough to rival anything Audi is currently throwing out there, with standard inclusions like internet connectivity and in-car web apps, satellite navigation and voice activated control. The tap and swipe functionality is intuitive and works well. The 9.0-inch screen also offers more fluid operation for non-lefty left-handed navigation. It’s a thing.
As you’d expect, there’s an abundance of safety technology as standard, including Vovlo’s IntelliSafe driver assistance kit that adds autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist (semi autonomous driving).

Other standard kit fitting of a prestige vehicle includes power front seats with memory, four-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-button start and a power boot.
Our test vehicle is bursting with options, many of which you’d be well within your right to expect as standard for a car that’s pulling close to six figures. But, no. Heated front seats ($650), Premium Bowers and Wilkins sound ($4,500), head-up display ($1900), 360-degree camera ($1750), power folding second-row seats ($250) and Apple CarPlay ($300) plus a few other pricey must-haves, and our test vehicle is priced at $118,555 (plus on-road costs).

A glaring omission is a power adjustable steering column. No amount of money gets you this; it’s simply not offered. Front seat headrests are fixed position, too. Pricey options and strange exclusions are not unique to the prestige segment, but duly noted nonetheless.

Ergonomics are excellent and attention to detail near flawless. It’s easy to go on about the S90s sumptuous cabin – you’ll be hard pushed to find more comfortable seats in this segment – but what about the drive?

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It rolls on 19-inch alloys as standard, but our vehicle is fitted with the optional 20-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels ($2850) and still it’s quiet, really quiet.

Propelled by its 2.0-litre turbo-diesel unit, power delivery and dynamics are commendable. The D5 engine adopts Volvo’s PowerPulse engine technology that uses a small electric compressor to force air into the exhaust system (before the turbocharger kicks in), therefore reducing lag – and it’s noticeable. From standstill, the S90 is quick to action, and low-rev response is great. The eight-speed auto is smooth and decisive.

Paddle shifts (not available) would be a nice addition for a more involved drive. At top-spec Inscription level all-wheel-drive is standard, too.
Steering is good, but you won’t get the lively engagement you’ll experience in, say, a BMW perhaps. Suspension set-up sees double wishbones to the front and multilink in the rear.

It’s a far statelier than sporty experience behind the wheel. Having said that, it’s an accurate steer with plenty of feedback that allows you to happily place the near two-tonne sedan with confidence. Cruising around town seemed a comfortable task for the S90, too, the reduction in turbo-lag a clear bonus here. Visibility, however, is a low point – and you have to fork out extra coin to get 360-degree camera technology. For the sake of your rims, it may be worth the investment.

Second-row passengers are treated with equal levels of pomp and comfort in plush seats and generous cabin space. You could easily spend hours here, in comfort. Obligatory inclusions see two cupholders, good in-door storage and a 12-volt outlet, but no USB points. It was also noted that excluding the middle seat position, second-row headrests are fixed in their position.

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Consumers with an eye on the environment will appreciate the impact of a smaller engine and smart car technology such as an idle-stop system that gives the S90 D5 a claimed combined average fuel consumption of 5.1L/100km and CO2 emissions of 133g/km.
The D5 and T6 Inscription models are on sale now, with the entry-level T5 and D4

Momentum to follow in late November. Further variants are expected in the first half of 2017.

It’s fair to say that the S90 is a significant step forward for Volvo and it does offer buyers a real alternative to the tried and trusted Germans. Convincing the Australian market that Volvo is an equal player in the prestige large sedan segment is just one big hurdle, delivering greater value is another. The struggle is real.

2016 Volvo S90 D5 pricing and specifications:
Price: $96,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 174kW/480Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 133g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> BMW 5 Series (from $82,300 plus ORCs)
>> Mercedes-Benz E-Class (from $89,990 plus ORCs)
>> Audi A6 (from $79,900 plus ORCs)

Pricing and Features
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Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
83/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
17/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
15/20
Safety & Technology
18/20
Behind The Wheel
16/20
X-Factor
17/20
Pros
  • Unique cabin design
  • Standard safety
  • Responsive turbo-diesel
Cons
  • Pricey options
  • Outward visibility
  • No paddle shifts, electric column adjust
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