2020 Volvo S90

header-image
Rating7.6

Ranked #10 in 

Midsize Sedan
Write Review
$50,550 - $53,650
Starting Price 
M. Hannigan's image
M. Hannigan 

Content Writer,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Striking exterior

Expensive top trim

More standard equipment in T5 variant.

Impressive material used in the cabin

Rough ride with bigger 20-inch wheels

Inscription trim is upgraded with more features

A long list of standard features

Powerful braking

Intuitive infotainment

Specs & Features

$50,550

price

316 hp @ 5700 rpm

horsepower

295 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm

torque

8-Speed Automatic w/od

transmission

2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Until 2017, Volvo was slowly losing its popularity for the sole reason that their cars were running out of the timeline. They looked old and on the inside, all you could see is a cluster of buttons everywhere. However, past 2017, Volvo has extensively worked on elevating their line up inside out. Their flagship sedan, the S90 has also been given the same treatment and has omitted the use of buttons altogether. A large touchscreen unit replaces them and certainly looks handsome yet minimalistic inside. All in all, it is a sophisticated luxury midsize sedan with an impressive set of standard features.

Buying Advice

For its price, the standard Momentum variant seems to be the bang-for-the-buck deal as its powertrain provides excellent driving dynamics without compromising on efficiency. Furthermore, you also get a plethora of features as standard and if you miss any of them, fret not as you can add exclusivity to your S90 with a slew of optional features. However, let's not forget that each optional feature will add on top of the MSRP of the said trim.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The flagship sedan of Volvo’s lineup comes with a variety of powertrain’s ranging from 250 hp T5 to 316 hp T6. All of the powertrains are mated to slick shifting 8 speed automatic transmission. Cabin design is truly Scandinavian which is known for simplicity and functionality yet it feels more luxurious than a German sedan.

The sole Swedish car maker aims at the buyer who is looking for a midsize sedan which includes Audi A6 sedan, BMW 5 series and Jaguar XF. Synonymous with Safety, Volvo has equipped the S 90 with advanced safety features.

Features
8.0/10

The Volvo S60 Sedan is available in two trim which is Momentum and Inscription. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. The base variant comes with an inline-four engine that produces 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Inscription variant comes with a high-performance powertrain generating 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Both of the powertrains are mated to a smooth 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Trims

Momentum

Inscription

MSRP

$48,100

$58,600

Features

Exterior: 18"or19" Alloy Wheels (depending on your choice of powertrain)

19" Alloy Wheels

 

Automatically Dimmed Inner Rear-View Mirror

Bright Deco Molding with Embossed Inscription Logotype

 

LED Headlights with Automatic Lever Adjuster

Dual Integrated Tailpipes

 

Visible Tailpipes in Chrome

Foglights in Front Spoiler

 

Front Grill High Gloss Black with Chrome Frame

Color Coordinated Door Handles with Bright Deco 

 

Fully Color Adapted Sills and Bumpers

12.3" Digital Driver Display

 

Retractable Side-View Mirrors

Comfort Seats with Fine Nappa Leather Upholstery

 

4-Way Power Adjustable Lumbar Support, Front Seats

Drive Mode Settings

 

CleanZone

Inscription Mats, Front and Rear

 

Dark Flame Birch Wood Inlays

Illuminated Metal Tread Plates

Interior High-Level Illumination

 

Sensus: 8" (T5) and 12.3" (T6 and T8) Driver Display

Linear Walnut Wood Decor Inlays

 

9" Center Display

Power Passenger Seat

 

High-Performance Audio System

Power Driver Seat with Memory Function for Seat and Side Mirrors

 

Sensus Navigation

Power Driver Seat with Memory Function for Seat and Side Mirrors

 

Smartphone Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Power Passenger Seat

 

Pilot Assist Semi-Autonomous Drive with Adaptive Cruise Control

Rear Center Armrest with Cup Holders and Storage

We Recommend

For its price, the standard Momentum variant seems to be the bang-for-the-buck deal as its powertrain provides excellent driving dynamics without compromising on efficiency. Furthermore, you also get a plethora of features as standard and if you miss any of them, fret not as you can add exclusivity to your S90 with a slew of optional features. However, let's not forget that each optional feature will add on top of the MSRP of the said trim.

Fuel Economy
5.0/10

A host of engine options and forced induction helps to keep the Volvo relatively fuel efficient than most of the rivals. The standard 250 hp variant of the S90 T5 puts out 23 mpg city, 35 highway and 27 combined with front-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive doesn’t affect the fuel economy much and it delivers 22/31/26 mpg for the T5 AWD. The T6 is only available with all-wheel drive and it delivers 21 mpg city, 31 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg combined. To maximize the efficiency there’s an Eco Mode, which adjusts the gearbox and throttle response for the lowest possible fuel consumption.

Model

Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan

Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan

Jaguar XF Sedan

Maserati Ghibli

BMW 530i sedan

Lexus GS 350 sedan

2018 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan

2018 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan

2018 Mercedes e300 sport sedan

MPG (city)

25

21

25

17

24

20

19

25

22

MPG (highway)

34

30

34

24

34

28

27

34

30

MPG (combined)

27

24

28

19

27

23

22

27

25

For the sake of comparison, the Audi A6 3.0-liter Quattro stands at last with 24 mpg combined because of higher engine output. The Volvo S 90, Jaguar XF and BMW 5 series returns a similar 34 mpg on the highway.

Interior
8.0/10

Sporting a style all it's own allows the S90 to stand out from the prevailing luxury-brand status quo. Its interior design is as simplistic and elegant as the exterior and provides acres of passenger space in both front and rear seats. The S90 serves as a rolling technology showcase, too, as Volvo has equipped it with futuristic driver-assistance features - Carnadriver

Seating and Comfort

Inside the Volvo S90 combines Scandinavian design with modern tech to give you exceptional comfort. The cabin is constructed from world class material such as Swedish crystal and birch wood inlay (optional). A 9 inch portrait styled touchscreen helps in reducing the number of knobs and makes reading and scrolling maps easier. The driver focused style looks great and works perfectly. A metal finish surrounds air vents and different controls that looks beautiful.

The front orthopedic seats are sculpted to support the spine and provide exceptional comfort. The shape of the backseat is superb and provide more legroom than any of the other vehicles in this segment. The cabin is spacious and individually controlled heated seats mean every occupant have an equal level of comfort.

Model

Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan sedan

Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan

Jaguar XF Sedan

Maserati Ghibli

BMW 530i sedan

Lexus GS 350 sedan

2018 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan

2018 Mercedes e300 sport sedan

Passenger capacity

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

37.8/57.5/42.2

38.0/57.8/41.3

37.1/57.6/41.2

N/A

38.8/58.7/41.4

38.0/57.3/42.3

41.1/58.3/45.7

41.4/57.8/41.7

Second

(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

37.8/55.4/40.4

38.1/56.5/37.4

37.5/55.9/36.5

N/A

37.5/55.9/36.5

37.8/55.7/36.8

38.2/57.1/35.0

38.2/57.1/36.3

All the rivals can seat four people in relative comfort, the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 are more spacious closely followed by the Volvo S 60 sedan and Jaguar XF.

Interior features

  • 10-way, Power Front seat Power Lumbar and Driver Seat Memory Sensus Navigation
  • Volvo Sensus Connect with 9" Touchscreen
  • 8" Driver Display (Digital Instrument Cluster)
  • 3" Driver Display (Digital Instrument Cluster)
  • USB Input
  • Rear Seat USB Hub
  • Voice Control
  • Leather Steering Wheel
  • Dark Flame Birch Wood Inlays
  • Crystal Gear Shift Knob by Orrefors
  • Volvo Aluminum Sill Plates Auto Dimming Interior Mirror
  • Clean Zone Air Quality System
  • 2-Zone Climate Control
  • 4-Zone Climate Control and Cooled Glovebox

Infotainment system

The Volvo S 90 is equipped with intuitive Sensus Connect system. You get pinch to zoom feature and it is pretty much like an android phablet. The Sensus system lets you to you interact with your car using a smartphone app while giving you direct access to emergency support. It comes equipped with the following amenities.

  • 3" Digital Driver Display (T6 and T8)
  • 9" Sensus Touchscreen
  • Bluetooth audio streaming
  • USB inputs
  • Voice control
  • Steering wheel controls
  • Tethering via WiFi
  • High Performance audio system (330 W, 10 speakers)
  • Internet radio via apps
  • Volvo On Call with Engine Remote Start 4-Year Complimentary Subscription

Cargo Capacity

The Volvo S 60 sedan comes with descent 13.5 cubic feet of space and it can increase with the 60/40 split folding seats. The trunk is small for a luxury sedan still Utility is still good, though. Those seats also fold fairly flat. You can push a button to electrically lower the second row, and hands-free power trunk access makes it easy to open the cargo hold when you have your arms full.

Model

2020 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan

Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan

Jaguar XF Sedan

Maserati Ghibli

BMW 530i sedan

Lexus GS 350 sedan

2018 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan

2018 Mercedes e300 sport sedan

Cargo Volume (ft.3)

13.5

13.7

17.8

17.7

N/A

14.3

15.3

13.1

The 2020 Volvo S90 Sedan loses the competition in the car cargo space with 13.5 cubic-feet. Whereas the other competitors of the BMW 530i, Jaguar XF sedan, have more cargo space.

Exterior
8.0/10

The 2020 Volvo S90 luxury sedan is a major part of the Swedish marque's rebirth. After years of producing good vehicles, the company is now making great vehicles. This is accomplished by addressing every major and minor area, establishing a fresh design approach, developing new engines and setting even higher standards for interior quality, while staying true to traditional Volvo values like safety and comfort - Autotrader

Dimension and Weight

The S90 sedan is a classic expression of timeless Scandinavian design with bold lines and tastefully creased metal. The concave grille is upright, shaped between sweptback headlights which are shaped like Thor’s hammer. The long-hood, low-slung body, with the classic Volvo hallmark of a wide and muscular shoulder line makes the car look lower than it actually is. The standard panoramic moon roof lets you get fresh air and create endless space.

Around the back, The S90 looks ultra -modern with C shaped taillights and trunk lid spoiler. A body-colored rear diffuser with integrated tailpipes adds to the sporty aspect with a classic “Volvo” badge. The S60 carries out the design language of Volvo exceptionally and puts the Swedish at the top of its class when it comes to looks.

Model

Volvo S90 T5 Momentum sedan

Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Premium Quattro sedan

Jaguar XF Sedan

Maserati Ghibli

BMW 530i sedan

Lexus GS 350 sedan

2018 Genesis G80 3.8 sedan

2018 Mercedes e300 sport sedan

Curb weight (lbs.)

3870

4266

3590

3990

3790

3726

4195

3792

Length(in)

200.1

194.4

195.0

195.7

194.6

192.1

196.5

193.8

Width(in)

74.0

74.3

78.2

76.6

73.5

72.4

74.4

72.9

Height(in)

57.1

57.4

57.4

57.7

58.2

57.3

58.3

57.8

Ground clearance (in)

6.0

4.2

4.1

N/A

5.7

5.1

5.3

5.5

Wheelbase (in)

120.5

115.1

116.5

118

117.1

112.2

118.5

115.7

Track width (in) F/R

63.7/63.7

N/A

61.4/61.8

64.4/65.1

63/63.9

N/A

64.1/65.3

63.6/63

The Volvo S 90 has the best clearance of 6.0 inches while all the other rivals are close to 5 inches. The Audi A6 is the heaviest among the lot followed by Volvo S90, BMW 5 series sedan, and Jaguar XF is the lightest among all. Volvo S90 also cast the largest with 200 inches of length.

Exterior features

  • Laminated Panoramic Moonroof with Power Sunshade
  • LED Headlights with Thor’s Hammer DRL & Auto Highbeam (AHB) LED Fog Lamps with Corner Illumination
  • LED Taillights with Side Marker Lights
  • 19" 5-Triple Spoke Tech Matte Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
  • Retractable Side View Mirrors
  • Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
  • Front Grill, High-Gloss Black with Glossy Chrome Frame
  • Bright Chrome Window Surround
  • Dual Visible Tailpipes with Chrome Sleeves

Safety
8.0/10

Volvo is synonymous with road safety. Your Volvo S90 comes with comprehensive IntelliSafe technologies as standard, including all the safety you’d expect from a Volvo and more. These technologies can see what the driver cannot.

  • Volvo On-Call Emergency Sos
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • BLIS Blind Spot Sensor
  • City Safety and Cross Traffic Alert
  • Lane Keeping Aid/Run-Off-Road Mitigation Lane Keeping Assist
  • Lane Keeping Aid/Run-Off-Road Mitigation Lane Departure Warning
  • Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
  • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
  • Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
  • Airbag Occupancy Sensor
  • Driver Knee Airbag
  • Power Rear Child Safety Locks
  • Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
  • Park Assist Back-Up Camera
  • Dstc/RSC Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Roll Stability Control (RSC)
  • ABS And Driveline Traction Control

Competition
8.0/10

Audi A6

German cars are known for their reliability and the A6 will never disappoint you in any way

Audi cars are known for their performance and reliability and the A6 will not disappoint you. Audi hasn't changed much in the exterior of the 2018 Audi A6 but it sure gets improved performance and handling. Volvo S90 is more value to money as it offers more space, comfort, better technology, and better safety features. But for a driving enthusiast, the A6 will be a better option as it has more power and dynamic handling.

Jaguar XF

Jaguar has produced some of the finest cars and XF is one of them. It is the cheapest car in the lot and offers enough room for 5 people to sit properly. The 2018 Jaguar XF has better handling and performs better than the Volvo S90. Also, the XF offers the biggest trunk without compromising with the comfort of passengers. If you seek power, better handling, and better trunk size, pick Jaguar XF. But if you look for exquisite interior and comfort choose Volvo S90.

BMW 5 series

The BMW 5-series is a better option for those who crave good handling, power, and great balance. The car has sublime steering, better aerodynamics and is quite agile. The car costs higher than its rivals but it sure is value for money. You can upgrade your 5-series with a more powerful V8 engine that generates 456-horsepower. BMW 5-series is a better option to choose over S90 any day.

Final Verdict

The S90 sedan may appeal to everyone who has a BMW or an Audi or a Jaguar in their shopping list. In terms of quality and comfort, the S90 surpasses the German Rivals but falls short when it comes to aggressive driving. You can throw it in corners or enjoy around town, everything comes into balance on the Swedish super sedan. The S 90 is about on-point as its get when you strip away sillier expectations.

Trims

    T6 Momentum
    $50,550 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 316 hp @ 5700 rpm hp
    • Torque: 295 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.9 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg
    T6 Inscription
    $53,650 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 316 hp @ 5700 rpm hp
    • Torque: 295 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.9 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg
    T6 R-Design
    $53,650 onwards
    • Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A
    • Horsepower: 316 hp @ 5700 rpm hp
    • Torque: 295 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 5.9 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$50,550- $53,650

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.64

Horsepower

316 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque

295 lb.-ft. @ 2200 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$53,900- $61,750

Gasoline

8.5

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

5

Read Review

$51,100- $71,800

Gasoline

6.47

247 hp @ 5500 rpm

269 lb.-ft. @ 1300 rpm

5

Read Review

$39,900- $44,635

Gasoline

8.04

302 hp @ 6600 rpm

267 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

5

Read Review

$85,010

Gasoline

7.31

467 hp @ 7100 rpm

389 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

5

Read Review

$36,750- $44,500

Gasoline

7.51

245 hp @ 5500 rpm

275 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

5

Read Review

$54,900- $73,900

Gasoline

7.31

248 hp @ 4300 rpm

273 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$69,000- $79,700

Gasoline

7.3

335 hp @ 5000 rpm

369 lb.-ft. @ 1370 rpm

5

Read Review

$42,550- $60,000

Gasoline

7.91

311 hp @ 6000 rpm

293 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

$51,065- $55,155

Gasoline

6.72

311 hp @ 6400 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

5

Read Review

2020 Volvo S90 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    5.9 sec-130 mph
    4.4 sec12.8 sec168 mph
    2020 Audi A7

    Ranked #2

    5.2 sec14.1 sec130 mph
    5.6 sec-130 mph
    5.8 sec14.4 sec-
    5.9 sec--

    2020 Volvo S90 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      21 mpg31 mpg25 mpg15.9 gal.333.9/492.9 mi.
      25 mpg33 mpg28 mpg18 gal.450/594 mi.
      25 mpg34 mpg28 mpg19.5 gal.487.5/663 mi.
      2020 Audi A6

      Ranked #2

      24 mpg32 mpg27 mpg19.3 gal.463.2/617.6 mi.
      23 mpg32 mpg26 mpg17 gal.391/544 mi.
      23 mpg32 mpg26 mpg17.4 gal.400.2/556.8 mi.

      2020 Volvo S90 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        200.1 in.74.4 in.57.1 in.6 in.120.5 in.
        201.4 in.75.3 in.58.5 in.5.5 in.117.9 in.
        196.5 in.74.4 in.58.3 in.5.3 in.118.5 in.
        195.9 in.73.4 in.56.9 in.5.9 in.113 in.
        2020 Audi A7

        Ranked #5

        195.6 in.75.1 in.56 in.4.2 in.115.2 in.
        195 in.78.2 in.57.4 in.4.1 in.116.5 in.

        2020 Volvo S90 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          2020 Volvo S90

          Ranked #12

          13.5 cu.ft.--
          2020 Audi A6

          Ranked #1

          13.7 cu.ft.101.5 cu.ft.323.1 cu.ft.
          11.9 cu.ft.163.5 cu.ft.144.4 cu.ft.
          2020 Audi A7

          Ranked #3

          24.9 cu.ft.127.3 cu.ft.97.1 cu.ft.
          17.8 cu.ft.146.2 cu.ft.85.2 cu.ft.
          15.4 cu.ft.96.5 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.

          2020 Volvo S90 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            -13.5 cu.ft.-
            2020 Audi A7

            Ranked #2

            97.1 cu.ft.24.9 cu.ft.97.1 cu.ft.
            54.7 cu.ft.15.3 cu.ft.15.3 cu.ft.
            57.9 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.15.4 cu.ft.
            144.4 cu.ft.11.9 cu.ft.144.4 cu.ft.
            -13.1 cu.ft.-

            2020 Volvo S90 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2000 lbs.1161 lbs.4819 lbs.
              1000 lbs.905 lbs.3649 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3739 lbs.
              --3659 lbs.
              -1045 lbs.4195 lbs.
              --3590 lbs.

              Top Volvo Cars

              2020 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid SUV

              Horsepower : 400 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

              0-60 : 5 sec

              #1

              2020 Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid SUV

              Horsepower : 400 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

              0-60 : 5.2 sec

              #2

              2020 Volvo S90

              Horsepower : 316 hp @ 5700 rpm

              MPG Combined : 25 mpg

              0-60 : 5.9 sec

              #3

              2020 Volvo S60

              Horsepower : 250 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

              0-60 : 6.1 sec

              #4

              2020 Volvo XC60

              Horsepower : 250 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 24 mpg

              0-60 : 6.1 sec

              #5

              2020 Volvo XC90

              Horsepower : 250 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 25 mpg

              0-60 : 8.7 sec

              #6

              2020 Volvo V60

              Horsepower : 250 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

              0-60 : 6.4 sec

              #7

              2020 Volvo V90

              Horsepower : 250 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 26 mpg

              0-60 : 6.4 sec

              #8

              2020 Volvo XC40

              Horsepower : 187 hp @ 4700 rpm

              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

              0-60 : 7.8 sec

              #9

              Other Midsize Sedan