This is one lengthy, smooth sedan.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
While Volvo’s all-electric fashions are those making headlines, the corporate nonetheless presents a variety of plug-in hybrids that each one put on the Recharge identify. The XC60 and XC90 crossovers are probably the most notable Recharge PHEV fashions, however Volvo additionally presents this powertrain in its trendy and comfy sedan, the S90.
LikeStately good looksSuper cozy seatsPlenty of normal security options
Don’t LikeSmall trunkSensus infotainment might be irritating
Volvo’s four-door S90 acquired an replace for 2021, however the adjustments are fairly minor, principally consisting of tiny nips and tucks to the entrance and rear fascias. The 2021 S90 is accessible in Momentum, R-Design and Inscription trims, however solely the latter two can be found with the T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid setup.T8 is Swede-speak for a 2.0-liter I4 engine that is each turbocharged and supercharged powering the entrance wheels, and an 11.6-kilowatt-hour battery and electrical motor on the rear axle. All informed, this method pushes out a wholesome 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Power going to the entrance and rear wheels means the S90 T8 has all-wheel drive, too.
Charging the 11.6-kWh battery takes 2.5 hours on a Level 2 wall charger, or about 5.5 hours by means of an ordinary family outlet. When totally charged, the S90 says I’ve an indicated 25 miles of all-electric vary, which is sufficient for me to toddle round my small desert city for a few days, working errands and going to the gymnasium, all whereas having the air conditioner on full blast to fight the 100-degree warmth.The S90 has Comfort and Dynamic driving modes, in addition to an Individual setting you may tailor your self, however make no mistake, this sedan is made for {smooth} cruising, not canyon carving. The automobile is fast, with a smooth-shifting eight-speed computerized transmission, and the journey is cozy, particularly with my tester’s optionally available air suspension. The S90 has nice steering really feel, too, with stable on-center suggestions. This is a superb street journey machine. My solely gripe is that the gear shifter is a kind of double-tap nightmares, the place as an alternative of simply pushing all the best way as much as to from drive to reverse, you need to faucet twice to get reverse. Sometimes I feel I’m in reverse however I’m really in impartial. It’s irritating.
Big wheels actually spherical out the S90’s design.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
However, the S90’s real-world gasoline economic system makes up for any quibbles. Running the gasoline engine, I’m in a position to see 31.3 mpg, which beats the EPA’s 30-mpg estimate. Obviously you will be far more environment friendly should you plug in as a lot as attainable.
The S90 has loads of driving aids commonplace, like blind-spot monitoring, computerized emergency braking, lane-departure warning, street signal data and adaptive cruise management. All work as anticipated, though I do have just a few surprises with the adaptive cruise management throughout my week. It can convey me to a full cease however the system disengages fairly rapidly. Other producers construct in a three-to-five-second pause earlier than ACC disengagement, however I’ve to faucet the gasoline to get transferring once more. The S90 has Volvo’s Pilot Assist, too, which mixes the adaptive cruise management and lane-keeping help, however it is a hands-on system and should be handled as such.Volvo’s Sensus infotainment is okay, however undoubtedly not my favourite system within the luxurious house. It seems good, and the 9-inch display is large enough, however it may be robust to navigate the system whereas driving, and every part save for audio quantity and monitor choice are tied into the touchscreen. Sometimes I simply need to flip up the warmth a bit and I should not must swipe by means of screens to seek out the local weather controls. Volvo’s interiors are all the time top-notch.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are each commonplace, fortunately, however the actual plus to Volvo’s tech is the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system. Yeah, it is $3,200, but it surely’s in all probability the very best stereo I’ve heard save for possibly a Naim setup in a Bentley. I can digitally change the standard so it feels like I’m sitting within the Gothenburg Concert Hall, on a person stage and even in a studio. This is one stereo improve that’s completely well worth the worth.Keep units charged, the S90 has two USB-A ports and a 12-volt outlet within the middle console. The again seat will get two USB-C ports and the compulsory 12-volt, as nicely.The S90’s inside is properly appointed with supremely cozy entrance seats. The outboard rear seats are equally supple, however the center child will doubtless complain. My tester has heated and cooled entrance seats commonplace, however the $750 Climate Package provides heated rear seats whereas the $1,300 Lounge Package provides rear seat cooling in addition to entrance seat therapeutic massage. I’m a sucker for in-car seat therapeutic massage and this function together with some warmth makes and visitors jams a non-issue. I might sit right here for days.There aren’t many plug-ins just like the S90.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
For a large-ish sedan, nevertheless, storage is on the small facet. The 13.5-cubic-foot trunk is likely one of the smallest within the class and the middle console is so shallow I laughed out loud after I first opened it. There is just a little cubby to the left of the steering wheel and average-sized door pockets, however you will in all probability end up utilizing the cup holders for extra than simply your soda.The 2021 Volvo S90 T8 Recharge begins at $61,095 together with $1,045 for vacation spot. The Inscription and R-Design fashions are the identical worth, and I’d in all probability for the latter. The R-Design has much less chrome and customarily seems cooler, although it does not have as many commonplace options and you may’t get the aforementioned Lounge bundle. The S90 might be had with a $1,295 Polestar Performance bundle, which Volvo says improves throttle response and engine efficiency.The Volvo S90 goes towards some fairly heavy hitters just like the BMW 5 Series, Genesis G90 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, however solely the Bimmer is obtainable as a plug-in hybrid. If the powertrain is not essential for you, you will discover oodles of tech within the E-Class and loads of worth in addition to beautiful attractiveness with the Genesis, however nonetheless, it is onerous to argue towards this rock-solid Swede.