First Drive: 2024 Volvo S90

FIRST IMPRESSION: The Volvo S90 could be a turnkey option for operators who are looking for a comfortable luxury sedan with a competitive price, who aren’t super-fussy about ­technology, and, oh—that legroom!

We were recently in the unique position of having several luxury vehicles at our disposal to test drive and review, which was a once-in-a-blue-moon treat for our testers. Since we’re almost always evaluating luxury vehicles, having a few side by side at the same time was a rarity for comparative purposes that really highlighted each OEM’s strengths. All that is a long-winded way of saying we’re a fan of the Volvo S90—and have been since we first reviewed it in late 2017—because it’s practically ready-made for chauffeured transportation.

This sedan has remained more or less cosmetically the same since it debuted as a 2018 model, which isn’t a bad thing as she sure is maintaining her good looks over time. Now combined with the XC90 as a livery-specific offering, an SUV that we reviewed in the December 2023 issue, this team makes a formidable fleet duo. While they both have similar selling points, the S90 sedan is going to come the closest to what operators loved about the big traditional black cars of yesteryear because of that space and comfort in the rear cabin. Your passengers also won’t be disappointed by the aesthetically pleasing mix of aluminum and wood accents all around.

You, however, might be surprised to learn that the S90 sedan is actually a few inches longer than its SUV sibling, as all S90s sold in the US are long wheelbase. And we don’t want to bury the lede here: the legroom is more than 40 inches before adjusting the front seats. You’d have to bump up to the next class of full-size luxury sedans to see space like that. Headroom in the rear is also a decent 37.8 inches, thanks to comfortable bucket seats, and egress shouldn’t be an issue with the large doors. These little things matter.

Just like the XC90, you’re getting a lot of vehicle and luxury features for the price. Besides all the safety standards like BLIS Blind-Spot Assist, Collision Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist and departure warnings, Automatic Emergency Breaking, 12.3-inch Digital Driver Display, and a solid 360-degree camera system, the touchscreen is where to manage and adjust your comfort features. It’s also integrated with Google Maps and Google Assistant.

The S90 has a 2.0L Turbo I4 mild-hybrid engine (MHEV), which Volvo says, “has been engineered to deliver smooth take-offs and refined acceleration, making both city and highway journeys more refined.” Additionally, the MHEV is supposed to save fuel consumption without compromising on power. We found the vehicle super-quiet upon start-up and spirited when it came to acceleration. Fuel economy delivered slightly lower than EPA estimates, but not enough to be concerning—which we might excuse due to the cool winter weather in the Northeast. You’ll get about 295 HP out of it, just like the XC90, so don’t be scared off by that I4.

Despite its 200.4 inches of length and 120.5-inch wheelbase, the S90 still moves and responds like a graceful sedan, and because you lose the third row, it has a slightly larger cargo area at 13.5 cu. ft. (compared to 12.6 behind the third row in the XC90) with a foot-activated trunk lid, which is about on par with other competitors in its class. Throw in the panoramic moonroof with power sunshade, an armrest with cup holders, and individual climate control, and it’s a rolling office for any busy executive.

Bottom line: Agile and powerful sedans might be an endangered species in some corners of the luxury vehicle market, but the Volvo S90 fires on all cylinders with elegant styling, spacious rear compartment, and well-appointed amenities for an all-around classy ride.   [CD0224]