2022 Volvo S90

The 2022 Volvo S90 Series comes in two distinct flavors. There’s the S90 sedan that compares to the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, plus the V90 Cross Country wagon that squares off against the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain.Its minimalist Scandinavian style makes for a cosseting cabin, and the quiet and comfortable ride foregoes sportiness in favor of relaxation. The base B6 powertrain includes a mild-hybrid setup, while the S90 Recharge features a plug-in-hybrid drivetrain with an EPA-rated 21 miles of all-electric range

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

We have yet to test the 2022 Volvo S90‘s new base B6 mild-hybrid powertrain, but we expect it to offer similar performance as the previous T6 model. The 400-hp plug-in hybrid Recharge version blasted down our test track, matching results of the six-cylinder BMW 540i xDrive (4.5 seconds) in our zero-to-60-mph testing, but out on the road we noticed some occasional hiccups when driving the hybrid powertrain. Give the S90’s gas pedal a sharp input and there’s a momentary delay, followed by an abrupt moment of acceleration as the gasoline engine kicks in to assist the electric motors.

Handling is surefooted, but the trade-off is a ride that hardly feels like terry cloth. Rough stretches of road transmit more vibrations into the cabin than in more softly sprung competitors. The steering has a weighty feel, but it isn’t as direct or as precise as it should be, which erodes the S90’s perceived athleticism.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Models equipped with the B6 powertrain earn EPA fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway while the hybrid Recharge models earn a rating as high as 63 MPGe combined. Out on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, the plug-in hybrid delivered 32 mpg. It should be noted that we were unable to utilize the S90’s 21-mile electric-only range during this highway drive as the system engages the gasoline engine automatically at highway speeds. For more information about the S90’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The S90’s cabin is by far its most impressive feature. A mixture of high-end materials—open-pore wood, genuine leather, brushed metal, and finely grained plastics—come together in a cohesive and undeniably modern space. The 14-way power-adjustable front seats in our Inscription test vehicle were all-day comfortable and should fit all body shapes.

The S90 lacks features we’ve come to expect in this segment, though. A manual steering column makes a surprising—and disappointing—appearance, as nearly all of the Volvo’s rivals offer power adjustments. The S90 sedan will meet the needs of most drivers, and models with the folding rear seatback offer a cavernous cargo area. Have even more gear to cart around? Check out the V90, the S90’s wagon-bodied sibling.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2022 Volvo S90 is as connected as any of its rivals, and it relies heavily on its infotainment touchscreen to control many of its functions. All S90s feature a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen mounted in the center of the dashboard. To adjust simple functions such as the heated seats or the optional head-up display, the user must interact with the system.

This is becoming par for the luxury-brand course, and some systems are more user-friendly than others. The S90’s system is easy enough to use, but the driver will have a learning curve before feeling comfortable enough to make changes on the go. Volvo’s latest Android-based infotainment system does not currently support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone mirroring, but Volvo says it will be added at a later date.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2022 Volvo 90‘s long list of driver-assistance features is impressive, and Volvo offers most of it as standard equipment. For more information about the S90’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Photos

Full Specifications