Used 2021 Volvo S90

The 2021 Volvo S90 large luxury sedan is priced in the same area as midsize executive premium sedans like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series. But it has rear passenger accommodations more similar to full-size flagship sedans like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The interior is well-designed, sophisticated, and packed with standard equipment. Beneath what most people would agree is a handsome exterior are several standard-issue safety features, including the partial autonomy of the Pilot Assist system. And there’s one other thing: the S90 is rarer and therefore more exclusive than an Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series.

The 2021 S90 comes in Momentum, Inscription and R-Design trim levels. Momentum has the T6 powertrain, which includes a turbocharged and supercharged 4-cylinder engine making 316 horsepower. Inscription and R-Design models also have the T6 configuration as standard, or offer the Recharge plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain with a combined output of 400 horsepower.

Smooth, responsive, and powerful, the 2021 Volvo S90 is a comfortable sedan with a dignified demeanor. It handles well, but it doesn’t quite have the agility of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle like the BMW 5 Series. This big Volvo sedan is definitely at the same kind of handling level as the Audi A6, though, thanks in part to excellent steering feedback and responsive brakes. A slippery road/hazard-light alert becomes standard in the 2021 S90 Momentum.

A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine admittedly seems inadequate for such a large car, but this one is both supercharged and turbocharged to produce plentiful power with minimal turbo lag. The S90’s torque curve is also not that curvy at all, peaking at just 2,200 rpm, so there’s an abundance of accessible thrust.

As enjoyable as the S90 is to drive, it also has Pilot Assist, a partially autonomous driving system that works at speeds of up to 80 mph. As long as the driver’s hands are on the steering wheel, the S90 can start, stop, and steer itself in most city or highway situations. We say “most” because the system can’t negotiate sharp S-curves or make 90-degree (or tighter) turns.

The 5-seat Volvo S90 interior is remarkably spacious, with a business-class level of rear legroom and plenty of shoulder room. But perhaps not as much rear headroom as occupants might like.

Seat comfort is a typical Volvo strength. The S90 shines in this respect, enhanced by excellent heating elements that are up to an Arctic winter. The understated wood trim (birch in the Momentum, walnut in the Inscription) is just one tasteful touch out of many.

The 2021 S90 R-Design model has mesh metal inlays in place of the wood, along with a sport steering wheel, matte-silver pedals, and heavily contoured seats covered in Nappa leather with Nubuck inserts.

The majority of controls are accessible through the large, vertical touchpad that can be swiped and pinched. Some people like this multi-function controller; others feel it pulls their eyes off the road too often and for too long. A little more user-friendliness would be welcome.

It’s all in the eye of the beholder, sure, but chances are not many beholders will dislike the svelte look of the Volvo S90. It has an air of power and elegance. It also looks unmistakably Volvo, thanks to a scalloped grille with its prominent diagonal slash. The T-shaped “Thor’s hammer” LED headlights are a fun detail, as are sweeping lines in the hood and body that provide a little extra character.

The styling changes for 2021 involve minor revisions to the nose and tail, the exhaust pipes are hidden away, there are new designs of alloy wheels,  and some incoming fresh paint colors replace a few outgoing hues. The palette goes from Crystal White to Black Stone through various silvery and metallic gray shades.

The S90 R-Design is distinguished by a model-specific grille and front spoiler, along with gloss-black window trim, black side mirror housings, and a rear diffuser. It also offers metallic blue paint.

DRIVE MODE SETTINGS
The S90’s driving modes (Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, and Individual) allow drivers to set the car up to be soft and comfortable, firm and sporty, or anywhere in between. The system defaults automatically to the Comfort setting every time the S90 is started.

STANDARD PANORAMIC MOONROOF
All 2021 Volvo S90s have a panoramic glass moonroof extending partly over the rear seat, bringing plenty of natural light into the cabin. The powered shade can be programmed to close automatically in warm temperatures.

All 2021 Volvo S90 sedans have a 12.3-inch driver information display, leather upholstery, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, self-dimming mirrors, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, satellite radio, and a high-end audio setup.

The entry-level S90 Momentum trim gains more features this year, such as automatic on/off adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams and a high-pressure washer, two USB-C ports for the rear passengers, wireless charging, and a programmable Care Key for when other drivers (like a newly-licensed teen) drives the car.

The Pilot Assist system is yet another standard feature. At speeds between 40 and 85 mph, the system will automatically steer or brake to keep the S90 on the road. Also included is City Safety, which helps prevent collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles.

An Advanced Package ($1,900) adds a 360-degree camera system, a power-opening trunk, high-level interior lighting, and a head-up display.

The Climate Package ($750) brings heated wiper blades, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Scandinavians know a thing or two about dealing with cold weather. Momentum trim is also eligible for a Harmon Kardon audio system upgrade.

The R-Design is an altogether sportier iteration, and the Inscription is the most luxurious. Both have lavish equipment levels, but may also be ordered with an adaptive air suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, parking assistance, and a 19-speaker/1,400-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Inscription trim offers massaging front seats and cooled rear seats as well.

The T6 powertrain is the standard setup. It deploys a 316-horsepower turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. An 8-speed automatic sends energy to all four wheels.

The renamed-for-2021 Recharge plug-in hybrid augments that engine with two electric motors to create its own particular form of all-wheel drive. One motor turns the rear wheels, and another smaller electric motor is mounted up front, where it helps to drive the front wheels and doubles as the engine’s starter. Once again, an 8-speed automatic is in the mix.

This Recharge powertrain — available in the top two trims — has a maximum output of 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. The 11.6 kWh battery enables an electric-only range of 21 miles.

2.0-liter turbocharged & supercharged inline-4 (T6)
316 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/32 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged & supercharged inline-4 + 87-horsepower electric motor (Recharge)
400 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
472 lb-ft of torque @ 5,400 rpm
Combined EPA city/highway fuel economy: 30 mpg, 60 MPGe