VolvoS90

　　

2023 Volvo S90 Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　With its largest and most expensive sedan, Volvo goes its own way. The 2023 Volvo S90 doesn't try to match established competitors from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz with regard to power, performance and prestige. Instead, the S90 is a stately Scandinavian car with a simple, clean, uncluttered appearance and a focus on environmentalism and safety. Highlights include efficient electrified powertrains, impressive safety engineering and technology, excellent seat comfort, and a serene interior loaded with quality materials and approachable technology.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Volvo S90 B6 Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$175/mo  for S90 B6 Plus

　　S90 B6 Plus

　　B6 Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $57,000 MSRPB6 Ultimate 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) (Most Popular) - $62,550 MSRPRecharge Plug-In Hybrid T8 Ultimate 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $70,500 MSRP

　　vs

　　$198/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　Last year, Volvo added a new standard engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system to improve efficiency and performance, and it upgraded the S90 Recharge model's plug-in hybrid powertrain to deliver nearly double the electric driving range before it switches to gas operation. Volvo also improved its infotainment system with Google-based features and an updated interface. This year, the familiar Momentum, R-Design and Inscription trim levels are gone, replaced by Plus and Ultimate trims, each paired with a Bright exterior treatment of chrome and metallic accents.

　　Volvo also separates itself from its rivals by playing in the space between midsize and traditional large flagship luxury cars. The result is a compelling value equation, especially if you want a plug-in hybrid that offers plenty of real-world driving range. Be sure to check our Expert Rating to learn more about the 2023 S90.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the S90 drive? We tested the Volvo S90 with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which Volvo calls the Recharge. That means there's both a gasoline engine and a battery pack that allows for an estimated 38 miles of all-electric range. Acceleration is quick and relatively smooth, and there's plenty of power for passing on the highway, though it sometimes takes the transmission a second to kick down a gear. It's easy to come to a smooth stop, and the brakes are strong enough to give you confidence in panic situations.

　　This isn't a sport sedan, but the S90 Recharge feels composed on winding roads. The steering lacks road feel but is light and direct, which helps make parking a breeze too.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the S90? Volvo's seats remain some of the best around. Soft but supportive padding is wrapped in great-feeling leather. There's a good bit of adjustment, and the S90 Recharge is available with heated and ventilated seats both front and rear. The S90's ride isn't quite as insulating as some other luxury cars, but bumps in the road are muted rather than amplified. The climate control system works quickly and quietly.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below