Volvo S90 2021 Review

The Volvo S90 is a take on the classic midsize luxury sedan with a few distinctly Volvo twists: sleek Scandinavian design, excellent seat comfort and an emphasis on safety features. For 2021, the S90 is slightly refreshed to keep it competitive with heavy hitters such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Volvo altered its look, included new standard features, and added an optional Bowers & Wilkins stereo with stunning acoustics.

The S90 also returns with its innovative powertrain: a small four-cylinder engine that is both turbocharged and supercharged, along with an optional plug-in hybrid. That version is called the Recharge and we've been impressed with its efficiency and smooth operation in other Volvo models. Altogether, the S90 is an example of Volvo's willingness to go against the grain and try something new. While it can't quite match the supreme polish of the E-Class or the tech-heavy vibe of the A6, the S90 is nonetheless an appealing choice for a roomy and classy luxury sedan. Check out the categories of our Expert Rating below to learn more.

Which S90 does MatoCar recommend?

The Volvo S90 is a midsize luxury sedan with seating for up to five passengers. It comes in three trims: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Each one is equipped with the same standard powertrain, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (316 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque) that's both turbocharged and supercharged.

There is also a plug-in hybrid version equipped with electric motors. Called Recharge and available on the R-Design and Inscription trims, it makes 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque and can provide an estimated 21 miles of all-electric driving. All S90s come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Momentum This base trim kicks off the S90 lineup with these standard feature highlights:

• Adaptive LED headlights
• Digital instrument display
• 9-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Integrated navigation system
• 10-speaker audio system
• Front USB ports and rear USB-C ports
• Wireless charging station
• Heated front seats
• Leather upholstery
• Volvo On Call (remote connectivity features)
• Panoramic sunroof

Volvo's suite of advanced driver safety aids also comes standard and includes:

• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Collision mitigation (applies the brakes automatically to stop the vehicle to avoid or minimize a collision)
• Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
• Oncoming lane mitigation (steers the S90 back into its lane if it begins to cross a road's center line while another vehicle approaches from the opposite direction)
• Road sign information (sees road signs including speed limits and displays them to the driver)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the S90 and the car in front)

R-Design The midlevel trim introduces these upgrades to the S90 line:

• Exterior styling changes
• Leather sport steering wheel
• Four-way power lumbar support
• Premium leather upholstery
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• 13-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Power window curtains

Inscription The top-level S90 model loads up with the following:

• Wood interior trim
• Perforated and ventilated front seats
• Power-adjustable side supports

These two packages are available on all three S90 trims:

• Advanced package (power trunklid, 360-degree parking camera system, upgraded interior ambient lighting)
• Climate package (heated steering wheel, rear seats and wiper blades)

On the R-Design and Inscription, you can also select:

• Bowers & Wilkins sound system
• Automated parking system
• Adaptive air suspension (can raise or lower the vehicle's ride height)

Finally, the Inscription also unlocks:

• Lounge package (massaging front seats, ventilated rear seats)