Flash Drive

2017 Volvo S90

April 4, 2017 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Volvo S90 T6 AWD Inscription

The 2017 Volvo S90 T6 is all-new and makes a strong entry into the luxury sedan market. The grille echoes some classic seventies Volvos.

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 supercharged and turbocharged, 316 horsepower 295 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway/25 mpg combined

Base Price: $52,950

As Tested: $66,105

Performance:

Smooth, powerful engine

Drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Dynamic, Individual

Respectable fuel economy

Excellent foul weather performance

The new Volvo S90 is an outstanding touring sedan with comfort and space for four adults and their luggage.

Quiet highway ride

State of the art safety features

Great heads up display

Comfort:

Nice attention to interior textures, knobs, dials, etc

Thick, contoured, heated (3 temps) steering wheel

Auxiliary controls not very well marked

Super comfortable, very supportive seats

Power lumbar, side bolsters, and thigh support both front seats

Stretch-out front legroom

Good rear seat legroom if front seats are up slightly

Volvo seats are legendary for their comfort and support. The S90 seats are spectacular.

Tight shoe space under front seats

Three temp heated and cooled front seats

Three temp heated rear seats

Too tall floor hump limits center position comfort

Rear HVAC vents on B pillars

Utility:

Very big trunk

Power trunk open via foot motion under bumper

Flat floor

Large pass-through

Seats fold almost flat

Odd seat release location on package shelf

Deep, locking glovebox

Small, but deep console bin

Long, shallow front door bins

Medium, but shallow rear door bins

Interior quality and materials are first class.

Medium size sunroof

Pull-up rear door sunshades

Flimsy seatback cargo nets

Small touch screen for rear seat HVAC controls

WOW Factors:

Outstanding front seats

Headlights turn with wheels

Impressive performance

Luxurious

Super deluxe expensive ($2650) sound system

Great parking/obstacles info on display screen

The 2017 Volvo S90 has a large trunk and can be opened via a foot motion sensor.

Whines:

Cheap seatback nets don’t match high quality interior

The infotainment screen is oversized. Expensive wood trim is used throughout the interior.

Over $12,000 in options

Folding seat release buttons hard to access

Key fob not clearly marked

Bottom Line:

The all-new 2017 Volvo S90 T6 AWD Inscription is a highly refined, very comfortable luxury sedan that’s a joy to drive. Safety, technology, comfort, and quality are top notch as is the price if the numerous fancy option packages are selected.