Volvo S90 T6 2017 new car review
The new 2017 Volvo S90 Inscription T6 all-wheel-drive sedan is a large, comfortable luxury car.
The new 2017 Volvo S90 Inscription T6 all-wheel-drive sedan is a large, comfortable luxury car that provides both form and function without being pretentious or ostentatious. Buyers looking for an executive European sedan that offers high-level luxury, safety, amenity, technology and fuel economy will find the S90 Inscription ticks all their boxes.
Think Volvo and you think safety. The Swedish brand has long been a leader in keeping vehicle occupants safe. The brand has an ambitious ‘Vision 2020’ statement, working to have no one killed in a new Volvo car by 2020. Beyond that mission, the company is also challenging the major players in the luxury car segment with high-end cars and SUVs.
Inside and out
At nearly five metres long, the S90 is a luxury sedan with a clean modern design that will appeal to buyers who prefer understatement to pretentiousness.
The Inscription sits on 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and is distinguished from other models by its brightly finished chrome grille and moulding that runs along the lower door sills. There are also chrome frames around the door handles and chrome details on the lower front and rear bumpers.
Volvo’s signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED daytime driving lights give the S90 a unique presence on the road as well as providing a useful safety function. The S90 tested featured a charcoal interior with the optional aluminium metal mesh décor inlay.
In the centre of the dashboard, a 12-inch touchscreen controls most of the car’s functions such as heating, ventilation, audio, navigation and parking assistance, as well as providing a conduit for internet connectivity, voice control, and Apple CarPlay cell phone mirroring functions. The test car featured an excellent 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system as an option.
Both driver and passenger seats are upholstered in soft nappa leather. They are also fitted with an optional power cushion extension, which provides additional adjustment for the length of the seat cushion, side bolsters and lumbar support.
On the road
Despite its imposing size and road presence, the S90 Inscription is a nimble and engaging driver’s car, thanks to the combination of a responsive engine and transmission coupled with an all-wheel-drive system.
The 2-litre four-cylinder engine employs both a supercharger and turbocharger for instant throttle response through its eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque, very impressive for a small capacity engine.
The steering is also nicely weighted and very precise, allowing rapid progress through tightly curved rural roads. On the standard steel sprung suspension – air suspension is an option - it still provided a compliant and comfortable ride as well as very agile handling for such a large vehicle.
Four drive modes are available: eco, comfort, sport and individual, which will adjust the climate control and settings for engine and transmission response as appropriate.
Parking the S90 Inscription is made easy by the Park Assist Pilot. At the push of a button the system will identify a space when you drive past one - it needs to be 1.2 times the length of the car - and the car will park entirely autonomously. For drivers who prefer to park themselves, there is a 360-degree camera and parking sensors.
Safety
The five-star Euro NCAP rated S90 features Volvo’s IntelliSafe intuitive collision prevention and mitigation system, which includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system, driver alert control, rear cross-traffic alert and run-off road mitigation. The car also features adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist and warning systems.
The S90 also has a road sign information system, rear collision warning and mitigation, rain-sensing wipers, side-impact protection system and a whiplash injury protection system in the front seats. It has front, side, curtain and knee airbags, as well as ISOFIX child seat mounting points on the front and outer rear seats.
Cost of ownership
The S90 Inscription model tested retails from $99,900 but options added to this particular car included the 20-inch diamond-cut silver alloy wheels for $1,900, sunroof for $2,915, power-folding rear backrest for $350, power cushion extension for $1,380, single CD player for $160, laminated side windows for $950 and drive mode settings for $590.
Also additional was a technology pack that included the 360-degree camera, Apple CarPlay and an additional USB charging port, at a cost of $2900. A $9,400 premium option pack includes heated front and rear seats, leather upgrade on dashboard and doors as well as sun blinds for the rear doors and the Bowers and Wilkins premium surround sound package.
At 7.2-litres per 100km on a combined cycle, the Volvo is competitive with other similarly powerful European luxury sedans for fuel economy.
Note: This was reviewed as a new vehicle.
Details
$120,445 (as tested)
2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged and supercharged 235kW/400Nm
Eight-speed automatic
Euro NCAP Five-star
Three years, unlimited km
12 months or 15,000km
Space saver
7.2-litres per 100km
4963mm
2019mm
1443mm
2200kg (braked)
11m
Premium
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