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The 2017 Volvo S90 Review: Today, most people no longer associate Volvo with boxy cars and safety. Yes, they did look like shoeboxes from the late 1960s through the 1990s, and you wanted to be in one if a crash occurred, as they invented shoulder belts. But in the 21st century, Volvos look much sleeker and more appealing today. Now with Chinese ownership, and the resultant inflow of investment cash, the brand enjoys a product renaissance. Following in the footsteps of the award-winning XC crossover comes the lovely new S90 flagship sedan.
Run your eyes over the exterior. The flanks present forthright styling that captures some of the old edginess, but framing a sensuous midsection. The concave grille wears a waterfall of matte silver bars and the traditional ironmark, surrounded by a chrome ring.
This evokes memories of the revered old 1800s sports coupe. The Thor’s Hammer headlamps give a powerful and unique take on the “eyes” of the car. The taillamps sit on a vertical surface but follow a fanciful shape, and flaunt the now famous widely spaced Volvo logotype between them.
Inside, as always, you’ll experience where the Volvo truly shines. The chairs wear beautiful, comfortable leather. The dash panel features gorgeous linear walnut wood inlays with angled grain and a matte finish. The hardware and leather-wrapped steering wheel all convey richness while maintaining the classic “Danish Modern” look. You feel tension melt away when you sit down in this car.
Selecting an S90 involves choosing from two levels of performance and two levels of equipment. Entry to the model begins with the T5 FWD (front-wheel drive) model with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. That may not sound like much powerplant to move a 4,222-pound car along, but the little two-liter puts out a respectable 250 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.
For more urgency moving down the road, pick the T6 model, with all-wheel drive and supercharging added to the driveline. That enhancement bumps horsepower up to 316, with 295 lb.-ft. of torque. Now you’re talking, that’ll get you a 0-60 time of just 5.7 seconds. An eight-speed Geartronic automatic transfers energy to the wheels in either car.
Efficiency scores rank high for a large midsize sedan. My T6 tester scored EPA fuel economy miles-per-gallon numbers of 22 City, 31 Highway, and 25 overall. The EPA rated the green scores at 6 for Smog and 5 for Greenhouse gas, that’s right in the middle of the pack. I averaged 23 mpg during my test week.
The other choice you make involves level of equipment. The Momentum level holds the more affordable role in either T5 or T6. The Inscription models steps up the action to a higher level.
My weeklong test drive took place in a T6 Inscription that wore a coat of Mussel Blue Metallic paint. The Inscription level brings a long list of enhancements, including illuminated Volvo sill plates, leather on the dash and doortops, manual sun curtains on the rear windows, high-pressure headlamp cleaning, and much more. You get 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels to show off, although my test car stepped up to optional 20-inchers for an extra $750. Inside, the seats gain power side support and cushion extension and wear premium soft Nappa leather upholstery.
Cruising in the S90 feels like home from the minute you light up the engine. To do this, twist a knob on the console, while leaving the Nappa leather key fob in your pocket. Grip the handsome and comfortable steering wheel and off you go.
Most cars today feature dash-mounted screens that provide a range of information. Volvo’s Sensus technology employs a 9-inch portrait screen that displays different functions in stacked horizontal bars. Touch one to open its full menu and make choices, such as climate settings or audio selections. Swipe the screen to the side to get further options. Tap the Settings tab to open up a world of configuration to make your S90 just the way you like it. I especially liked the way the music was sorted into a “Library.”
Speaking of audio, my tester included the optional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system for an additional $2,650. Man, what a sonorous environment you can create, from concert hall to studio. Manage it all easily from the Sensus screen.
Pricing for the S90 begins with the T5 Momentum with a base price of $47,945. My tester as equipped, with numerous options, the T6 Inscription model came to a total MSRP price of $66,105. By Steve Schaefer © AutoWire.Net - San Francisco
The 2017 Volvo S90 Bottom Line Review provided by: Tony Leopardo © AutoWire.Net
The Bottom Line: The 2017 Volvo S90 represents a truly international effort. Owned by the Chinese, built in Gotherburg, Sweden, with 40 percent Swedish, 15 percent German content and all the transmission parts come from Japan. This beauty competes directly and successfully with German, Japanese, and American luxury sedans, while offering a welcome relief from the standard favorites. Look out Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Cadillac and Lexus. Meet the new player in the luxury midsize segment! And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today ©”.
This Bottom Line Review is provided by: Tony Leopardo © AutoWire.Net
“Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question or comment for Tony send it to TonyLeo@pacbell.net or visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net - And remember: “You Are What You Drive ©”
Column Name: The new interior is where the S90 truly shines
Topic: The 2017 Volvo S90
Word Count: 966
Photo Caption: The 2017 Volvo S90
Photo Credits: Volvo Internet Media
Series #: 2017 - 13
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