2016 Volvo S90 India review, test drive

What is it?

The S90 is Volvo's all-new Mercedes E-class- and BMW 5-series-rivalling luxury sedan. A grounds-up effort that shares nothing with the previous-generation S80, earlier on sale in India, the new S90 is in fact closely related to Volvo's big SUV, the XC90. Both cars share a similar fresh design language, both share sumptuous well-specified interiors and both are built on the same scalable platform architecture (SPA). The S90 is also the second car to be built on this modern platform and is the second all-new Volvo to be launched under the ownership of Chinese carmaker, Geely.

The biggest change between the S80 and the S90, however, is the latter's focus. Unlike the rest of the class that concentrates on making its cars both luxurious and sporty, Volvo has chosen to focus on comfort alone. This is a huge change and something that gives it a big advantage in our market; especially with most Indian luxury car owners choosing to sit in the rear.  

Volvo, however, hasn't toned down the aggression on the outside; the S90 looks sharp, edgy and very modern. Those of you familiar with the XC90 will recognise details like the upright grille, the 'Thor's hammer' headlights and the tight skinning that gives it an extremely sculpted look. In addition, the S90 gets an extremely long bonnet (suggestive of power), a sporty air dam and a roofline that drops in a sporty manner towards the rear. The rear of the car is extremely distinctive as well, especially with the large C-shaped tail-lights and the myriad cut lines, but it is a bit fussy and isn't to everyone's taste.