Volvo S90 review, test drive

What’s it like to drive?

The S90 has been launched internationally with a wide range of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines. But for India, the 190hp D4 diesel is what we will get initially, followed by the 235hp D5 model sometime later. Volvo could also introduce a T6 petrol model to the line-up. And it’s the D5 diesel and T6 petrol engines, both of which are mated to an all-new eight-speed transmission, that I sampled over two days in southern Spain.

The D5 diesel comes with lots more hardware than most of its rivals. Firstly, all-wheel drive is standard and further enhancing the hefty 480Nm of torque this version of the 2.0-litre diesel engine produces is Volvo’s ‘Power Pulse’ technology. The system pumps compressed air into the turbocharger to speed it up, thereby eliminating turbo lag. The result is good response from low speed and an extremely linear build up of power. However, you do miss the spike or surge in power which is characteristic of most turbo diesels and the top-end whack of the D5 isn’t as impressive as its pulling power from low revs. Also at high revs the four-cylinder engine gets a bit vocal and it's best to drive the S90 in a relaxed way.

The 320hp T6 petrol also packs a decent punch and a claimed 0-100kph of 5.9sec makes it seriously fast and clearly the quickest in its class. However, in the real world, this engine needs to be worked a bit harder than the diesel and doesn’t waft you away as effortlessly. The mid-range isn’t quite as strong and you tend to rev the engine quite hard when you’re in a hurry. As you approach the 6,500rpm redline it gets a bit thrashy and you can tell this engine is a four-cylinder unit. However, drive it normally or at moderate revs and the T6 feels remarkably refined, and it's very quiet at idle too.

Cabin insulation is pretty good, but at high speeds there’s a fair bit of wind noise, especially around the A-pillar. The best way to drown out any external noise is by cranking up the 1400W Bowers & Wilkins audio system; the sound quality is simply ear-boggling. What will also be music to Indian buyers’ ears is that the Bowers & Wilkins system will be available on the D4 too.

The S90’s relaxed demeanour is best experienced in the way it rides and handles. The suspension is tuned to the soft side with a strong focus on comfort than keen handling. Inevitably, the S90 doesn’t dart into corners enthusiastically nor does it encourage quick direction changes. Also, the S90 has the tendency to float over crests and undulations, especially with the adjustable air suspension in Comfort mode. The ride is overall pillowy and extremely cosseting, but it’s not perfect. Hitting the odd rut or a sharp edge can be quite jarring owing to the low profile tyres on 20-inch wheels. For India, the S90 is expected with higher profile tyres which will provide better cushioning on bad roads. Air suspension will be part of the kit offered on the S90 D4 headed to India.

Enthusiasts will find the S90’s steering numb and devoid of feel but for the average driver it feels nicely weighted and predictable. The real party trick and the S90’s best stand-out feature is the ‘Pilot Assist’ function which is the closest you can get to autonomous driving. This system combines adaptive cruise control and lane keeping aid and works incredibly well on highways that have clear lane markers.

It’s eerie the way the steering gently turns on its own to maintain your lane and all it requires is for a hand to gently rest on the wheel. The Pilot Assist function also allows the S90 to brake and accelerate on its own, to keep a safe distance with the car ahead. This function, however, won’t be offered in India as certain radar frequencies used by the system are banned here, and where are the lane markers anyway?