2018 Volvo S90 Overview
The 2018 Volvo S90 is a stylish and sophisticated midsize luxury sedan that offers a compelling blend of Scandinavian design, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on passenger comfort and safety. Building upon Volvo's reputation for robust safety, the S90 delivers a premium experience with a focus on elegant simplicity and advanced driver assistance systems.
Highlights
- Engine Options:
- T5: Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provides a balanced and capable performance for everyday driving.
- T6: Features a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This more potent option offers brisk acceleration and a more engaging driving dynamic. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.
- Safety Features: Volvo has always prioritized safety, and the 2018 S90 is no exception. Key features include:
- City Safety: This suite of features includes automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, cyclist detection, and large animal detection. It can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent, helping to prevent or mitigate accidents.
- Lane Keeping Aid: Helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane by providing gentle steering corrections if you begin to drift out of your lane unintentionally.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert: BLIS warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot, while Cross Traffic Alert warns you of approaching traffic when reversing out of a parking space.
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist: This advanced system maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, and Pilot Assist goes a step further by providing semi-autonomous driving assistance, including steering, acceleration, and braking on well-marked highways.
- Trims:
- Momentum: The well-equipped base trim, offering a luxurious interior with leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- R-Design: This sportier trim boasts a more aggressive exterior styling, unique interior accents, sport seats, and upgraded suspension for a more dynamic feel.
- Inscription: The pinnacle of luxury, the Inscription trim features premium Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and enhanced interior detailing for an even more opulent experience.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Elegant and Minimalist Interior: The S90's cabin is a masterclass in Scandinavian design, characterized by clean lines, high-quality materials (like genuine wood and metal accents), and a user-friendly layout.
- Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: The S90 offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making it an excellent choice for longer journeys.
- Exceptional Ride Comfort: The S90 provides a refined and smooth ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections for a serene driving experience.
- Bowers & Wilkins Audio System: An optional upgrade that delivers an immersive and audiophile-quality sound experience.
What to Expect
Owning a 2018 Volvo S90 typically involves a refined and comfortable ownership experience. Volvo vehicles are generally known for their robust build quality and long-term reliability, though like any luxury vehicle, maintenance costs can be higher than mass-market brands.
- Maintenance: Regular scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks, will be essential to keep the S90 in optimal condition. It's advisable to find a Volvo-certified mechanic or a reputable independent shop familiar with European luxury vehicles for the best service. Expect routine service intervals to align with typical luxury car schedules.
- Insurance: As a luxury sedan with advanced safety features, insurance premiums for the 2018 Volvo S90 are likely to be higher than for less expensive or less technologically advanced vehicles. Factors such as your driving record, location, and chosen coverage levels will influence the final cost.
Potential Considerations
While the 2018 Volvo S90 excels in many areas, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects:
- Infotainment System Responsiveness: While visually appealing and feature-rich, some users have reported that the Sensus infotainment system can occasionally be a bit slow to respond to inputs, especially when the system is first starting up.
- Rear Visibility: The sloping roofline and thick C-pillars, while contributing to the S90's sleek design, can slightly impede rear visibility, making the rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring systems particularly valuable.
- No Coupe or Convertible Variants: Unlike some of its luxury sedan competitors, the S90 was exclusively offered as a four-door sedan.
Overall Summary
The 2018 Volvo S90 stands out as a compelling choice in the midsize luxury sedan segment for those who prioritize elegance, advanced safety technology, and a supremely comfortable ride. Its sophisticated Scandinavian design, powerful yet efficient engine options, and extensive suite of driver-assistance features make it a well-rounded and appealing vehicle for discerning buyers. While the infotainment system may have minor quirks and rear visibility is somewhat compromised by its design, these are outweighed by the S90's many strengths, offering a premium and secure driving experience.
