Used 2019 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum

2019 Volvo S90: A Sophisticated and Safe Executive Sedan

The 2019 Volvo S90 continues Volvo's commitment to Scandinavian design, advanced safety, and a luxurious, comfortable driving experience. As a mid-size executive sedan, it carves out a niche for itself by prioritizing elegance and a serene cabin over outright sportiness, offering a compelling alternative in a segment often dominated by more performance-oriented rivals.

Highlights

• Powertrain Options:

  • T5 (2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4): This engine provides a solid balance of performance and efficiency for everyday driving. It's a capable powerplant that offers smooth acceleration.
  • T6 (2.0L Supercharged and Turbocharged Inline-4): The T6 engine significantly boosts performance with the addition of a supercharger, delivering more responsive acceleration and a more potent driving experience.
  • T8 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): The T8 represents the pinnacle of S90 performance and efficiency. It combines the 2.0L supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder with electric motors for impressive power output and the ability to travel on electric power alone for a limited range, making it ideal for urban commutes and reducing fuel consumption.

• Advanced Safety Features: Volvo is renowned for its safety, and the 2019 S90 is no exception. Key features include:

  • City Safety: This suite of driver-assistance technologies includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection. It can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent, helping to prevent or mitigate accidents.
  • Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist: Monitors the vehicle's blind spots and can provide steering assistance to prevent a lane change if a vehicle is detected.
  • Lane Keeping Aid: Actively assists the driver in keeping the vehicle within its lane markings by applying slight steering correction.
  • Run-off Road Mitigation: If the car detects that it is unintentionally leaving the road, it can apply braking and steering to help guide it back onto the road.
  • Driver Alert Control: Monitors driver behavior for signs of fatigue and alerts the driver to take a break.

• Trim Summary:

  • Momentum: The entry-level trim provides a well-equipped and luxurious experience, featuring leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a 9-inch Sensus infotainment touchscreen with navigation, and a comprehensive suite of standard safety features.
  • R-Design: This sportier trim visually distinguishes itself with unique exterior styling cues, larger alloy wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension. The interior often features more supportive seats and sport-oriented interior accents.
  • Inscription: The top-tier trim embodies ultimate luxury, with premium Nappa leather upholstery, wood inlays, enhanced interior lighting, and often more advanced comfort features like ventilated front seats.

• Other Notable Aspects:

  • Elegant and Spacious Interior: The S90 boasts a meticulously crafted cabin with high-quality materials, a minimalist design, and ample space for both front and rear passengers, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
  • Comfort-Oriented Ride: The suspension is tuned for a comfortable and compliant ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections and providing a quiet and refined experience.
  • Striking Exterior Design: The S90's distinctive "Thor's Hammer" headlights and elegant, sculpted lines give it a sophisticated and contemporary appearance.

What to Expect

Owning a 2019 Volvo S90 typically involves an experience focused on comfort, quietness, and peace of mind. The cabin is exceptionally well-insulated, making it an excellent choice for long commutes or relaxed road trips. The intuitive infotainment system, powered by Volvo's Sensus interface, is generally user-friendly, though it can have a slight learning curve for those new to touchscreen-based controls.

Maintenance: Volvo vehicles, like many luxury European brands, can incur higher maintenance costs compared to more mainstream manufacturers. Regular servicing at a qualified Volvo dealership or a reputable independent mechanic is crucial to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the vehicle. Expect routine oil changes, filter replacements, and brake services to be standard. Given the advanced technology, particularly in the T8 hybrid, specialized knowledge might be required for certain repairs.

Insurance: Due to its luxury status, advanced safety features, and potentially higher repair costs associated with its sophisticated powertrains, insurance premiums for the 2019 Volvo S90 may be higher than for a comparable domestic or Japanese sedan. It's advisable to obtain insurance quotes early in your purchasing process to factor this into your budget.

Potential Considerations

• Engaging Driving Dynamics: While the S90 offers a comfortable and capable drive, it prioritizes refinement over outright sportiness. Drivers seeking a more dynamically engaging and agile feel might find it less thrilling than some German competitors.
• Infotainment System: While generally good, the touchscreen-controlled Sensus system can sometimes require navigating through multiple menus for certain functions, which might not be as immediate as physical buttons for some drivers.
• Rear Seat Space in T8: In the plug-in hybrid T8 models, the battery pack can slightly reduce the rear-seat floor space and trunk capacity compared to the T5 and T6 variants.
• Reliability Perceptions: While Volvo has improved its reliability in recent years, some buyers may still have lingering perceptions of higher maintenance needs or potential issues common to European luxury vehicles. However, anecdotal evidence and consumer reports generally show the S90 to be a solid performer.

Overall Summary

The 2019 Volvo S90 is a distinguished executive sedan that excels in delivering a luxurious, safe, and comfortable experience. Its elegant Scandinavian design, advanced safety technologies, and refined interior make it a compelling choice for buyers who prioritize a serene and sophisticated driving environment. While it may not appeal to those seeking a sporty driving machine, the S90 offers a compelling blend of comfort, style, and cutting-edge safety that positions it as a standout in its segment.