Introduction to the Volvo S90
The Volvo S90 is a luxury sedan that stands out for its elegant design, advanced technology, and focus on safety. Launched in 2016, the S90 has been a popular choice for people who want a stylish, comfortable, and reliable car with a Scandinavian flair. In 2025, the Volvo S90 continues to impress with its mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, offering a mix of performance and efficiency.
Whether you’re a professional looking for a classy ride for business trips or a family needing a safe and spacious car for daily use, the Volvo S90 has something for everyone. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Volvo S90, including its design, features, performance, and why it’s a top pick for luxury sedan buyers in 2025.
What is the Volvo S90?
The Volvo S90 is a midsize luxury sedan produced by Volvo Cars, a Swedish automaker known for its focus on safety, design, and innovation. Positioned above the smaller S60 in Volvo’s lineup, the S90 competes with cars like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6. It’s built on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, which it shares with other models like the XC90 SUV and V90 wagon.
The S90 comes in two main powertrain options in 2025: the B6 mild hybrid and the T8 plug-in hybrid, both with all-wheel drive (AWD). The sedan is available in two trims—Plus and Ultra—offering a range of features to suit different needs. With prices starting around Rs. 68 lakh (ex-showroom, estimated for India), the Volvo S90 is a premium choice for those who value comfort, safety, and modern technology.
Key Features of the Volvo S90
The Volvo S90 is packed with features that make it a standout in the luxury sedan market. Here’s a quick look at what it offers:
- Elegant Design: A sleek exterior with Volvo’s signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights and a minimalist Scandinavian interior.
- Engine Options: A 295 hp B6 mild hybrid or a 455 hp T8 plug-in hybrid for power and efficiency.
- Advanced Technology: Google built-in with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play, plus a 9-inch touchscreen.
- Safety Features: A long list of driver-assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.
- Luxury Comfort: Spacious cabin with premium leather seats, wood trim, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system option.
- Fuel Efficiency: Up to 26 MPG combined for the B6 mild hybrid and 38 miles of electric range for the T8 plug-in hybrid.
Why Choose the Volvo S90 in 2025?
The Volvo S90 offers a unique combination of style, comfort, and technology that makes it a great choice for luxury car buyers. Here’s why it might be the right car for you:
1. Timeless Scandinavian Design
The Volvo S90 has a clean, understated look that’s both modern and timeless. Its front grille features Volvo’s iconic logo, and the Thor’s Hammer LED headlights give it a bold yet sophisticated appearance. The sedan’s long wheelbase and low roofline create a sleek profile, while the interior reflects Scandinavian design with its minimalist layout, open-pore wood trim, and soft leather upholstery. The cabin feels like a cozy, high-end living space, making every drive a relaxing experience.
2. Focus on Safety
Volvo has always been a leader in automotive safety, and the S90 is no exception. It comes with a wide range of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system helps with steering and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles on the highway, reducing driver fatigue. Volvo’s use of high-strength steel in the S90’s chassis adds to its crash protection, making it a safe choice for families and professionals alike.
3. Smooth and Efficient Performance
The Volvo S90 offers two powertrains in 2025, both designed to balance power and efficiency. The B6 mild hybrid uses a 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged 4-cylinder engine with a 48-volt battery, producing 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, delivering a 0-100 km/h time of around 6.4 seconds. The T8 plug-in hybrid combines the same engine with an electric motor, boosting total output to 455 horsepower and offering up to 38 miles of electric-only range, perfect for short commutes with zero emissions.
4. High-Tech Features with Google Built-In
The Volvo S90 comes with Google built-in, which includes Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. This means you can use voice commands to get directions, play music, or control car settings by saying, “Hey Google.” The 9-inch touchscreen is the hub for all your infotainment needs, though some users find it a bit small compared to larger screens in rival cars. The system also supports Apple CarPlay for iPhone users, and a 12.3-inch digital driver display shows key info like speed and navigation at a glance.
Performance and Driving Experience: What to Expect
The Volvo S90 is designed for a smooth and comfortable ride, prioritizing refinement over sporty handling. Here’s a closer look at how it performs on the road.
Engine Options and Power
- B6 Mild Hybrid: This powertrain delivers 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The mild hybrid system recovers energy during braking and uses it to boost acceleration, making city and highway driving more efficient. It achieves around 23 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway.
- T8 Plug-In Hybrid: With 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, this version is much quicker, hitting 0-100 km/h in about 4.7 seconds. It offers 38 miles of electric range, and when the battery is depleted, it still manages a combined 30 MPG.
Driving Feel
The Volvo S90 isn’t a sports sedan like the BMW 5 Series, but it’s not trying to be. Instead, it focuses on a calm and composed driving experience. The steering is light, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the suspension smooths out most bumps on the road. An optional Four-C adaptive air suspension is available for an even softer ride, though some drivers find the standard setup a bit firm on rough surfaces. The cabin is well-insulated, keeping road noise to a minimum, which adds to the luxurious feel during long drives.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
The B6 mild hybrid offers a combined fuel economy of around 26 MPG, which is decent for a luxury sedan of its size. The T8 plug-in hybrid shines with its 38-mile electric range, allowing you to drive emission-free for short trips. Once the battery runs out, it still achieves around 30 MPG combined, making it a great option for those who want to save on fuel without sacrificing power.
Inside the Volvo S90: Comfort and Technology
The interior of the Volvo S90 is one of its biggest strengths, offering a blend of luxury, space, and technology that rivals more expensive cars.
Spacious and Luxurious Cabin
The Volvo S90’s cabin is a masterpiece of Scandinavian design, with high-quality materials like open-pore wood, soft leather, and brushed metal accents. The front seats are incredibly comfortable, with options for heating, ventilation, and even massage functions in the Ultra trim. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom, especially in the long-wheelbase version sold in markets like China, making it a great choice for those who often have passengers in the back. The trunk provides 14 cubic feet of space, enough for luggage or groceries, though it’s smaller than some rivals like the Mercedes E-Class.
Advanced Technology
The Volvo S90 comes with a 9-inch touchscreen that controls most of the car’s functions, from climate settings to navigation. While the Google built-in system is intuitive, some drivers find the touchscreen a bit tricky to use while driving, as it requires taking your eyes off the road for certain tasks. Google Maps provides real-time traffic updates and rerouting, while Google Assistant lets you control features hands-free. A premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system is available for music lovers, delivering crystal-clear audio that makes every drive more enjoyable.
Practical Features
The S90 includes thoughtful touches like four-zone climate control, a panoramic moonroof, and a CleanZone air filtration system to keep the cabin fresh. There’s also a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports for keeping devices powered. The Volvo Digital Services package, included for four years, lets you control functions like locking and unlocking the car from your smartphone via the Volvo app.
Safety Features: Volvo’s Top Priority
Volvo is synonymous with safety, and the S90 lives up to that reputation with a long list of standard and optional features.
Standard Safety Equipment
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
- Lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning.
- Adaptive cruise control with Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving.
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
- A 360-degree camera for easier parking.
Safety Ratings
While specific 2025 crash test ratings for the S90 aren’t available as of May 2025, Volvo’s reputation for safety is well-established. The S90 typically scores high in global safety tests, thanks to its robust chassis and advanced driver-assistance systems. Its sibling, the XC90, has consistently earned top ratings, and the S90 is built on the same platform, suggesting similar performance in crash tests.
Volvo S90 Price in India (2025)
The Volvo S90 is offered in a single fully-loaded B5 Inscription variant in India.
Ex-showroom Price (Delhi):
₹68.25 lakh
(On-road price in metro cities goes up to ₹80–85 lakh depending on location and insurance)
Despite being a CBU (completely built-up) import, the pricing remains competitive compared to rivals like the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6.
Pros and Cons of the Volvo S90
Here’s a quick look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Volvo S90:
Pros
- Elegant Scandinavian design inside and out.
- Comfortable and spacious interior with premium materials.
- Advanced safety features as standard.
- Efficient powertrains with mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
- Smooth and quiet ride, perfect for long drives.
Cons
- Not as sporty to drive as some competitors like the BMW 5 Series.
- The 9-inch touchscreen can be distracting to use while driving.
- Ride can feel a bit firm on rough roads without the optional air suspension.
- Trunk space is smaller than some rivals.
Who Should Buy the Volvo S90?
The Volvo S90 is a great fit for a variety of buyers. It’s ideal for:
- Professionals: Its sleek design and luxurious interior make it perfect for business trips or client meetings.
- Families: The spacious cabin, rear legroom, and top-notch safety features cater to family needs.
- Eco-Conscious Drivers: The T8 plug-in hybrid offers electric-only driving for short trips, reducing emissions.
- Comfort Seekers: If you value a smooth, quiet ride over sporty handling, the S90 delivers.
How Does the Volvo S90 Compare to Competitors?
Volvo S90 vs Rivals Comparison
| Feature | Volvo S90 | BMW 5 Series | Audi A6 | Mercedes E-Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Petrol Mild Hybrid | Petrol & Diesel | Petrol | Petrol & Diesel |
| Power (PS) | 250 PS | Up to 258 PS | 245 PS | Up to 197 PS |
| Safety Features | Segment-best | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Tech Experience | Google built-in | iDrive | MMI Touch | MBUX |
| Ride Comfort | Very High | Sporty Comfort | Balanced | High |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹68.25 lakh | ₹68–75 lakh | ₹67–70 lakh | ₹75–90 lakh |
The Volvo S90 excels in comfort, tech, and safety, while others offer more engine options and slightly sportier performance.
Tips for Owning a Volvo S90 in 2025
If you decide to buy a Volvo S90, here are some tips to get the most out of your ownership:
- Maintain Regularly: Follow Volvo’s service schedule to keep the car in top condition, especially for the hybrid systems.
- Use the Plug-In Hybrid Smartly: Charge the T8 model regularly to maximize electric range and save on fuel.
- Explore the Volvo App: Use the Volvo Digital Services app to remotely lock/unlock the car and check its status.
- Opt for the Right Trim: The Ultra trim adds luxury features like the Bowers & Wilkins audio and massage seats, which are worth it if you prioritize comfort.
- Drive Smoothly: The S90 rewards a relaxed driving style, so avoid harsh acceleration to maintain its refined feel.
Conclusion: Is the Volvo S90 Right for You?
The Volvo S90 in 2025 is a luxury sedan that combines elegance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology in a way that few cars can match. Its Scandinavian design, focus on safety, and efficient powertrains make it a compelling choice for professionals, families, and eco-conscious drivers alike. While it may not be the sportiest option in its class, the S90 excels at providing a serene and luxurious driving experience, perfect for long commutes or road trips. With its Google built-in tech, spacious cabin, and strong safety credentials, the Volvo S90 is a standout in the luxury sedan market.
FAQs about Volvo S90
Q. Is the Volvo S90 available in diesel?
No, it is currently offered only in a petrol mild-hybrid variant.
Q. What is the mileage of Volvo S90 in real-world conditions?
You can expect around 10–12 kmpl in mixed driving conditions.
Q. Is the Volvo S90 a good family car?
Yes, it’s spacious, safe, and very comfortable for families.
Q. Does it have autonomous driving features?
It offers Pilot Assist, which is a semi-autonomous feature for highway cruising.
