Flying Volvo's Flagship Sedan

A Victory & Reseda review of the 2024 Volvo S90 Recharge

The last time I drove a Volvo S90, it was during an extremely frosty December. The sedan arrived with summer tires, which the manufacturer needed to have swapped out for all-seasons. That cut my time with the S90 short…

I did like it. Rather, loved it. It was a supreme flagship sedan powered by the T6 turbocharged and supercharged engine. Sadly, I did not do a review on this vehicle in V&R back then. I wished I did. I’m not sure why I had to put it into another publication altogether…

Here it is. The 2024 S90. Same as it was back some seven or so years. Yet, a few things have changed. 

Gone are the T5 and T6 engines. Instead, we get an all-electrified powertrain lineup. This one has the T8 Recharge engine, which adds a plug-in hybrid system to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This combined driveline’s output comes to 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. In addition, Volvo states that you could drive up 38 miles on battery-only power.

This newly engineered driveline was first experienced in the S60 last year. Great driveline, but last year’s bitter cold it was exposed to do a number of the efficiency of the T8 Recharge system. 

Things are different this time around. The weather was relatively better, thanks to the Super El Nino that has parked itself over the Twin Cities. It should mean that we could get better results on the overall efficiency of the Recharge driveline. 

For the past few years, all S90 sedans were produced in China in the long wheelbase form. It makes sense since the Chinese market love long wheelbase sedans as their customers tend to be driven by professionals. For American customers, the long wheelbase S90 improves on rear seat room than the original S90. 

And, yes, the rear leg room is fantastic. Very limo-like. Headroom is fine. If you’re taller than 6’2”, there may be a challenge in fitting in the area behind the panoramic moonroof. You do get the comfort of being driven, but you forget that the best seat in the house is behind the steering wheel. 

 A modern Volvo’s cockpit is a nice place to pilot a vehicle. The 12-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display is much better with clearer graphics and readouts. I wished some controls were clearer to get the information I need, such as cumulative trip mileage and fuel economy. The Orrefors crystal gear lever is a nice touch. If you have never driven a modern Volvo or any vehicle with a shift-by-wire transmission, then you are missing out on a logical system that truly works. 

Volvo’s infotainment systems are driven by Google. You can still mirror your iPhone to this system, but don’t forget to bring a USB-C cord. The tester’s Bowers & Wilkins 19-speaker audio upgrade is well worth the $3,200. It has a party trick you should be aware of – a series of pre-set audio “room modes.” You can simulate a jazz club, a concert hall, a studio, or a stage from a screen. I set it up in the jazz club mode and I love the vibrancy of the sound from multiple sources. 

The front seats have a multitude of adjustments. Not just for rake, height, and recline. You can add adjustments to the side bolsters, the thigh extender, and lumbar. As much as you can adjust to confirm to your body, they are really on the firm side. No complaints, but once you settle in, it’ll be fine for good distances. 

Trunk space is measured at 13.5 cubic feet with a bit of a step-down from the bumper. However, it seems larger and deeper than its specification will let you believe. 

Talking about the driving experience, one word pops out: Smooth. Power delivery is exactly that, by combining the electric motor and the turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with its eight-speed automatic transmission. All four wheels benefit from this mass of smooth power. Heck, it just flies. Lane changes and on-ramp maneuvers all done with absolute ease. 

As a result of this smoothness, I did average of 26.0 MPG for fuel consumption with a high mark of 31.7 MPG.

Ride quality was smooth as butter. All thanks to the S90’s Active Chassis with Rear Air Suspension set-up. There was absolutely no feedback from rougher roads. There was also no lean or roll when tested through the turns or taking on evasive situations. This S90 is just an absolute joy to drive in.

The smoothness continues with its steering rack. The S90 shows off a good turning radius – even for a longer sedan. On-center feel is fine, assisted by the sedan’s Lane Keeping Aid to ensure it rides within the lines. Braking is solid with a bit of a light touch from the pedal. Stop were equally solid in normal, panic, and winter conditions.

The long wheelbase S90 offers a presence that you would not expect from a Volvo – that’s if you’re referencing anything with a Red Block. For a modern Volvo, its length gives it a level of elegance you’d expect from a flagship sedan. While the Volvo lineup continues with the XC90 (#VOTY16) and the upcoming electric EX90, the S90’s look simply exudes luxury. 

It is always the details that adds to its elegant cache. The 19-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels is a detail that makes this blue S90 pop out even more. This Ultimate trim level tester adds what is called the Bright Theme, which adds a tasteful level of chrome to give it an extra sense of style and bling.

For 2024, Volvo offers two trim levels for the S90 – Plus and Ultimate. Mild Hybrid models start $58,300, whereas Recharge models start at $65,530. Our Recharge Ultimate tester with the Bright Theme came with a sticker price of $78,195. 

Put it altogether, and you have a wonderful sedan worth considering. Seriously, this Volvo S90 Recharge is truly a special car to drive – and to be in. 

Yet, some people would rather have something else than a Volvo. To each their own but let me give you a little incentive to consider the S90 as your next luxury sedan. It has all of the things I touched upon in this review – cache, elegance, style, luxury, smoothness…and so forth.

Revisiting the Volvo S90 turned out to be a real treat for me. Just give it a look. Hopefully, you’ll find one and take it home. If you do, you’re welcome. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Volvo Cars North America

All photos by Randy Stern