The S90 is a seriously large sedan, but boy, its light handling certainly impressed the participants at the 2017 event. It presented unprecedented Swedish luxury, supreme comfort and space, with modern Scandinavian design and Drive-E efficiency to top it all off.

The S90’s tag line is “Relaxed confidence”, and the ladies agreed with the latter.

Longer, wider and lower than competitors, the sleek design is actually reminiscent of a sports coupe rather than a large sedan, and when seen on the road, it imparts immediate presence and commands attention.

At the rear, a long overhang hints at a capacious boot (500 litres). On the inside, real textures like open-pore wood, aluminium, leather and glass abound, ensuring that no matter which elements may come into contact with occupants of the S90, they always sense absolute class and sophistication.

The dashboard is underscored by a unique metal spline that runs from door to door and features a nine-inch HD Sensus Connect touchscreen interface. The seats are of course exceptionally comfortable. Like the XC90, the new S90 features minimal arrays of buttons, especially on the dashboard.

All S90 derivatives feature satellite navigation as standard, with pinch zoom and real-time traffic updates. Fitted as standard with 10 high-quality speakers, entertainment in the new Volvo S90 is always a premium experience.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto1 are both available in the optional smartphone integration package, which enables owners of Apple iPhones or Android-based smartphones to connect their devices directly to the Sensus Connect interface.

All S90 derivatives are semi-autonomous up to 130km/h as standard. Working hand in hand, Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist enhance the S90’s driveability and allow drivers to hand over control to the car in varying degrees of engagement.

Drive-E powertrains

Mirroring those of the XC90, the new Volvo S90 is also available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, as well as front- or all-wheel drive. All models feature the silky-smooth eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. i-ART (intelligent Accuracy Refinement Technology) represents the latest diesel fuel system technology in its cars.
Geartronic and AWD

The eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission found in all S90 models is also a vital part of Drive-E powertrain technology. The D5 and T6 all-wheel drive versions of the S90 feature a highly-efficient BorgWarner all-wheel drive system. Three main drive modes are available in the new S90 – Comfort, Eco and Dynamic.

Safety equipment

As can be expected, the new S90 picks up on the high precedent set by the XC90 and as such features all of Volvo’s latest safety systems as standard. This naturally includes ABS, EBD, EBA, stability and traction control, hill sart assistance and six airbags, and Volvo’s side impact protection system (Sips) and whiplash protection system (Whips).

A number of supplementary “IntelliSafe” safety systems are also on hand as standard to assist in preventing accidents, or at least in minimising the potential for damage and injury should a crash be unavoidable.

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