#17
2023 Volvo S90
By Christian Chanel
A Scandinavian Stalwart
The 2023 Volvo S90 is a unique luxury saloon car that stands out in the crowd with its distinct Scandinavian charm. Unlike its competitors from Audi and BMW, the S90 doesn’t strive to match power, performance, or prestige. Instead, it presents a simple, clean, and uncluttered appearance with a focus on environmentalism and safety. The S90 impresses with its efficient electrified powertrains, advanced safety engineering, excellent seat comfort, and a serene interior featuring high-quality materials and user-friendly technology.
Performance
Under the bonnet, the 2023 Volvo S90 offers a range of powertrains, with the B6 model featuring a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This version comes with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for improved efficiency and performance. Acceleration is quick, and there’s ample power for long haul high speed runs.
The S90 Recharge model takes things further, combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a rear-mounted electric motor and an 18.8-kWh battery pack, resulting in an impressive 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid offers an estimated 38 miles of electric-only range before switching to gas operation.
Interior comfort
Inside the S90, passengers are greeted with a spacious and comfortable cabin. Volvo is known for its excellent seats, and the S90 doesn’t disappoint. Soft yet supportive padding wrapped in high-quality leather provides a premium feel. The rear seats are roomy and accommodating, offering ample space for even taller passengers. The S90’s clean and handsome interior design exudes a sense of luxury, with open-pore wood, genuine leather, brushed metal, and quality plastics used throughout. The 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display adds a modern touch to the interior.
Infotainment
Volvo has improved the S90’s infotainment system, now featuring the latest Google-based interface. A 9-inch touchscreen serves as the central hub for most controls, including features like Apple CarPlay, native Android Auto, and Google Assistant voice controls. The system also offers connected navigation and a 10-speaker audio system, with an optional upgrade to a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system available on higher trims. The S90 comes with a range of advanced driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane departure mitigation, and a surround-view camera system, among others.
Safety
Safety of the driver and the occupants is what Volvo is synonymous with. The 2023 S90 is no exception. The saloon is equipped with a suite of driver-assistance features, such as blind-spot warning and automatic emergency braking, as standard. The safety suite offers the most needed peace of mind on the road, a hallmark of Volvo cars.
Cargo space
The S90 provides a generous amount of passenger space, especially for rear-seat occupants. However, the boot offers a modest 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The rear seats do fold down in a 60/40 split, allowing for more storage flexibility.
The 2023 Volvo S90 is a captivating luxury saloon that might not shout for attention like its competitors but prefers to deliver a unique and charming experience. It offers a compelling value equation, particularly for those seeking a plug-in hybrid with real-world driving range. The combination of impressive power, comfortable interior, and advanced safety features makes the S90 an appealing option in the luxury saloon car segment.
Trim levels
The S90 is available in two trim levels: Plus and Ultimate. The Plus is the base model and includes more standard equipment, while the Ultimate is the top-level trim. The B6 drivetrain is available in both trims, while the Recharge plug-in hybrid is offered only in the Ultimate configuration.
Verdict
If you’re looking for the most value, we recommend the Ultimate trim, as it comes loaded with premium features and offers an optional upgrade to the more powerful Recharge plug-in hybrid drivetrain. However, the B6 powertrain is perfectly adequate for the Kenyan urban roads and should suit the needs of most executives who still prefer luxury saloon cars to the now more popular luxury large SUVs.
Overall, the 2023 Volvo S90 presents a distinctive and alluring package for those seeking a luxury saloon that stands out from the crowd with its elegant Scandinavian design, advanced technology, and focus on safety and environmentalism. Whether you opt for the B6 or Recharge model, the S90 delivers a refined and comfortable driving experience, making it a compelling choice in the midsize luxury saloon car segment.
Amazon Motors is the official distributor of Volvo saloon and SUVs in Kenya, with a complete after sales service back up.
