BY RANDI PAYTON
Introduced in 2017, the 2018 Volvo S90, stretches in roominess and models. One of my favorite brands, Volvo moves things up notch with the S90 mid-size luxury sedan. For 2018, the S90 model adds a T8 with an optional 400 horsepower plug-in hybrid and an all-wheel drive option for the base model S90 T5.
The 2018 model stretches the wheelbase by 4.7 inches inches, adding? 4.5 of legroom for rear passengers. The increased wheelbase in 2018 makes it the most spacious in its class. The S90 competes in a highly competitive luxury sedan market against the BMW 5-Series, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Audi A6, Cadillac CTS, Lincoln Continental, and the Lexus GS.
Increasing the S90 wheelbase also makes it more competitive in the Chinese market, where chauffeuring is very popular. Although, the S90 is now manufactured in China, exterior styling retains its Swedish design. In fact, the S90 is bolder and curvier than traditional Volvos.
Two trim levels are offered, the Momentum and Inscription. I tested the 2017 S90 T6 All-Wheel Drive Inscription, powered by a 2.0-liter super turbocharged direct injection engine that generated 316 horsepowers. Performance was highly refined, and the Volvo S90 T6 was quick and smooth in both city and highway driving. As a defensive driver, the S90 AWD felt safer with the all-wheel drive that was enhanced by an instant traction technology. The S90 stood on 19 inch alloy wheels with all season tires.
The Momentum lineup starts with a turbocharged 4-cylinder T5 that generates 250 horsepower. The T5 comes with from-wheel drive with all-wheel-drive as an option.
The S90 can be driven in four different modes. They include Comfort, Eco, Dynamic and Individual, which adjusts engine and transmission to the road, fuel economy, traffic, or to the driver?s mood.
Known for its leadership in vehicle passenger safety, the S90 lives up to Volvo?s heritage. Safety features included? a low speed collision avoidance system that detected people, cyclists, and animals. Other features included Pilot Assist that helps prevent accidents in case the driver falls to sleep or situations of sudden mistakes from other drivers.
Volvo On Call app is standard and free for four years on all 2018 S90 models. The app will start the engine, lock and unlock doors, check the fuel level, and more. A switch inside the vehicle connects with a live operator for roadside assistance, accident detection, and GPS location, Other features includes a moonroof and sunshade, leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats, a 360-degree camera system that monitors blind spots, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
MSRP for the 2018 Volvo S90 ranges from $49,000 for the Momentum lineup to $67,000 for a fully-equipped Inscription T6. The T8 Inscription Plug-In-Hybrid starts around $69,000.
