2023 Volvo S90 with its largest and most expensive sedan, Volvo has gone its own way. The S90 doesn’t try to match established competitors from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz in terms of power, performance and prestige. In contrast, the S90 is a swanky Scandinavian car with a simple, clean, tidy appearance and a focus on the environment and safety. Highlights include efficient electrification powertrains, impressive safety engineering and technology, exceptional seat comfort, and a serene interior loaded with quality materials and approachable technology.
Last year, Volvo added a new standard engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system for increased efficiency and performance and upgraded the S90 Recharge model’s plug-in hybrid powertrain to nearly double its electric range before switching to gas operation. Volvo has also upgraded its infotainment system with Google-based features and an updated interface.
This year, the familiar Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription trim levels are gone, replaced by the Plus and Ultimate trims, each paired with the Bright exterior treatment of chrome and metallic accents.
Volvo has also set itself apart from its competitors by playing in the space between the traditional midsize and large luxury flagship cars. The result is an interesting value equation, especially if you want a plug-in hybrid that offers a lot of real-world driving range. Be sure to check out our Expert Rating to learn more about the 2023 S90.
- Elegant exterior design
- High-end interior materials
- Standard driver assistance technology
- Unique style
- Roomy and comfortable interior
- Excellent safety score
- Revised trim structure
- PHEV is only available in Extended Range
2023 Volvo S90 Review
The 2023 Volvo S90 is a spacious, comfortable, mid-size luxury sedan in an efficient plug-in hybrid variant. Prices start at $57,000. The Volvo S90 is very understated. It’s powerful and fuel-efficient, but its clean design doesn’t advertise its performance or eco-friendly credentials. It’s also spacious and comfortable, with a handsome interior and a smooth ride.
Think of the 2023 Volvo S90 as the contrarian luxury sedan. Not only does it have a distinct Scandinavian personality thanks to its distinctive design inside and out, it also shares value propositions compared to its competitors. With prices on par with mid-size luxury sedans like the BMW 5 series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but the same amount of backseat space as full-size entries like the Genesis G90 and Lexus LS, the S90 finds itself in an interesting middle ground.
A turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard across the board, with varying degrees of hybrid assistance. The plug-in-hybrid Recharge model is the most powerful and expensive of the lot, and it offers an EPA-rated electric-only range of 38 miles when fully charged.
The 2023 Volvo S90 offers a simplified lineup of trim levels for the new model year. The Plus and Ultimate trims replace the older Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription models, and the hybrid S90 Recharge is only available in the loaded Ultimate configuration. Additional Google-based connectivity features are also included.
Drivers looking for something a little different in a midsize luxury sedan should consider the 2023 Volvo S90. It has a unique style and top quality interior with some of the most comfortable seats in this competitive class.
While it may not be as sporty as its German rivals such as the Audi A6 , BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class , the 2023 Volvo S90 prioritizes comfort and safety over performance. It earns the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ designation and has impressive safety features like the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system.
- Seat comfort is very good
- High quality interior materials
- Impressive electric power and range with the 2023 Volvo S90 Recharge plug-in hybrid
- The latest Google-based infotainment system is much better than the previous S90 model
- Volvo swapped out the old S90 trim levels for the new Plus and Ultimate trims
- The 2023 Volvo S90 Plus is the base model and includes more standard equipment
- The B6 drivetrain is available in both trims; Refill only Ultimate
- Part of the second S90 generation introduced for 2017
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What’s New Volvo S90 2023
The 2023 Volvo S90 is the brand’s flagship luxury sedan, and it sure looks like it from the inside out. Designers paid attention to detail in creating this mid-sized four-door, and buyers struggled to find a more visually appealing alternative. Volvo also makes safety a priority; The S90 has good crash test scores and lots of active safety technology as standard equipment. Offered with a choice of all-wheel drive or plug-in hybrid mild hybrid drivetrain, the S90 is all about comfort over sportiness.
Volvo introduced the S90 for the 2017 model year, doubling down on the brand’s focus on luxury. As well as its great design and style, we also appreciate its comfortable placement and firm yet well damped suspension.
Technology is one of the advantages of the 2023 Volvo S90. Driver assistance equipment is plentiful and well calibrated. The Android-based infotainment system, new for the 2022 model year, also adds many connected features to better integrate the S90 into the Google driver app. However, its cramped and relatively small size lags behind its best in the segment.
Hands-on performance is one area where Volvo hasn’t optimized the S90 yet. Other midsize luxury sedans boast a more powerful and smoother drivetrain. Handling can also be more interesting. When equipped with the larger wheels, road noise is too pervasive compared to other vehicles in the segment.
We appreciate the Volvo S90’s design-forward approach followed by the spacious cabin. Overall, it’s a decent alternative to some of the more obvious midsize luxury sedan options if sportiness isn’t the main focus.
- Updated shift logic across the range
- A single pedal drive was added to the Recharge model
- The remote version is now standard for the Recharge models
- Trim levels renamed Plus and Ultimate
- Fresh wheel design
- Updated paint color
- The S60 Recharge receives Tailored Wool Blend seats
- Wireless charging is no longer available
2023 Volvo S90 Specs
- Body style: Sedan
- Number of doors: 4
- Horsepower: 312 hp
- Cargo volume: 13.5 ft³
- Dimensions: 200″ L x 75″ W x 57″ H
- Battery charge time: 15h at 110V, 3h at 220V
- Battery: 18.8 kWh lithium-ion
2023 Volvo S90 Interior, Comfort and Cargo
The S90’s cabin is by far the most impressive feature. A mix of high-end materials—open porous wood, genuine leather, brushed metal and fine-grained plastic—come together in a cohesive, modern space. The 14-way adjustable front seats provide all-day comfort and should suit all body shapes.
The 2023 Volvo S90 lacks the features we’ve come to expect in this segment. The manual steering column makes for a surprising — and disappointing — display, since nearly all of Volvo’s rivals offer power adjustment. The S90 sedan will meet the needs of most drivers, and models with folding rear seatbacks offer ample cargo area. Have more gear to carry around? Check out the V90, the S90’s wagon-body sibling.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The S90 is just as connected as its competitors, and relies heavily on an infotainment touchscreen to control many of its functions. All S90s feature a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen mounted in the center of the dash. To customize simple functions such as heated seats or the optional head-up display, the user must interact with the system. This becomes par for the course for luxury brands, and some systems are more user-friendly than others.
The S90’s system is easy enough to use, but drivers will have a learning curve before they feel comfortable enough to make on-the-go changes. Volvo’s latest Android-based infotainment system now supports Apple CarPlay and offers over-the-air software updates.
The 2023 Volvo S90 splits the size difference between mid-size and full-size luxury cars. There’s ample rear seat space, with plenty of room for passengers over 6 feet tall to stretch out. Headroom is no less extensive, assisted by bucket-style seats.
The low seat makes getting in and out a bit difficult, but the large doors make it easy to swing your legs around. It’s not hard to find a relaxed, comfortable driving position that keeps most of the controls within reach. Visibility is generally good too, although the rear window is a bit narrow.
Technology
Volvo offers the S90 with a lot of standard technology. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 9.0-inch infotainment display running a Google-based operating system are featured on the base and up models. Volvo outfitted the S90 with a USB-C port and a 10-speaker audio system, with 14-speaker Harman Kardon and 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setups.
Other premium features include a heads-up display. While updated technology is appreciated, the screen size itself is smaller than others in the mid-luxury sedan segment. The 2023 Volvo S90 Recharge is loaded with nearly all the technology and driver assistance we’ve come to expect from a modern luxury car.
The vertically oriented touch screen greatly simplifies the control layout since there are almost no physical buttons. But some commonly used features are buried in a few screens. Interface quibble, the XC60’s Google integration is generally pleasing, including Google Assistant voice control and an impressive Google Maps display. One high note is an excellent audio system. Clear and loud, but not buzzing or mushy when pushed.
Volvo has always focused on safety, and the S90 comes with a good range of driver aids such as blind spot warning and automatic emergency braking as standard equipment. This suite isn’t as polished as some we’ve experienced, but it doesn’t raise any red flags either.
Storage
The 2023 Volvo S90 Recharge may have more passenger space than its rivals, but it lacks cargo space. The 13.5 cubic foot trunk is one of the smallest in its class, but the space itself is spacious and low, so you can make the most of what’s available.
The rear seats fold out to 60/40, which helps open up the back for the cost of a seat or two. Storage up front isn’t great either. The center console is shallow and can’t even fit sunglasses. The door pockets are fine but don’t completely make up for the lack of storage elsewhere.
Getting in and out of a car seat is a much easier task. You’ll have plenty of room to move when you put the seat on or take it off. The anchors are easy to access, and ample legroom is a boon for rear-facing seats.
Comfort
The Volvo chair remains the best. Soft yet supportive padding wrapped in comfortable leather. There’s a nice bit of customization, and the S90 Recharge is available with heated and ventilated seats both front and rear. The S90’s ride isn’t as isolating as some other luxury cars, but bumps in the road are dampened rather than amplified. The climate control system works quickly and silently.
Drive
We tested the Volvo S90 with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, called Volvo Recharge. That means there’s a petrol engine and a battery pack that allows for an electric range of around 38 miles. Acceleration is quick and relatively smooth, and there’s plenty of power to traverse on the highway, though sometimes the transmission takes a second to downshift. It’s easy to come to a smooth stop, and the brakes are firm enough to give you confidence in a panic situation.
It’s not a sports sedan, but the 2023 Volvo S90 Recharge feels cool on winding roads. Steering has less road feel but is light and direct, which helps make parking easy too.
2023 Volvo S90 Engine
With a new 295-hp B6 mild-hybrid powertrain under the hood, the 2023 Volvo S90 produced a solid 6.4-second zero-to-60 mph time in our tests. Even though it’s slightly slower than the previous T6 model, the hybrid powertrain’s low-end torque and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission help maintain this car’s dashing feel.
Previous iterations of the plug-in hybrid Recharge version crushed our test track, matching the six-cylinder BMW 540i xDrive’s results (4.5 seconds) in our zero-to 60 mph test, and we haven’t yet tested the more powerful hybrid setup introduced last year. We also hope that the revised hybrid powertrain smooths out some of the shortcomings of the previous one.
Handling is sure, but the tradeoff is a ride that barely feels like terry cloth. Rough stretches transmit more vibrations into the cabin than in softer competitors. The steering feels heavy, but not as direct or precise as it should be, which takes away from the S90’s athleticism.
2023 Volvo S90 MPG
The 2023 Volvo S90 Recharge is a plug-in hybrid. The EPA estimates it can drive about 38 miles on electric power before switching to regular hybrid operation. We also found that the Volvo Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain met or exceeded EPA estimates for fuel economy in real-world driving.
Real World Fuel and MPG Savings
Models equipped with the B6 powertrain earn EPA fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway while Recharge hybrid models earn a combined rating as high as 66 MPGe. In our 75 mph highway fuel economy test, the 2023 Volvo S90 with the standard B6 powertrain delivered 29 mpg. For more information on the S90’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
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Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Volvo outfitted the S90 with turbocharged and supercharged inline four-cylinder engines backed by a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the all-wheel drive system. Volvo calls this the B6 drivetrain, which makes a total output of 295 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This version of the S90 should hit 6.2 seconds according to Volvo. Fuel economy is rated at 23/32 mpg city/highway.
Volvo is also offering the 2023 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 eAWD, a plug-in hybrid featuring a supercharged I-4 and a turbocharged 2.0-liter driving the front wheels and an electric motor driving the rear. This setup produces a combined output of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. Volvo claims the plug-in hybrid variant of the 2023 Volvo S90 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The EPA rates the S90 Recharge at 29 mpg the same as the hybrid and 66 mpg-e when in EV mode.
Safety
Safety is one of the advantages of the 2023 Volvo S90. IIHS named it Top Safety Pick+ 2022, the highest award it has to offer. Standard driver assistance and active safety features include front and rear automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic warning, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. A 360-degree view camera system is also standard.
2023 Volvo S90 Trim
For the full 2023 Volvo S90 experience, we recommend the higher Ultimate trim level as it trims the interior in luxurious materials including ventilated Nappa leather, customized dashboard and door transom panels, and tops everything off with a crystal gear selector.
The 2023 Volvo S90 Ultimate also features ventilated front seats, powerful four-way lumbar support, a powered passenger seat with memory function, and powered seat extensions and side cushions for the front row. An upgraded Harman Kardon sound system is also standard.
2023 Volvo S90 Price
The 2023 Volvo S90 starts at $57,000 for the base Plus model and $62,550 for the Ultimate model. The 2023 Volvo S90 Recharge plug-in hybrid starts at $70,500.
The $1,045 destination fee applies to all S90 models. The S90’s price is similar to other European midsize luxury sedans such as the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Some interesting options at a lower starting price include the Genesis G80, Lexus ES, and Jaguar XF.
The well-equipped Ultimate model is our pick, and it offers a $1,500 Lounge package that favors backseat accommodations. It’s up to you whether the Recharge hybrid’s extra electric performance and electric range is worth a thousand more, but the base B6 engine should suffice.
- Plus $58,095
- Ultimate $63,645
- Recharge Ultimate $71,595
People also ask Volvo S90 2023
Q: Is Volvo discontinuing the S90?
A: While acknowledging that SUVs account for the lion’s share of Volvo’s sales, CEO Håkan Samuelsson said that the company will not abandon the S (sedan) and V (wagon) model lines . This means there will be replacements for the current S60/V60 and S90/V90, possibly in fully electric form.
Q: How much is a 2023 S90?
A: The 2023 Volvo S90 starts at $57,000 for the base Plus model and $62,550 for the Ultimate model. The S90 Recharge plug-in hybrid starts at $70,500. The $1,045 destination fee applies to all S90 models.
Q: Is it worth buying Volvo S90?
A: The 2023 S90 is a fine luxury midsize car. It offers a refreshed powertrain, a high-end cabin, comfortable and roomy seats and a long list of standard features. Additionally, plug-in-hybrid models offer a limited electric range for those looking to save money at the gas station.
Q: When was the Volvo S90 redesign?
A: Volvo introduced the S90 for the 2017 model year, doubling down on the brand’s focus on luxury. As well as its great design and style, we also appreciate its comfortable placement and firm yet well damped suspension. Technology is another advantage of the S90.
