There is something that makes Volvo stand out. It could be that proud logo, which runs across the grille rather than be a centre piece. Or it could be those sharp shoulder lines in their SUVs. There is that resolute focus on safety. And then there is the luxury.
When it comes to Volvo, even the luxury comes with that little bit extra attention. It was visible in the XC90 and now we have the new kid on the block – the S90.
It impresses you right at first sight. The Thor Hammer LED daytime running lights steal the attention up front and along with the Volvo logo nestled in that elegant grille, the front fascia makes quite an impression. Move over to the rear and the C-shaped taillamps form a beautiful union with the Volvo lettering.
Open the door and you step into the lap of luxury. From the pristine white nappa leather upholstery to the use of natural wood and polished aluminium, the nod of appreciation is a given.
The LCD infotainment system, interestingly has a vertical layout – like a tablet in portrait mode and ensures minimal buttons on the dashboard. Creature comforts are plentiful. The sleek seats, themselves very comfortable, have extensions under your legs, which can be mechanically adjusted – to achieve that perfect sitting position. There are air-con vents on the B-pillar, which along with the vents on the centre console, ensure proper air distribution for the rear passengers.
Then there is the leg space. The S90 has a wheelbase of 2,941cm which means that even with a six-foot tall individual driving up ahead, the rear passengers gets comfortable space to stretch their legs.
It comes with CleanZone technology that filters dust and other particles and even monitors pollutant levels. It has a bird’s eye view camera, which ensure effortless parking. And then there’s the 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system. They are stunning to look at and sound even better. You can use the infotainment system to control the setting – from making you feel like you’re at the Gothenburg Concert Hall to an option which allows the sound to be directed towards the driver, it is quite impressive.
Volvo has been synonymous with safety and the S90 is no different. A lane departure warning (sounds like someone urgently rapping on your door) ensures you stay alert. There is City Safety which can detect vehicles, pedestrians, Adaptive Cruise Control and now as a new feature, there is Pilot Assist and Run-off Road Mitigation. The Pilot Assist is a semi-autonomous driving aid which uses the markings on the road to help the driver keep the vehicle within the lane. It gives gentle steering inputs to assist the driver and can do this up to speeds of 130kph. All of this is Volvo’s effort towards fully autonomous driving.
The S90 that we drove came with the T6 AWD variant. It’s powered by an in-line four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine that’s supercharged and turbocharged. It produces 320hp at 5,700rpm and 400N-m of torque across a wide range of 2,200-5,400rpm. The engine is started by twisting the starter knob rather than pressing it and there’s a metal scroll which can be used to change the drive modes. The ride is comfortable, as you would expect from a luxury sedan but you can still throw it around corners, and the steering wheel, which weighs up as the speed increases, gives you the confidence to push it.
Volvo are hoping that the S90 can help them make an impact in the luxury sedan market of Qatar. It speaks the right language and, importantly, also has that Swedish edge going for it – that little bit extra attention.
