Refreshingly Non-German (used)

The Volvo V90 may be a special order wagon, but it certainly is one of those wagons that if you can get your hands on it. It’s certainly worth every penny.

The standard T5 engine is the only engine that wasn’t available on the dealer lot we found the V90. It was the T6 AWD in Inscription Trim which is both our favorite trim and has our favorite engine. The 2-liter turbocharged & supercharged four-cylinder offers the punch you’d expect from an engine producing 315hp and the torque at low revs so it’s easy to drive around town. What we like the most is that it doesn’t feel out of its depth when you do put your foot down, however we do have to bash the auto gearbox for its somewhat slow responses when upshifting and downshifting. This is far from annoying or a deal breaker.

On the road the V90 is just as comfortable as the S90 and we love the distinct driving characteristics that are associated with it. The steering weighs up nicely and doesn’t feel overly heavy and the handling is more secure than agile, and we are fine with this. It’s refreshingly Non-German and in a segment where everyone is trying to be like BMW we appreciate this, a hell of a lot. The V90 doesn’t feel like a large wagon especially around town. The long hood does feel daunting at first, but after a while you’ll get used to it quite easily. Wind and road noise are very well suppressed.

The interior is another area where Volvo has made huge leaps of improvement in. The infotainment system is easy to navigate through and the overall quality of the materials used feel top-notch and high quality. The front seats shine in terms of comfort and adjustability; it’s quite easy to find an ideal driving position. The rear seat does offer decent space for two, while three maybe pushing it due to the overly large transmission tunnel. The boot space is very generous and is even more generous with the rear seat folded down.

We’re only going to focus on our tester car which came fitted with almost every single option on the options list. It certainly made the V90 induce sticker shock but we understand that this is a vehicle trying to compete with the Mercedes E-class Estate. Full-LED headlights, perforated leather seats, navigation system and a full panoramic sunroof were fitted as well as 20-inch alloy wheels and a four-wheel air suspension. Our favorite option is the Bowers and Wilkins premium sound system provides the most amazing sound quality we have ever heard next to B&O that was fitted on our Audi A6 Allroad. The price of admission is pretty steep we’ll admit that, but compared to its only real rival the E-class Estate we love the V90 a hell of a lot more.

We’re going to keep it short. The V90 is a classy wagon that’s refreshingly Non-German and that should be all the reason to consider one. However, keep in mind that this is a special order wagon or find one that’s available on a dealer lot and we warn you that won’t be as easy.

Likes: Refreshingly Non-German driving dynamics and interior décor; it’s roomy for four and well it’s a wagon with turbo engine and all-wheel-drive.

Dislikes: It’s special order only.

Our pick: We haven’t had the opportunity to drive the T5 FWD, but if it’s anything like the S90 we’d avoid it. The T6 AWD is the sweet spot in the range and offers the flexibility you’d want with the low running costs that are within reason and logic.   We heard there is a Polestar which has 325hp, but when we talked to Volvo they told us that it's even harder to come by than the T5 FWD.

Pathological loves the Volvo S90

You'd think that picking an executive saloon would be an easy proposition, seeing that Audi, BMW and Mercedes dominate this segment. However, there is a new car in town and it is ready to shake things up. The Swedes really are back in town and it's known as the Volvo S90.

There are two engines available on the standard S90. The T5 uses a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 250hp while the top of the range T6-AWD pumps out 315hp thanks to a turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder. We'd choose the latter here which seems to be more flexible and offer standard all-wheel-drive which really does come in handy in handling and also extra traction. The only problem we have with this all four-cylinder engine range is that these engines aren't as refined as they should be and at this price tag it really does feel unacceptable.

We love the way the S90 drives, it's not trying to be overly sporty and we are perfectly fine with that. Steering feedback is more on the 'meh' side but that's fine because it doesn't become heavy when it doesn't need to be and is actually quite smooth when at low speeds, we just wish that it offered a little more feedback to provide a little more confidence when you do decide to drive a little spiritedly into corners and bends. Handling is more safe rather than sporty but the ride comfort is so smooth that you can forgive it for not being as sharp as a 5-series but it still isn't as refined as a E-class which is a shame because the S90 undercuts all three German Rivals in price and interior refinement.

The interior infotainment system is quite easy to navigate through and all the menus are easy to use, however we still think that it can be distracting while on the go. The front seats offer superb comfort and should be expected because Volvo does make some of the best seats in the auto market. The rear seat does plenty of space for four, but trying to squeeze five abreast maybe a bit of a squeeze due to the slightly large rear transmission tunnel. The boot offers decent space too for a sedan, it's not as versatile as the V90 but you can fold the rear seat down to increase the cargo space to your liking.

Avoid the Momentum trim and go right for the Inscription and you won't regret it. On top of getting Pilot Assist – semi autonomous drive system, you get 19-inch alloy wheels. 12.3 inch digital instrument display, linear walnut wood inlays and those snazzy Full-LED headlights. You'll have to pay extra for bits like Head-up display and Premium Air suspension. You'd have to really want to splurge on those options because the S90 is already well equipped as it is. We do however, suggest opting for the air suspension because in comfort mode it feels even more opulent than a Mercedes E-class.

We loved the S90 because it really is a breathe of fresh air in terms of design inside out and overall driving experience. We just wished that Volvo made the engines more refined or offered a turbocharged six-cylinder engine option, this would make the S90 an even stronger rival towards the ever popular German Rivals. Despite that little flaw, the S90 is a worthy contender and should be on your shortlist because like we've said in the intro of this review. The Swedes are back in town.

Likes: It doesn't drive like any of its competition and we love that. Styling inside out is something that the German Rivals don't have.

Dislikes: We wish the engines were more refined. Everything else is just nitpicking.

Our pick: Go right for the Inscription trim, it undercuts all of its German Rivals in standard kit and also classy interior décor. It's pretty hard to fault the S90 for lack of driving dynamics when it's so posh and comfortable to drive, most people will want that the most in an executive saloon and the S90 delivers.

[Updated] Volvo XC90

The new Volvo XC90 is the best of the best when it comes to luxury 4x4s. The Swedes really are back in town.

Volvo has added several new engine choices since the launch of the new XC90. T5 trim gets a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 250hp. T6 trim gets the same 2-liter engine but a turbocharged and supercharged layout pumping out 315hp. While the range topping T8 Hybrid gets the same 2-liter turbocharged & supercharged layout but boosts output to 400hp. Pick of the range still remains with the T6 which we think is the best way to go with the XC90. The entry T5 is okay but it just doesn’t feel as refined as it should be and the T8 Hybrid is more on the steep side of the pricing, which does pay for itself in standard kit and low running costs.

Our tester car came equipped with air suspension and 20-inch alloys and the ride quality is actually good. Large bumps won’t even send shutters into the cabin. Handling is okay it won’t defy logic like a BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne but it holds its own well. Steering is smooth and offers excellent feedback. Refinement is good in the XC90, when at relaxed speeds you can barely hear a peep out of the engine and road noise is virtually unheard of. There is a bit of wind noise around the side mirrors but it’s far from intrusive or annoying.

Volvo has the best seats in the auto industry hands down. These seats provide enough comfort for drivers of all sizes. The infotainment system is actually quite easy to use and of course you get a full nine-inch display which adds a bit of class to the overall look and feel. All the controls are within easy reach and your view forwards and backwards is good. Boot space is okay with the third row seat in place. Fold the third row seat down and you’ve got even more space, fold down both rows and you have so much space that you would need a transit van if you find the space lacking.

The third row seat is actually quite roomy for adults, even though most will only tolerate it for short journeys. The second row space is generous too, in fact this is one of the few seven-seat 4x4s we’ve ever driven where the balance between utility and people carrier is so good that we have to give it a standing ovation.

Momentum trim comes with Full-LED headlights, navigation system, panoramic sunroof and collision mitigation support for the front. R-design adds 20-inch alloys, R-design design ques. Inscription trim adds ventilated leather seats, linear walnut wood inlays, 12.3 digital instrument display. Range toping Excellence adds Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System, beverage cooler/refrigerator and high-spec ventilation and massage function for front and rear seats.

We challenge you to find a BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne with the same equipment for similar money and what you’ll find is all the reasons why the XC90 is the better buy. It may not have the resale value of both brands yet but this XC90 looks promising and we do predict that the value will hold very well. Running costs are similar to that of the BMW and Porsche and even though Volvo doesn’t offer a diesel engine it does however offer a plug-in hybrid option which makes it one of the of the cleanest seven-seat crossovers behind the Tesla Model-X.

Interior quality is superb and many of the plastics feel classy and upmarket; a far departure from the previous generation. Volvo has scored above-average in reliability and we do see this being a new trend for years to come. If Volvo had a middle name it would be safety and everything that you could ever possibly want in terms of safety kit Volvo has it. The most notable of these systems is the city braking which works at speeds up to 30mph, by slowing you down and bring you to a complete stop if the driver so happens to take his or her eyes off the road.

When you think of luxury 4x4s most will venture to the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne because well both are good in their own right. However, the XC90 is better than both in its own way. It may not be as sharp to drive or defy logic, but it is a comfortable cruiser with an outstanding interior and can really fit seven people aboard. Plus it is one of the most handsome looking 4x4s we have ever seen in a while. Volvo really did tick all the right buttons and play all the right notes with the new XC90. Hopefully the new looks and well equipped trim-levels will lure buyers in because passing one up without giving it a real gander is a real shame because this 4x4 is a gem.

Devon’s pick: T6 AWD R-design is where our money would go. It feels like you get a lot of car for your money and still somehow you undercut the X5 and you’re still way below what you would have to pay if you picked the Cayenne. It’s classy and stylish plus we just love those LED headlights.

Like: The XC90 is the most handsome 4x4 in the segment and that style carries inside too. Infotainment system is easy to use and those seats are the best. It can really fit seven people aboard and somehow manages to undercut the heavy hitters in kit and price.

Dislikes: The auto gearbox is a little sluggish to react. The T5 engine isn’t as refined as it should be.

Pathological test drives the XC60 (Used)

Volvo has a pretty good track record when it comes to 4x4s so when Volvo launched the XC60. They claimed it was the safest and most stylish of the bunch, does that claim still hold up today? Tough gig!

Avoid the entry-level T5 and go right for the T6 as it offers hot hatch performance with the added bonus of all-wheel-drive for extra traction when needed. We know that most people won't really care for all-wheel-drive in this case however, but that 2-liter turbo four in the T5 is just okay in front-wheel-drive configuration. But we think that it's worth spending the extra cash for the T6. You can choose both engines in the Dynamic or Inscription trims. The R-design only comes with the T6 engine and all-wheel-drive, and you get a snazzy looking body-kit and larger alloys. Our tester car was the T6 AWD Dynamic which offered decent kit and managed to undercut the BMW X3, it may not be as sharpest to drive as the X3 but it certainly has an appeal that you can't really find in its German Rivals.

The XC60 doesn't drive like other crossovers, it feels more comfortable and secure which is perfectly fine with us. It's not trying to pretend to be something that it's not. Steering feedback isn't the greatest and well the suspension like we mentioned earlier is more aimed at security rather than agility. People who buy this car or are tempted to buy this car won't be doing any of the such. The engines seem smooth for the most part unless you decide to put your foot down and you'll instantly know that it is a four-cylinder under that bonnet.

The infotainment system is pretty much straight forward in approach and well it does so in the classiest way possible. It is simply Scandinavian all over and we love it! The front seats offer the comfort that you'd expect from Volvo and the second row seats are just as comfortable in legroom and headroom. The boot space is very practical and when you fold down those rear seats you've got yourself a cargo van.

The XC60 comes well kitted for the money and is pretty hard to ignore considering that you'll also get some nice discounts. Some may want to wait for the next generation of the XC60 because it is even more stylish than the outgoing model and offers updated engine options as well. The Dynamic trim we had comes with 18-inch alloys, active dual xenon headlights, front park assist, Harmon kardon premium sound system and collision warning with full auto brake and pedestrian/cyclist detection. It does push the price up a bit steeply, but when you consider the amount of kit that is comes with it you'll probably be swayed away from the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. We certainly were if we were looking for a crossover in this price category.

The new XC60 is literally around the corner and well for those who are itching for a new crossover now will love that this XC60 comes with discounted prices, even though it's an older design. We still do say consider buying one if this XC60 tickles your fancy, otherwise wait for the newer one it looks very promising.

Likes: Still classy after all these years. Standard kit is very generous and it doesn't pretend to be something it's not in driving impressions.

Dislikes: It's starting to show its age.

Our pick: Go right for the Dynamic T6 AWD. You won't regret it.