Volvo S90

The Volvo S90 (from its last model year, likely 2024) was typically powered by refined mild-hybrid powertrains. The most common engine in India was: 2.0-litre Turbo Petrol with Mild-Hybrid (B5): This turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine produced approximately 250 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. It was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

This powertrain delivers smooth and refined performance, capable of propelling the S90 from 0-100 km/h in approximately 7.1 seconds. The mild-hybrid system assists in improving efficiency and provides smoother start/stop operation. For a purchase, the reliability of this engine is generally good, but potential buyers should check service history for regular maintenance and ensure there are no signs of oil leaks or unusual engine noises, as luxury engine repairs are complex and expensive. Fuel economy for an S90 will be around 12-14 kmpl in mixed driving conditions, which is competitive for a large luxury sedan. The front-wheel-drive system (or all-wheel-drive on some variants) ensures confident traction and stability.

Ride and Handling

The Volvo S90 (from its last model year, likely 2024) was renowned for its exceptionally comfortable and composed ride quality. It featured an adaptive suspension system, often with air suspension at the rear, allowing the vehicle to glide over most road imperfections with remarkable ease. This system effectively isolates occupants from rough surfaces, providing a plush and serene experience, which holds up well.

Handling is precise and stable, prioritizing comfort and composure over outright sportiness. The steering is light yet accurate, making urban navigation easy and highway cruising relaxed. At higher speeds, the S90 feels utterly planted and confidence-inspiring. Body roll is well-controlled for a large luxury sedan. Panic braking performance is strong, with powerful brakes providing ample stopping power. For a vehicle, buyers should meticulously check the suspension for any unusual noises or uneven ride height, which could indicate worn components, as repairs can be costly. The overall ride and handling balance remains a strong selling point for a pre-owned S90, offering a truly relaxing journey.

The interior of the Volvo S90 (last model year likely 2024) remains a benchmark for minimalist luxury and ergonomic design. The cabin is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, including Nappa leather upholstery, genuine wood or metal accents, and soft-touch surfaces throughout. The dashboard features a large, vertically oriented touchscreen infotainment system, flanked by sleek vertical air vents.

Seating is for five occupants, with exceptionally comfortable and supportive seats in both front and rear rows. The rear seat offers ample legroom and headroom, making it genuinely comfortable for adults on long journeys. Buyers should inspect the condition of leather upholstery for wear and tear, verify the functionality of all electronic features including seat adjustments, and check air conditioning performance, as specialized luxury components can be expensive to repair. Cargo space is practical for a luxury sedan, with a boot capacity of approximately 500 litres, easily accommodating multiple large suitcases. The fit and finish are generally robust, but wear on frequently touched surfaces should be checked.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the Volvo S90 (from its last model year, likely 2024) is powered by Google's Android Automotive OS, integrated into a vertically oriented 9-inch touchscreen display. This system was advanced for its time, offering intuitive control, crisp graphics, and seamless integration of Google services like Maps and Assistant directly into the car.

It supports Apple CarPlay (wired) and Android Auto (wired), enabling comprehensive smartphone integration. The system includes integrated navigation with real-time traffic updates and supports advanced voice control for hands-free operation. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provides customizable displays for driving information. Volvo's connected car services offer a suite of functionalities, including remote vehicle status and emergency assistance. A premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system was available on higher variants, delivering an exceptional auditory experience. For a purchase, verify the system's responsiveness, screen clarity, and the functionality of all connected services, as software updates or module replacements can be costly on luxury vehicles.

The exterior design of the Volvo S90, including the last model year available (likely 2024), embodies classic Scandinavian elegance and understated luxury. It features the signature "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights, integrated into sleek headlights that flank the prominent waterfall grille with the iconic Volvo iron mark. The design is clean and uncluttered, emphasizing sophisticated proportions.

The side profile is defined by its long bonnet, graceful roofline, and a strong shoulder line that runs the length of the car, giving it a powerful yet elegant stance. Alloy wheel designs are typically refined and stylish, complementing its luxurious character. The rear design features distinctive C-shaped LED taillights that wrap around the corners, a clean boot lid, and subtle chrome accents. Dimensions for the 2024 model were approximately 4,969 mm in length, 1,879 mm in width, and 1,440 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,061 mm. Potential buyers should inspect for body panel alignment, paint condition, and any signs of accident repair, as thorough repairs on luxury vehicles are critical for long-term integrity.

Safety in the Volvo S90 (from its last model year, likely 2024) was a paramount strength, reflecting Volvo's long-standing reputation for pioneering safety. The vehicle consistently achieved a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, indicating exceptional occupant protection in various crash scenarios. The vehicle's structure utilizes a high percentage of boron steel, creating an extremely rigid safety cage.

The S90 comes equipped with a comprehensive array of passive and active safety features. Standard passive safety includes numerous airbags (expected to be 7 or more, including a knee airbag), ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Active safety features, while not listed individually, would have included advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as City Safety (autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist/large animal detection), Lane Keeping Aid, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert, and adaptive cruise control. For a purchase, ensure all safety systems are fully functional and check for any warning lights on the dashboard, as sensor or module repairs for ADAS can be very costly.

As a luxury sedan now available only on the used market, the Volvo S90 (from its last model year, likely 2024) competes against both other pre-owned executive luxury sedans and certain new luxury sedans in India. Its primary rivals in the used market include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, and BMW 3 Series.

The used Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers a more overtly luxurious interior and a strong brand image, often appealing to those prioritizing cabin opulence. The S90 differentiates itself with its unique Scandinavian design, superior safety credentials, and a more comfortable ride. The used Audi A4 provides a balanced package of comfort, technology, and understated elegance. The S90 counters with its more distinctive styling, advanced safety suite, and a more spacious rear cabin. Compared to new luxury sedans in a similar price bracket (after depreciation), the S90 offers significantly more space, luxury, and safety features. However, it carries the disadvantage of being an older model and, crucially, is subject to the NCR vehicle ban, which limits its usable life.

The Volvo S90, from its last model year (likely 2024), presents a compelling proposition in the Indian luxury car market, both as a pre-owned purchase and when compared to certain new vehicles. It offers a sophisticated Scandinavian design, an exceptionally comfortable and safe interior, and refined performance from its mild-hybrid petrol engine. While it provides immense luxury at a depreciated price, potential buyers must be aware of the associated higher maintenance and operational costs.

For buyers in India seeking a prestigious, comfortable, and feature-rich luxury sedan on the used market, the S90 is undoubtedly worth considering. It offers immense luxury and advanced safety features at a significantly depreciated price, often competing favorably with new cars in lower luxury segments on features, space, and comfort. However, the NCR vehicle ban is a critical factor: petrol cars can operate for only 15 years, and diesel cars for 10 years, from the date of purchase. For a 2024 model year S90 (petrol), this means it would be usable in NCR until 2039. This limited lifespan is a significant disadvantage compared to purchasing a new vehicle. Given the current date (July 3, 2025), a 2024 petrol S90 still has significant usable life outside NCR, and a good 14 years within NCR, making it a strong option for those outside or willing to relocate the vehicle from the NCR region, provided they account for the eventual expiry.