2023 Volvo S90 T8 Recharge
5 years since launch, Volvo’s S90 luxury sedan may be one of the oldest vehicle concepts of them all, but it’s still alive and well for model year 2023.
Unfortunately, sedans are going the way of the dodo In North America these days as SUVs and crossovers continue to be the rage. I'm glad to see that Volvo is still sticking to its guns and keeping its S60 and S90 sedans around in Canada for now.
What’s new?
In keeping with other Volvo models, the 2023 Volvo S90 is only available in two trims, the S90 B6 mid-hybrid and the S90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid. Gone is the T6 nomenclature as Volvo is moving towards a path of full electrification by 2030.
For consistency, the “Recharge” nomenclature, previously only seen on Volvo’s fully electric XC40 and C40 Recharge, has also been carried over with the plug-in hybrids.
The Volvo S90 has been only mildly updated with the latest model year, boasting a few subtle styling touches that don't interfere with the classic look. This includes new bumpers and wheel designs all of which continue to make this an attractive vehicle. Alas, North America does not benefit from the sequential turn signals that European S90s now have.
My test vehicle was the top-of-the-range 2023 S90 T8 Recharge with the Ultimate package, and the newly revised plug-in hybrid powertrain. Both the gas combustion engine and the electric drive setup have received upgrades, with the combined package good for 455 hp and improved 0-100 km/hr acceleration runs of 4.8 seconds.
Thanks to a larger capacity battery with a third layer of cells, for 18.8 kWh of battery storage, electric-only range increases up to 61 kms. Like the 2022 Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge SUV I tested, the 2023 S90 T8 Recharge also shares the more powerful 143 hp rear electric motor, which is 65 per cent greater in output versus earlier S90 T8 plug-ins.
The larger capacity battery now allows drivers to pre-heat or pre-cool the car remotely via the Volvo Cars app even when unplugged, while still maintaining decent all-electric driving range.
For 2023, all T8 Recharge Volvo vehicles receive one pedal driving functionality, as well as Google’s Android-based Auto infotainment system. This solidifies Volvo’s ongoing relationship with Google and their ecosystem.
Cabin comfort
The S90's cabin is an embodiment of Scandinavian chic – crisp and modern, with consistent quality that puts it among the best in its class. Every surface of the doors and dashboard are made up of soft-touch materials, fine-grain wood, or chrome accents; making each touch a tactile delight. Think of it as high-end Swedish luxury furnishings versus everyday Ikea.
Leather seats, thick low-pile carpet, knurled starter and volume knobs make for one luxurious environment. The Inscription trim takes it one step further with more wood and leather covering the dashboard as well as softer leather seats.
Little touches that add to the Volvo S90’s charm and include a tiny Swedish flag sewn into the front passenger seatback seam and "Since 1959" stamped into the seatbelt buckle. This was the first year that Volvo introduced three-point seatbelts as standard equipment.
Volvo’s attention to detail is apparent from even a minor inspection - assembly defects are few and minor.
Driving in the 2023 Volvo S90 is a pleasure, thanks to plenty of head and legroom, plus a well-placed dead pedal. It's not perfect however - the wide centre dashboard encroaches on the right foot space a bit.
Those looking to sit higher may be very slightly disappointed as the adjustable tilt-and-telescope steering wheel is manual and not powered. A strange omission for the luxury class the S90 is supposed to compete in.
Strangely, S90s with the climate package can be optioned out with a heated windshield, using a grid of wires to heat the glass to quickly melt off ice and snow, but at the expense of the heads-up display system. Other OEMs, like Jaguar Land Rover, have figured out how to offer both.
The 2023 Volvo S90 carries on Volvo’s long-standing reputation for incredibly comfortable front seats. The wide and cushioned seating is specifically designed to provide maximum support; the power lumbar and pressure adjustments are standard, while my top-spec Inscription model come with a power adjustable backrest width and power extendable thigh cushioning.
Even taller passengers will have plenty of headroom in the rear, not to mention terrific leg and knee room. Overall, it's clear that comfort is at the heart of this design.
Infotainment and safety tech
All Volvo S90s come with a virtual instrument cluster with easy-to-read analogue styled gauges plus a digital read-out. As with other recent Volvos though, I was not a huge fan of how Volvo displays its trip computer, or the lack of configurability with the virtual dashboard.
Most cars can constantly show the trip info between the gauges, but Volvo’s system only allows it to be shown for a few seconds before minimising to the base of the tachometer. The space between the gauges can display a map, but the resolution isn’t great.
Apple CarPlay is finally available on the S90’s tablet-like portrait infotainment system, providing a familiar smartphone interface to Volvo’s slightly complicated infotainment system. Thankfully, with the transition to the Android for Cars infotainment system, there are less menus to navigate through in the native system. Nonetheless, people unfamiliar with Volvo’s menu interface may find that there is a bit of a learning curve.
The S90 has its share of classic knobs and buttons - a welcome volume knob for the stereo, a traditional shift lever, and even an unusual twist-to-start starter knob. The auto wiper speed adjustment button might take some getting used to.
Like the popular XC90 SUV, the 2023 S90 comes supplied with an array of intelligent safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic warning and lane keeping assistance.
Additionally, Volvo's Pilot Assist is offered as standard equipment - a combination of adaptive cruise control and steering assistance – for convenience in stop-and-go traffic at lower speeds. The system still requires drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel or else it will sound a warning and then disengage.
I found the system to be easy-to-use, but it left a bit too much of a gap in-between cars when in stop and go traffic, allowing others to cut in. Unlike systems such as those from Genesis, the minimum follow distance is not that adjustable and on the conservative side. I suppose this is safety-conscious Volvo we’re talking about, so I shouldn’t be too surprised!
How does it drive?
With 455 horsepower and all-wheel drive, there is no shortage of thrust in ordinary driving. The instant torque assist from the more powerful rear electric motor is also immediately noticeable, making this an unusually fun to drive.
I found myself leaving the vehicle mostly in the “Pure” all-electric mode, where it was perfectly comfortable zooming around town. With the more powerful rear electric motor, the gasoline engine no longer has to kick in, even on steeper hills. Colour me impressed.
The big Volvo sedan handles with aplomb, but lacks the sporty maneuverability of its higher-end European competitors. Its steering is firm and has a hint of tactile feedback, but it takes some convincing to push the car around tight turns. Call it comfortable, competent, but a bit uneventful.
Ride quality was similar, comfortable, firm, but uneventful. The S90 has a rear air suspension system to help with some dampening and auto levelling.
As expected, the S90’s braking performance was very good, with excellent pedal modulation and progressive linear feedback, even though the transition period between electric regeneration and the friction brakes. Some other OEMs could certainly learn from Volvo’s execution.
Final thoughts
Although the 2023 Volvo S90 T8 Recharge doesn’t reward with a sporty and athletic driving experience like its German competitors, it is still a competent, sound, and unique vehicle that is easy to live with.
Strong points carry over from its XC90 SUV sibling, including a very comfortable cabin, and beautiful details creating ambiance. This modern theme is both uncluttered and yet luxurious.
For those looking for a larger luxury sedan with all-wheel-drive, the 2023 S90 T8 Recharge offers a bit of a unique proposition as it allows for a long enough electric-only range for day-to-day driving in traffic, but yet the flexibility of a plug-in hybrid powertrain for longer distance trips out of town, where electric charging may not be readily available.
