The Volvo S90 comes with three engine configurations: T5, T6, and an optional Hybrid T8. The T5 engine is a 2.0-liter 4 cylinder In-line Turbocharged engine that churns out 250 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft torque in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive variants. The T6 engine is the same as T5 but is both turbocharged and supercharged that generates a massive torque of 295 lb.-ft and 316 horsepower.
The third powertrain T8 is an optional engine and is a 2.0-liter turbo- and supercharged plug-in Hybrid. The engine is paired with a 270-volt battery. This electric motor adds 87 horsepower more to the engine generating maximum power of 400bhp and a torque of 472 pound-feet. All three powertrains are coupled with 8-speed automatic transmission.
Model
|
Volvo S90 (T5 Momentum)
|
Jaguar XF (Base)
|
Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)
|
BMW 5 Series (530i)
|
MSRP
|
$48,100
|
$47,775
|
$49,700
|
$52,400
|
Engine
|
2.0L 16V I4 Turbocharged
|
2.0L 16V I4 Turbocharged
|
2.0L TFSI 4-cylinder
|
2.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder
|
Transmission
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
7-Speed Automatic
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Power
|
250 hp
|
247 hp
|
252 hp
|
248 hp
|
Torque
|
258 lb.-ft
|
269 lb.-ft
|
273 lb.-ft
|
258 lb.-ft
|
In terms of performance, the Audi A6 stands out as the winner followed by the S90 but in terms of interior and features, the S90 has the upper-hand. The BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XF feel a bit underpowered. As you go up the trim level, the S90 seems to be better in all aspects at a lower price as compared to its rivals.
2018 Volvo S90 acceleration performance
Volvo has made some improvements in the powertrains and the engine is now more powerful and quick than the 2017 variant. The 2018 Volvo S90 with FWD T5 reaches the 60mph mark in just 6.5 seconds which is quicker than that of Audi but falls short in front of Jaguar XF and BMW 5 Series.
Model
|
Volvo S90 (T5 Momentum)
|
Jaguar XF (Base)
|
Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)
|
BMW 5 Series (530i)
|
0 - 60 mph
|
6.5 sec
|
6.2 sec
|
6.7 sec
|
6.0 sec
|
Quarter Mile
|
15.3 sec
|
13.3 sec
|
14.7 sec
|
13.5 sec
|
Engine
|
2.0L
|
2.0L
|
2.0L
|
2.0L
|
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
6.5
|
6.3
|
6.3
|
6.6
|
The S90 loses in the quarter-mile race as it takes 15.3 seconds which is the slowest amongst its competitors. The BMW 5 Series is way ahead of S90, A6, and XF in terms of 0-60. The T6 turbo- and supercharged powertrain is quick and takes only 5.6 seconds to scale 60 mph.
The Hybrid T8 engine is seriously quick and takes only 4.7 seconds to reach from zero to 60 which is equal to that of Audi with the V6 engine. BMW's V8 engine takes only 3.8 seconds to reach the speed of 60mph making it the quickest of the lot.
2018 Volvo S90 Handling
The 2018 Volvo S90 has smooth steering and provides a comfortable ride. The S90 is the longest car in the segment making it a bit difficult to turn on sharp curves. The steering feels sturdy and it takes more effort to handle the S90. The car comes with 4 driving modes: Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, and Off-road. The suspension adjusts itself according to the driving mode you choose. In comfort mode, the acceleration feels dull and less responsive making the drive less sporty.
The car is quite heavy which reduces its sportiness and handling. On a rough surface, the suspensions wear out a little making the ride a bit harsh. The Volvo S90 lacks the handling, sportiness, and ride quality as compared to its rivals. The Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series have the best handling while turning, better ride quality, and better suspension as compared to the S90.
Braking Performance of the 2018 Volvo S90
The Volvo S90 brakes are not what you would expect them to be. The car has automatic emergency braking (AEB) feature that enables the driver to use the maximum strength of brakes available in the case of an emergency. The car is the heaviest of the lot so it takes some effort and time to stop, even the 13.6-inch disc brakes in the front and 12.6-inch brakes at the rear have to try very hard to rest the sedan.
Model
|
Volvo S90 (T5 Momentum)
|
Jaguar XF (Base)
|
Audi A6 Premium (2.0 TFSI)
|
BMW 5 Series (530i)
|
Brake (Front)
|
13.6
|
12.8
|
13.6
|
11.6
|
Brake (Rear)
|
12.6
|
12.8
|
13
|
11.7
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
3870
|
3604
|
3858
|
3746
|
60 - 0 mph (ft)
|
120
|
119
|
117
|
106
|
The car comes to halt from 60 mph in 120-feet while its competitors cover less distance to stop. BMW 5 Series has the best braking and it takes just 106-feet to cease from 60mph. Audi A6 and Jaguar XF also halt quicker than S90.