CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 80
Average Price: Around £14,000

Volvo S90 (2016-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Ploughs a different furrow from BMW and Mercedes	Not the sportiest of cars
Minimalist interior is restrained and elegant	Plug-in hybrid the only option from 2020 onwards
Comfortable to drive and be driven in	Infotainment system is a bit fiddly

Quick Summary

The Volvo S90 (2016-present) is a large premium saloon that takes a distinctly different approach to its German rivals. Rather than pursuing dynamic sportiness, Volvo has prioritised elegance, refinement, and comfort. The S90 features a beautifully appointed interior with minimalist design, a portrait-oriented touchscreen, and some of the finest seats in the class. Spacious accommodation for five adults, with plentiful legroom and a 500-litre boot, makes it practical for long journeys. The driving experience is serene and composed, with excellent ride quality and minimal noise intrusion, though it lacks the engaging handling of a BMW 5 Series.

Engine options include 2.0-litre diesel (D4 and D5), petrol (T4 and T5), and a plug-in hybrid (T8). Diesel versions achieve around 50mpg, whilst petrol engines manage approximately 38mpg. The T8 plug-in hybrid offers an electric-only range of 37 miles and theoretical efficiency of 141mpg, though real-world figures will be considerably lower. Running costs are competitive with rivals, though insurance groups range from 27 to 42. Volvo's minimalist trim strategy offers excellent standard equipment across Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design variants. The S90 represents a compelling alternative for buyers seeking comfort, refinement, and distinctive design over outright sportiness.

Best for: Buyers seeking a refined, comfortable premium saloon with distinctive Scandinavian design, those prioritising long-distance comfort and interior quality, and drivers wanting an alternative to conventional German executive cars.

Not ideal for: Enthusiasts seeking dynamic handling and sporting engagement, those requiring the latest infotainment technology without compromise, or buyers wanting maximum engine power and performance.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the S90 if: You seek a refined, comfortable premium saloon with distinctive Scandinavian design, prioritise long-distance comfort and interior quality, or want an alternative to conventional German executive cars.

Consider alternatives if: You desire dynamic handling and sporting engagement, require the latest infotainment technology without compromise, or want maximum engine power and performance.

Competitive Position: The Volvo S90 (2016-present) is a compelling alternative in the premium large saloon segment, offering a unique proposition that differs markedly from its German rivals. Whilst the BMW 5 Series edges ahead with superior sportiness and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class provides more luxurious appointments, the S90 excels in refinement, comfort, and distinctive design. Its minimalist interior, excellent seats, and serene driving experience make it ideal for those seeking a different approach to premium motoring. The S90 represents outstanding value for buyers prioritising comfort and elegance over dynamic engagement, with competitive running costs and strong user satisfaction ratings.

Read our full Volvo S90 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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