2018 Volvo S90 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Volvo is a Scandinavian-based automaker that continues to lead the pack in terms of luxury vehicles throughout the world. When you catch a glimpse of the 2018 Volvo S90, it becomes immediately clear that you are looking at something high-end. While the S90 is luxurious, it is also known for its high safety standards and has historically received high marks from both NHTSA and IIHS. The 2018 model is no exception. With its abundance of driver aids and clear use of high-quality products to craft the body, the 2018 Volvo S90 is a top overall contender in its segment for the model year.

What's New for 2018?

A few changes have been made to the 2018 Volvo S90 lineup, the most notable of which is the extension of the wheelbase. This model was previously only available outside of the United States. Additionally, a new plug-in hybrid model of the T8 is now available, and a few formerly-optional features are now standard.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Volvo S90 – The Pros

1. Superb and Stylish Seats

The 2018 Volvo S90 has some of the best seats you can find in any vehicle, period. The seats feel firm but conform to your body when you sit in them. They are clearly well-bolstered and provide plenty of lateral and lumbar support. They're also highly-adjustable, so most drivers and front-seat passengers can find comfortable sitting positions.

2. A Top-Notch Infotainment System

Volvo's infotainment system is one of the best you will find on any vehicle. The interface is intuitive and easy for non-tech-savvy drivers to use. Nothing feels finicky, and connections don't randomly drop. All features are labeled and easy to find. Everything comes across in vibrant graphics on the massive touchscreen.

3. A Massive Amount of Standard Safety and Tech Features

There is no shortage of standard safety and technological features on the S90. Some of these standard features are automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, keyless ignition and entry, Volvo OnCall, the semi-autonomous driving Pilot Assist system, and Oncoming Lane Mitigation.

4. High-Quality Interior Materials

There is no doubt about it; Volvo uses high-quality materials throughout the S90's luscious interior. The leather seats look expensive and durable, and nothing seems particularly prone to wear-and-tear over time.

5. Solid Braking

The brakes on the 2018 Volvo S90 feel quite secure. The brake pedal is just firm enough, and they respond relatively quickly when pressed for an emergency stop. Drivers should feel confident in this braking system regardless of what road conditions they're driving on.

6. Excellent Climate Control

The S90's climate control is touchscreen-based instead of having the typical knobs and buttons on the dash. Rear seat passengers receive air flow from directional vents, and all passengers will feel cozy due to how well the air circulates throughout the cabin.

7. Plenty of Interior Space

While some small luxury sedans struggle with rear seat space, the S90 does not have that problem. With the elongated wheelbase, the vehicle's spaciousness is expanded for the 2018 model year. You can easily fit a tall rear seat passenger behind a tall person who is seated up front.

8. Gooseneck Hinges in the Trunk

The disappearing gooseneck hinges located inside of the trunk are surprisingly helpful. They do an excellent job of keeping bulky items like luggage pieces locked into place. As for the cargo space itself, it measures in at 13.5 cub feet, which is about average for this segment.

9. Impressive Audio and Navigation

The audio and navigation features on the 2018 Volvo S90 really stand out from the competition. The vehicle's turn-by-turn navigation feature is probably one of the most accurate that you can find on a vehicle in this segment, and the optional Bowers & Wilkins system is definitely worth spending the extra money on.

10. The Convenience Package is Optional For All Trims

The Convenience Package includes heated washer nozzles, a 12-volt outlet, a surround-view camera, and front parking sensors. The best part about this package is that it is available as an option on each trim level. For what it includes, it is worth the purchase to add, especially if you crave the extra safety features.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Volvo S90 – The Cons

1. Optional Wheels Give a Rough Ride

If you opt for the 20-inch wheels, you're going to have a bumpy ride. On the 2018 Volvo S90, it is best to stick with the smaller wheels since even the optional air suspension cannot really negate the roughness of the bigger wheels.

2. Steering is Heavy

One of the major drawbacks on this year's Volvo S90 is that the vehicle's steering feels clunky. This will create fatigue for drivers making a long haul, although short rides should feel do-able. On the bright side, the vehicle does give a decent amount of feedback to the driver.

3. Handling Feels Iffy

Handling also feels a bit too laborious on the S90. The car is just so heavy that its weight prevents the vehicle from experiencing sporty handling. Also, it seems to struggle with changing directions more than its competitors.

4. Diminished Rear Visibility

The last major downside to the S90 is that rear visibility is diminished by the thick roof pillars and the sloping roofline. Also, since blind spot sensors are merely optional, this makes it extra difficult for drivers who don't have blind spot monitoring to know what is behind them.

How it stacks up to the competition:

The 2018 Volvo S90 v. the 2018 Audi A6

The 2018 Audi A6 might not have the utmost in Audi's latest technological features, but it packs in a user-friendly touchscreen interface, a spacious and comfortable interior crafted from high-quality materials, and has a range of powerful powertrains capable of getting good fuel economies.

The 2018 Volvo S90 v. the 2018 BMW 5 Series

The 2018 BMW 5-Series is a strong competitor this year with its sophisticated and spacious cabin, long list of safety and tech features, and multiple powertrain options that offer a good amount of power. The only real drawback is that quite a few features are optional, including blind spot monitoring.

Conclusion

The 2018 Volvo S90 puts in a strong performance in the luxury sedan segment and offers a lot of attractive safety and infotainment features. While the steering and handling need some refinement, the vehicle does offer a good degree of security and comfort.