2020 Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus Review

Consumers in the luxury executive sedan market often demand a respectable brand image along with a balanced driving experience and practical features—and the 2020 Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus was designed specifically to meet these needs. As one of Volvo's flagship sedans, it not only features a plug-in hybrid powertrain but also maxes out on Nordic safety and luxury features. This time, through a static experience and a dynamic test drive, we will see if it can meet the expectations of Malaysian consumers for a high-end executive sedan.

Starting with the exterior, the design of the S90 T8 continues Volvo's signature simplicity, with sleek and elegant lines that align with the poised demeanor of an executive sedan. The front features the highly distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights, paired with a vertical grille that remains understated without sacrificing a sense of sophistication. The side profile is free from overly complex lines, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, complemented by 19-inch wheels that help the 4963mm length appear more stretched and refined. The rear "Viking Axe" tail lights, another hallmark of the brand's design, offer excellent recognition when illuminated at night. Overall, the exterior leans towards being timeless and understated, while details subtly exude luxury.

Stepping inside, the Scandinavian minimalist interior style is immediately apparent, but the materials and configuration are far from simple. The center console is centered around a 9-inch touchscreen, with a clear operational logic; however, it has fewer physical buttons, so most functions need to be accessed through the touchscreen. The seats are upholstered in genuine leather, with the front seats offering electric adjustment and memory functions. They provide good support and comfort, ensuring that long rides won't feel overly tiring. In terms of features, the Inscription Plus trim is nearly fully loaded: a full LCD instrument panel, HUD head-up display, a 19-speaker sound system, rear independent air conditioning, and sunshades are all included. It even has a 220V power socket to meet charging needs during business trips. When it comes to space, the 2941mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom in the rear; passengers as tall as 180cm will still have about two fists of space for their knees in the rear seats. The trunk has a capacity of 500L, more than enough to fit several suitcases or business luggage for daily use. However, as this is a plug-in hybrid model, the battery pack takes up some trunk space, though the impact is minimal.

In the dynamic test drive, the S90 T8 features a 2.0T turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor to form a plug-in hybrid system, delivering a combined maximum horsepower of 413PS. The officially stated 0-100km/h acceleration time is just 4.8 seconds, showcasing impressive performance figures. During everyday driving, the car defaults to hybrid mode, with the electric motor providing an instantaneous and smooth response during start-up with virtually no lag. When the throttle is pushed harder, the engine engages promptly, offering adequate power reserves to overtake confidently. Switching to sport mode sharpens throttle response, making power delivery more direct, with noticeable push-back acceleration; however, the engine noise becomes slightly more pronounced in this mode.

As for the suspension, the front double-wishbone independent suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out minor road imperfections. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension's rebound is gentle, avoiding any harsh shocks. The steering feel leans towards being weightier, with minimal play and clear precision. At high speeds, the steering wheel becomes heavier, providing greater stability. However, due to the car's substantial length and weight, cornering reveals more body roll compared to sports sedans. After all, the executive sedan's primary focus is on comfort rather than spirited driving.

In terms of energy consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 3.9L/100km. During our actual test drive, in hybrid mode, the fuel consumption in urban conditions was about 5-6L/100km, and on highways, it could drop to around 4L/100km. For a luxury sedan weighing over 2 tons, this fuel efficiency is quite impressive. However, as a plug-in hybrid model, if charged for daily use, the pure electric mode’s range — although the official data for Malaysia’s road conditions hasn’t been specified — is sufficient for short commutes, which further lowers operational costs.

In terms of driving comfort, the S90 T8 has excellent sound insulation. When driving at high speed, wind and tire noise are well controlled. Only during rapid acceleration does engine noise penetrate the cabin, but it’s not harsh. The comfort of the seats was mentioned earlier, and the independent rear air conditioning and sunshades enhance the experience for rear passengers, aligning with its position as a premium executive car.

In conclusion, the core advantages of the 2020 Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus are clear: First, it comes with a full array of safety features, including standard blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, automatic braking, and almost all mainstream safety functionalities, upholding Volvo’s reputation for safety. Second, it strikes a balance between power and fuel efficiency; its plug-in hybrid system provides strong acceleration performance while maintaining low fuel consumption. Third, it boasts comprehensive luxury features such as a HUD, a 19-speaker sound system, and rear sunshades, catering to both business and family needs.

Compared with similar plug-in hybrid models like the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the S90 T8's price (RM 386,888) is relatively competitive, and its features are more abundant, especially in terms of safety and comfort. The target audience for this car is clear: First, business professionals who value safety and luxury and need a car that is suitable for both formal occasions and long-distance travel; second, families who prioritize rear space and comfort, with the plug-in hybrid system helping to reduce daily running costs.

Overall, the 2020 Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus is a "well-balanced" luxury executive car. While it does not emphasize extreme sportiness, it strikes an excellent balance between safety, comfort, performance, and fuel efficiency. If you’re looking for a high-end car that is low-key and sophisticated while being fully equipped, it’s worth considering.