2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus Review

2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus, as a luxury plug-in hybrid flagship sedan, combines the safety DNA, 4.9-second 0-100 km/h performance, and 2.1L low fuel consumption, balancing family practicality and business elegance, with outstanding cost-effectiveness.

RM 339,315

2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus

Segment

Executive

Body Type

Sedan

Capacity(L)

2.0

Engine Power(PS)

320

Transmission

Driven Wheels

All Wheel Drive

View Volvo S90 > View Full Specs >

Review

User Review

Specs

In recent years, the competition in the executive sedan market in Malaysia has become increasingly intense. Consumers are not only pursuing luxury and technological configurations but are also demanding greater fuel efficiency. Plug-in hybrid models are gradually becoming a new option in this market segment. The 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus, as the brand's flagship plug-in hybrid sedan, not only continues Volvo's iconic safety DNA but also achieves a balance between performance and efficiency with its 4.9-second 0-100 km/h acceleration and a combined fuel consumption of 2.1L/100km. The core purpose of this test drive is to evaluate this car’s overall performance in daily commuting, highway cruising, and family usage scenarios to see if it can meet the diverse needs of executive-level users.

From the exterior, the 2021 S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus maintains Volvo's family-style simple and elegant design. The front features a vertical chrome grille paired with Thor’s Hammer LED daytime running lights, offering high recognition. The side profile has smooth lines, with the waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, creating a sense of length. The 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels enhance its sporty appeal. At the rear, the Viking Axe LED taillights light up with a signature vertical light band, echoing the front design. The hidden exhaust layout under the rear bumper further emphasizes the refined feel of the car.

Stepping inside, the Nordic minimalist style is immediately apparent. The interior mainly uses soft leather and wood trim panels, creating a delicate tactile experience. The center console tilts slightly toward the driver, with a 9-inch central touch screen in the middle, featuring a clear interface and smooth operation. In terms of configuration, the car comes standard with a head-up display (HUD), a fully digital instrument cluster, and dual-zone automatic air conditioning. The front seats are electrically adjustable with memory functions, offering good lumbar and cushion support. The rear seats are equipped with independent air conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet, and the 60:40 split seats integrate child safety booster cushions on the outer seats, emphasizing practicality. The vehicle dimensions are 4963mm x 1879mm x 1443mm, with a wheelbase of 2941mm. The rear legroom is generous, with a height of 180cm passenger having about two fists of space from their knees to the front seat. The trunk offers a capacity of 500L, easily accommodating three 20-inch suitcases.

In terms of the powertrain, the car is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 2.0T turbocharged engine and an electric motor. The engine delivers a maximum power of 320PS, while the electric motor provides a maximum power of 87PS, achieving a strong combined system output. For daily commuting, the pure electric mode offers an official electric range of 58km, which is sufficient for most short trips in urban areas. Switching to hybrid mode, the electric motor takes the lead during startup, providing smooth and quiet acceleration, while the engine engages promptly with no significant jerk when the accelerator is pressed harder. During overtaking, the car offers ample thrust, achieving a 0-100km/h acceleration in just 4.9 seconds, which is outstanding in its class.

The handling and chassis performance are equally commendable. The steering wheel is precise and has minimal slack. At low speeds, it feels light and convenient for parking, while at high speeds, it becomes firm, boosting driver confidence. The front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension system are tuned for comfort, filtering out most small road bumps effectively. When crossing speed bumps, the body remains stable, ensuring rear passengers do not experience significant jolts. In terms of fuel consumption, the hybrid mode achieves a combined fuel economy of approximately 2.3L/100km, which is close to the official figures. In pure electric mode, energy consumption is about 18kWh/100km, with a range achievement rate of around 85%. Noise control is excellent, with wind and tire noise remaining minimal at 120 km/h on the highway. The Bowers & Wilkins 19-speaker audio system provides clear sound quality, further enhancing the driving and riding experience.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus lie in its comprehensive safety features (standard blind-spot assist, active braking, etc.), strong performance with low fuel consumption, and practical space that accommodates family needs. Compared to plug-in hybrid rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, this car offers better value for money (RM 339,315), and family-friendly details such as the integrated child safety booster seat make it more suitable for family users.

This car is ideal for family users who prioritize safety and comfort, as well as middle-aged consumers who need a vehicle that balances business reception with daily commuting. It meets the luxurious feel of an executive sedan while solving fuel efficiency concerns through its plug-in hybrid system, making it a well-rounded mid-to-large-sized sedan.

Pros

The exterior design is elegant, with Thor's Hammer headlights that enhance recognition and improve safety in foggy weather. The car's size is well-suited for highways and narrow alleys.

The interior features comfortable Nappa leather seats, excellent sound quality from B&W audio system, practical integrated child safety seats in the rear, and textured wood grain decorations.

The hybrid system is fuel-efficient, pure electric range meets urban commuting needs, and the fuel-electric synergy provides quick acceleration. The all-wheel drive ensures stability on highways during rainy weather.

Cons

360 image resolution is insufficient, making it hard to see the surroundings clearly when reversing

With a longer body, it is inconvenient to maneuver through traffic jams and narrow lanes

When following vehicles at low speed, the active braking system is occasionally too sensitive, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions

Overall Rating

4.4

Excellent

From 5 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.4 / 5

Interior Design

4.4 / 5

Safety

4.2 / 5

Exterior Design

4.6 / 5

Showing 5 reviews

5 Excellent

TCR_Leon

Owner of 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus

As the owner of the 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus, after driving it in Malaysia for almost two years, I absolutely love its design and interior more and more! Let’s talk about the exterior first. Every time I park near the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, people always turn their heads to look — the body lines are particularly elegant, especially the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights, which are super distinctive when lit up in the morning while commuting through the foggy mountain roads of Penang, giving a strong sense of safety. The vehicle's dimensions make it very stable on Malaysia's highways. When going through toll gates or the narrow streets of Klang Valley, the 4963mm length is just right and doesn’t feel cumbersome. The interior is impeccable! The Nappa leather seats feel like a sofa at home, and even sitting for one or two hours in Kuala Lumpur's traffic jams doesn’t feel tiring. The Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivers incredible sound quality while playing Malay songs on the highway, thoroughly isolating any external noise. The integrated child safety seat in the rear is particularly convenient when traveling to Malacca with kids — there’s no need for an additional seat, and my family finds it very thoughtful. The wooden trim on the dashboard has a great texture, feeling warm and smooth to the touch, unlike the plastic-like finish of some other cars. All in all, these two points are flawless, and every time I get into the car, it feels worth every penny!

5 Excellent

A3Turbo

Owner of 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus

As the owner of the 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus, having driven it in Malaysia for almost two years, what I want to talk about the most is safety and performance. Let’s talk about safety first, I give it 4 stars because overall it really gives me peace of mind, but there are some minor regrets in the details. During rush hour traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur, the active braking system helped me avoid two minor collisions—once when the car in front suddenly braked sharply, and another time when a motorcycle suddenly darted out. The system reacted very quickly in both cases. When driving on the North-South Expressway, the lane-keeping aid and blind-spot monitoring system are also very practical, making long drives less tiring. However, there was a time when I was reversing in a narrow alley in Penang, and the resolution of the 360-degree camera felt a bit unclear. I almost grazed a roadside pillar, so if this could be upgraded, it would be even better. Now about the performance, I must give it 5 stars! The 4.9-second acceleration makes overtaking on highways in Malaysia incredibly enjoyable, especially on the North-South Expressway when overtaking those large trucks—it’s done in an instant with just a tap on the pedal, giving me a strong sense of security. The 58 km pure electric range is completely sufficient for my daily commutes in Kuala Lumpur city. I charge it twice a week, and fuel consumption is consistently around 2.1L, much more economical than my previous petrol car. Moreover, the all-wheel drive is very stable during rainy weather on highways. Last time I drove back to Selangor in heavy rain, there wasn’t even a hint of skidding. Overall, these two aspects have met my expectations, truly worthy of being a Volvo!

5 Excellent

NavaraNP

Owner of 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus

As the owner of the 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus, having driven it in Malaysia for nearly two years, here’s my real driving experience～ Exterior gets 4 points. It’s not that it doesn’t look good, but Volvo’s design is too “low-key” — the boxy lines and Thor's Hammer headlights have high recognition, but compared to the striking German luxury cars all over Kuala Lumpur, it lacks a bit of "love at first sight" appeal. However, it truly grows on you. Every time I park it in Pavilion Mall’s parking lot, the steady Nordic texture feels more pleasing as I look at it, which I’m quite satisfied with. Performance undoubtedly gets 5 points! For Malaysia’s road conditions, which frequently experience traffic jams but occasionally require highway runs, the hybrid system is amazing! In the city’s electric mode, it is quiet and fuel-efficient, and the combined fuel consumption of 2.1L during KL traffic jams is incredibly economical. Once on the North-South Expressway, the power from both electricity and fuel gives a strong punch, and the 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds makes overtaking trucks on the highway extremely satisfying. Moreover, the all-wheel drive feels incredibly steady during rainy days on the LDP Highway, with no skidding whatsoever. Safety scores a full 5 points, no doubt! Volvo’s safety reputation is truly deserved. For instance, last time in the narrow lanes of George Town in Penang, a motorcyclist suddenly darted out, and the automatic braking system stopped the car instantly. On highways during long drives, the lane-keeping and lane change assist continuously issued reminders, preventing several potential lapses due to fatigue. The built-in child safety seats in the rear are incredibly convenient when taking kids to Genting Highlands, delivering complete peace of mind and perfectly meeting my expectations for a “mobile fortress.” Overall, this car is highly suitable for use in Malaysia; its performance and safety features are definite strengths. While its exterior isn’t flashy, it is understatedly elegant, making it ideal for families prioritizing practicality and a sense of security.

4 Excellent

GLC43

Owner of 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus

As a car owner in Kuala Lumpur for almost two years, this Volvo S90 Recharge T8 is really suitable for Malaysian road conditions! Speaking of its appearance, although it’s not as flamboyant as BBA (BMW, Benz, Audi), that kind of Nordic minimalist elegance really appeals to me – especially the silver paint under the sunlight, understated yet high-class. However, sometimes on congested roads like Jalan Ampang, the car’s long body does make it less maneuverable, so I’d deduct a point for that. In terms of safety, Volvo certainly didn’t disappoint! Last time on the North-South Expressway, a car suddenly changed lanes, and the automatic braking system stopped me just in time. It scared me, palms sweating, but I was truly grateful. Also, the rear seats with built-in child booster cushions were especially practical when taking the kids for a self-drive trip to Penang, and the ISO FIX mounts feel very secure. But if they could add rear side airbags, it would be even more perfect, especially considering how motorcycles often dart around on Malaysian highways. Performance-wise, the hybrid system is excellent for city driving! The pure electric mode’s 58 km range is just enough for my commute from Subang Jaya to KLCC, without using any fuel. On the highway, it’s great for overtaking, and the 4.9-second acceleration gives me a lot of confidence for emergency lane changes. The only downside is the slightly stiff suspension; you have to slow down on bumpy rural roads, or else the rear seats can get quite bumpy. Overall, this car is very comfortable to use in Malaysia. If it weren’t for the slightly long body and stiff suspension, it would really deserve a perfect score!

4 Excellent

XC90_T8

Owner of 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus

As an owner of the 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription Plus, having driven it in Malaysia for almost two years, the most satisfying aspects are safety and interior, which deserve a rating of 4—good but not flawless to the point where there's no room for minor criticism. First, let's talk about safety. On highways in Malaysia, there are often sudden lane-changing cars, especially on busy routes like the North-South Expressway. Its automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning systems have saved me a few times! I remember once on the Penang Bridge, the car in front suddenly braked hard, and before I could react, my car stopped itself, leaving just half a meter between us. It scared the life out of me. Additionally, the rear child safety booster seats are very handy. My two kids can sit there without needing extra seats, and the lock keeps them securely in place, giving me peace of mind while driving up the winding roads to Genting Highlands. However, a drawback is that the automatic braking can occasionally be too sensitive at low speeds. Once while stuck in traffic on Jalan Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur, the car in front moved slightly, and just as I released the brakes, my car braked abruptly, almost causing the car behind to rear-end me. This can be a bit awkward. Now, about the interior. The Nordic design feels especially comfortable in the humid and hot climate of Malaysia. The light brown Nappa leather seats are soft to the touch and don’t absorb as much heat as black ones. The woodgrain trim on the dashboard looks very premium, and my friends always ask if it’s custom-made when they sit in my car. However, there’s a small issue: during Kuala Lumpur’s rainy season, the flocked material in the door storage compartments tends to attract dust and water stains, which are a bit troublesome to clean. It would be better if it were leather instead. Also, the rear air conditioning vents are designed to be quite hidden, and relatives sitting in my car for the first time often can’t find them—they need some guidance, which makes it less intuitive. All in all, these two aspects are excellent enough to be called "outstanding." It’s a car that’s both practical for daily use and impressive in appearance, so a rating of 4 is well-deserved!