Volvo S90 2018 Review

In recent years, consumers in the executive sedan market have been paying increasing attention to the balance between power and fuel efficiency, while their requirements for luxury features and safety performance have also gradually risen. As the top plug-in hybrid version of the Volvo S90 series, the 2018 S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus boasts "high performance + low fuel consumption" as its core selling point, while also being equipped with class-leading safety features and comfort functions. In this test drive, we will focus on experiencing its actual performance, daily usability, and whether the exclusive advantages of the top version are worth the extra investment.

Approaching the S90 T8 Inscription Plus, the first impression is the characteristic executive-grade Volvo design—simple yet retaining a sense of solidity. The straight waterfall-style grille paired with the "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights is highly recognizable; the streamlined body lines extend from the front to the rear, creating a sense of sleekness, and the 4963mm length and 2941mm wheelbase enable it to maintain a commanding presence among its class. The "Viking Axe" LED taillights at the rear are a signature design; once illuminated, their effect is striking, echoing the front headlights. In terms of details, the 19-inch wheel hub design is stable, matched with 255/40R19 tires that not only ensure grip but also retain an overall business-like aesthetic.

Opening the car door, the Nordic-style interior immediately greets you—a combination of light-colored leather and wooden trims creates a warm and high-end ambiance. In terms of materials, soft-touch coverings are widely used, and wherever your hand touches, you can feel a delicate texture. The center console layout is simple, and the 9-inch touchscreen (although the configuration list does not specify the size, it has an intuitive operating logic) integrates most functions, reducing physical buttons and making the center console appear cleaner. In terms of features, the head-up display (HUD) and full LCD instrument panel come as standard, with the former reducing the need to look away while driving and the latter allowing customizable displays, including navigation and power flow status. The front seats offer electric adjustment and memory function, with moderate softness in the padding for comfortable long-duration seating. Rear space is the hallmark of an executive sedan, and the 2941mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom. Even with a 180cm tall passenger seated, the knees have two fists' worth of space from the front seats. Rear amenities like independent air conditioning, sunshades, and a 220V power outlet further enhance the riding experience. Notably, the rear outer seats feature integrated two-stage booster child seats, which are very family-friendly. The 500L trunk volume meets the storage needs for daily commuting or short trips.

Starting the vehicle, the first noticeable feeling is the tranquility in pure electric mode. The total power from the combination of the 2.0T turbocharged engine and electric motor reaches 324PS, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration of 4.7 seconds. During actual driving, pressing the accelerator firmly provides a clear sense of pushback, making overtaking or highway speeding effortless. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic (although the configuration list does not clearly indicate it, it exhibits smooth shifting logic), performing differently under different driving modes. The pure electric mode fits short urban commutes well, and although the official pure electric range is not specified, driving 20-30km in urban areas daily poses no problem. The hybrid mode intelligently distributes power between fuel and electricity, balancing power and fuel consumption. In sport mode, the engine and motor work simultaneously, providing more aggressive power response. Regarding the chassis, the combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension (Inscription version configuration, with adjustments in the Plus version leaning more towards comfort) performs exceptionally well. It effectively absorbs road bumps, and passing over speed bumps or uneven roads transmits minimal vibration into the cabin. The steering has a solid feel, is precise in direction, becomes heavier at high speeds to ensure stability, and effectively controls body roll around corners, without noticeable swaying motion.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 2L/100km. In actual test drives, under hybrid mode, the fuel consumption in congested urban areas is about 5-6L/100km, while on highways it is maintained around 4L/100km. When the fuel tank (50L) is full and the battery is fully charged, the range can exceed 800km, which meets the expectations for plug-in hybrid models. The brake pedal feel is linear, and the braking distance is short, providing ample confidence.

One of the advantages of the S90 T8 in daily driving is its comfort. Noise control inside the cabin is well managed; wind noise and tire noise are well suppressed during high-speed driving. Only during rapid acceleration will the sound of the engine slightly enter the cabin, but it is not piercing. The seat's support is good, and the wraparound feel at the lumbar and leg areas can alleviate fatigue during long-distance driving. The energy recovery system has adjustable levels, and at the lowest level, it is close to the coasting feel of a fuel vehicle with no obvious drag effect, making it suitable for daily commuting.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2018 Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus are clear: powerful performance with low fuel consumption, comprehensive safety features (standardized with active braking, lane departure warning, 360-degree panoramic imaging, etc.), and abundant comfort features, especially the rear child seat design and spacious interior. Compared to competitors in the same class, its plug-in hybrid system leads traditional fuel vehicles in terms of energy-saving, and its safety features, a traditional strength of Volvo, are more comprehensive than some competitors.

This car is most suitable for families who value balanced performance—it provides the business attributes of an executive sedan while saving on fuel consumption for daily commuting, and caters to consumers who have high requirements for safety and comfort. If you are looking for pure sports performance, its suspension tuning, which leans more towards comfort, may not be the best choice. However, for most family or business purposes, its performance is sufficiently versatile.

In summary, the 2018 Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus is a "well-rounded" executive plug-in hybrid sedan that strikes an excellent balance among performance, fuel consumption, safety, and comfort. It is suitable for consumers who want to balance prestige and practicality.