Volvo S90 Review

In the mid-to-high-end executive sedan market, consumers seek both the refinement brought by brand prestige and practical daily-use safety features. The 2021 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum, as a popular choice in this segment, has garnered much attention with Volvo's signature safety genes and balanced configurations. In this test drive, we focused on whether its power output meets urban commuting needs, its space and configurations satisfy daily family use, and its comfort performance as an executive sedan.

Approaching the 2021 S90 T5 Momentum, you are first attracted by its understated Nordic design style. The body dimensions are 4963mm×1879mm×1443mm with a wheelbase of 2941mm. The elongated body lines are complemented by simple waistlines, maintaining the dignified feel of an executive sedan without appearing overly bulky. The front features Volvo's signature waterfall-style grille and “Thor’s Hammer” LED daytime running lights for high recognizability. Similarly, the rear's “Viking Axe” LED tail lights are a hallmark design, providing clear visual effects when lit. The overall exterior is free of excessive embellishment, featuring a low-key yet high-quality style.

Opening the door, the interior continues the exterior’s minimalist style. The dashboard layout is neat and predominantly uses soft-touch materials paired with metallic trim, offering a solid tactile feel. The 9-inch touchscreen is located at the top of the center console, with a clear operational logic, complemented by the fully-digital instrument cluster to add an appropriate level of technology. In terms of configurations, features such as keyless entry, power-adjustable front seats (with driver memory functionality), dual-zone automatic climate control, independent rear air conditioning, and the 10-speaker Sound Plus audio system are all very practical. Notably, the rear outer seats are integrated with two-stage child booster cushions, which is particularly considerate for families with children.

The spaciousness of the S90 T5 Momentum is one of its advantages. The 2941mm wheelbase ensures ample rear legroom, where a 180cm passenger can easily have about two fists of space between their knees and the front seats. The trunk capacity is 500L with a regular opening, making it suitable for storing suitcases or strollers for daily use. Interior storage is also ample, with door panel storage compartments, a central armrest box, and front cup holders enough to meet the need for storing small items.

In terms of performance, the S90 T5 Momentum is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, with a maximum power output of 254PS and a maximum torque range of 1500-4800rpm, paired with an AT transmission using a front-wheel drive layout. During everyday driving, the throttle response is quite linear, and the low-speed torque output is sufficient, making starts and urban low-speed following brisk. When the accelerator is pressed hard, the transmission shifts smoothly, and power delivery is continuous and stable, providing enough confidence for highway overtaking. The official combined fuel consumption is 7L/100km. During the actual test drive, fuel consumption was about 8.5L/100km in urban conditions and about 6.2L/100km on highways, meeting the expectations for this vehicle class.

The handling and chassis performance lean towards comfort, with moderate steering effort and minimal dead zone, making daily driving very easy to get used to. The combination of the front double-wishbone independent suspension and the rear multi-link independent suspension offers effective damping of road bumps. When driving over speed bumps or rough roads, the body movement is minimal, ensuring a high level of comfort for rear passengers. At high speeds, the vehicle maintains good stability, and body roll is well-controlled when cornering, achieving a balance between handling and comfort.

In terms of driving comfort, the cabin provides good sound insulation. At speeds below 80 km/h, tire noise and wind noise are not significant. When the speed exceeds 100 km/h, wind noise slightly increases but does not interfere with conversations inside the cabin. The seat padding is soft yet sufficiently supportive, ensuring no fatigue even during long trips. The engine start-stop system engages smoothly without feeling abrupt.

Overall, the main advantage of the 2021 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum lies in its balanced performance: signature safety features (such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, six airbags, etc.) come standard across the lineup. The spacious interior is practical and comfortable, and the power output is smooth, making it suitable for daily commuting while maintaining the comfort typical of executive sedans. Compared to its peers, it has an edge in safety features and rear-seat child-friendly designs, making it suitable for consumers who prioritize safety and family use.

If you are someone who values safety, emphasizes practicality for family use, or needs a car that is suitable for both daily commuting and business purposes, the S90 T5 Momentum would be a good choice. It doesn’t feature overly aggressive designs or ostentatious configurations but strikes an excellent balance between safety, space, comfort, and performance.

In summary, the 2021 Volvo S90 T5 Momentum is a "practical" executive sedan. With solid product quality and thoughtful configurations, it meets the core needs of family users and business professionals alike. It is a worthy option in the mid-to-high segment of the sedan market.