NEw 2016 Volvo S90 D4 Momentum First Drive ReviEw

We've been very impressed with the new cars Volvo V90 estate has driven it in Spain, but what about the sister saloon fare when faced with a bigger challenge - the British?

Auto Trader verdict:

S90 following the example of the V90 and XC90 to give buyers something very different from the competition. With an emphasis on comfort, refinement and smoothness - not to mention good looks elegant - it hijacks unique groove in the face of rival sporty. However, it's not a bad thing, and as far as we are concerned, it is a very good executive car.

Need to know:

• Volvo executive saloon to rival the likes of the Mercedes E-Class
• Platform stocks and technology with the award-winning XC90 SUV
• On sale now, priced from £ 32 555, the first delivery in September

It was back in Volvo's sedan market executive and, after V90 that we drove last month, further evidence that there are more Volvo than a large SUV. Mind you, as the name suggests, the new S90 owe an awful lot for a large SUV Volvo, XC90.

It includes the basic platform and many technologies, which means pretty much the S90 shares the same cabin and nose as the XC90, as well as bringing some class-leading safety features. This includes City Safety system (with fully autonomous braking), driver Alert Control, Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system that handles the steering wheel, gas pedal and brake at up to 80 mph on the highway.

The range consists of two trim levels are very well equipped, both of which are available with a choice of two diesel engines and - in due course - a petrol / electric hybrid, but for our first drive in the UK, we tried what would be the cheapest way into the S90 model D4 Momentum engine trim.

Probably the first word that comes to one's mind when they see the S90 for the first time is 'smart'. Even the entry-level car we drive is equipped with a LED lamp that incorporates what Volvo pleasant refers to as motif 'Thor's Hammer', while the body has a simple, elegant form that bears comparison with saloon executive you care to mention - even without the chrome trim extra that comes with trim inscription higher.

Inside, too, S90 is a car that is very intelligent, and more than a match for any rival dominated Germany in terms of quality or style. The cabin is pretty much a carbon copy of the XC90, the dashboard is dominated by a 9.0 inch touch screen which, in combination with steering wheel-mounted controls, take care of almost all car infotainment systems.

No one complained about comfort, either, and you should be pretty strange conditions could not get settled behind the wheel, considering how much of an adjustment in the seat and wheel, and how to support their own seat.

At the rear, too, there is more than enough room for a couple of six-footer to sit in total comfort. However, the S90 is not so effective as a five-seater, as the cramped center seat and set higher than the outer two, while the large transmission tunnel on the floor seriously limit footspace available.

Just as in the V90, the competitive space for luggage rather than class-leading, but what the ultimate Volvo lost capacity, it makes up for with everyday usability. The opening of the boot to the nice and wide, the lips are not too high, and an electrically operated tailgate on all models.

Emphasis on comfort and ease of daily use were also seen in how to drive a car. S90 The goal is to shuffle everyone in from A to B - no matter how far away they may be - in complete comfort and with minimum fuss. And, it is something that is very good car, with easily accessible performance of the 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, is generally subtle changes of an automatic gearbox and a remarkable improvement at highway speeds.

trip, too, are generally very comfortable, with the only the sharpest of his back felt in the cabin. For the most part, the S90's suspension makes you at a comfortable distance away from the vagaries of the surface of the roads of England.

Admittedly, it means that, if you are a kind of executive who wants to drive a more involving and sporty, S90 will leave you a little cold. The steering has very little feedback, and the front wheel does not turn into the corner with the kind of sharpness you would get in, for example, the BMW 5 Series or Jaguar XF.

However, the S90 still handles well, with a solid feel and huge reserves of grip that inspires great confidence in the driver. In the end, this is a car that people will enjoy driving, but it was not the kind of pleasure that comes from the seat of your pants or your fingertips. pleasure rather than perceived because you'll be out of the car at the end of a long journey, really relaxed and ready to do business.

For many people, that would be the best recommendation for each executive car.

Should I get one?

Well, put it this way: every executive car-buyer would have to consider buying one. Indeed, the S90 will not appeal to everyone, but for anyone with a penchant for comfort, refinement and smooth drive - not to mention a good price-value and class-leading safety features - it could be just what the doctor ordered.

Key facts:

• Model: Volvo S90 D4 Momentum
• Price: £ 32 555
• Engine: 2.0-liter turbodiesel, eight-speed automatic
• Power / torque: 187bhp / £ 295 / ft
• 0-62mph: 7.9secs
• Top Speed: 140mph
• Economy: 64.2mpg
• CO2 / BIK tax liabilities: 116/23%
• Boot space: 500 liters

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