The 2017 Volvo S90 T6 has no paddle shifters – not as standard equipment, not even as an available option. We gathered this during a spirited drive in the latest offering from the Swedish firm on a route that was decidedly un-Swedish.
We set out at a leisurely pace from Costa del Sol in sunny Spain, escalating the drama as we scampered northwards up foothills of various size and description, the temperature readout on the iPad-like centre console touchscreen rising inexorably. Despite the circumstances, the S90, a brand-new luxury sedan from a brand in the midst of a dramatic comeback, kept its cool the entire time.
The lack of paddle shifters is key to this composure.
Although the T6 version features a 316-horsepower engine that’s both supercharged and turbocharged, it’s not designed to tear through its Continentals. Yes, the quoted 0-100 km/h time for the S90 is a credible 5.9 seconds, but few Volvo drivers will feel compelled to verify the claim. Sure, you can sort through the eight-speed automatic manually using the shift lever, but the chances of anyone bothering to do so are slim to none.
This is the secret to the new Volvo: a cool and collected approach that doesn’t aspire to beat the German brands at their own game, but rather to take the game to a new pitch.
There is an admirable simplicity and logic to the new offerings from the Swedish brand. In North America, the first wave of vehicles is available with just three different powertrains, all of them based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder gas engine. There will be just two platforms going forward, one for larger vehicles, one for smaller. All of these vehicles have been engineered to accommodate electrification down the road.
This new approach was triggered by a change in corporate ownership in 2010 and ushered in by the Volvo XC90 last year. In four years’ time, the XC90 will be the oldest vehicle in the Volvo fleet, an indication of just how much is going on in Gothenburg.
The S90 is, in effect, a sedan version of the XC90: There are familiar design elements, inside and out, similar levels of performance and a consistent hushed vibe to the driving experience. As with the multiple award-winning XC90, there is much to admire. The 2017 Volvo S90 arrives in dealerships this September. A wagon version to complete this inspired triumvirate, the V90, makes its debut early next year.
You’ll like this car if ... You yearn to banish road rage from your daily commute.
TECH SPECS
Base price: $56,900
Engine: Supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Transmission/Drive: Eight-speed automatic/All-wheel drive
Fuel economy (litres/100 km): TBD
Alternatives: Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti Q70, Jaguar XF, Lexus GS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class
RATINGS
Looks: Given the constraints of aerodynamics and safety, there’s little wiggle room available for designers tasked with any project, let alone a boring old four-door sedan. Nevertheless, there are unique design elements on the S90 (many drawn from the XC90) that help this Volvo stand out in a crowd.
Interior: The S90 has an interior design that manages to be subdued and luxurious at the same time. The materials are supremely pleasing. The layout is functional yet inspired.
Performance: For those interested in a luxury sedan that doubles as a sport sedan, the S90 will leave you wanting more. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine creates more than enough performance for everyday driving requirements. But the AWD system doesn’t feature trick torque vectoring, the suspension isn’t hard-edged enough, the steering is inconsistent and there are no paddle shifters whatsoever.
Technology: Over the years, Volvo lost ownership as the safest brand in town due to the advances of its key competitors. But the battle is not over. The S90 features the City Safety suite of driver assistance systems as standard equipment and introduces two world firsts: large animal detection and run-off road mitigation. Elsewhere, the touchscreen, heads-up display and other critical controls are first-rate in terms of functionality and desirability.
Cargo: There’s a credible 500 litres of luggage space in the trunk, roughly the same as other sedans with a proper trunk instead of a hatchback. The tally is offset somewhat by a middling back seat that doesn’t offer a huge amount of space.
THE VERDICT
9
A legitimate alternative to the obvious luxury sedan choices.
The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.
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