Used Volvo S90 for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 39.7%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 70
Average Price: Around £13,400

Volvo S90 (2016-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Ploughs a different furrow from BMW and Mercedes	Not the sportiest of cars
Minimalist interior is restrained and elegant	Plug-in hybrid the only option from 2020 onwards
Comfortable to drive and be driven in	Infotainment system is a bit fiddly

Quick Summary

The Volvo S90 (2016-present) is a large premium saloon that takes a distinctly different approach to its German rivals. Rather than pursuing dynamic sportiness, the S90 prioritises elegance, refinement, and comfort. Its beautifully appointed interior features a minimalist design dominated by a portrait-oriented touchscreen, whilst the cabin materials are of the highest quality. The S90 offers spacious accommodation for five adults, with exemplary driving position and plentiful legroom, though boot space at 500 litres is decent without being exceptional. The ride quality is refined and quiet, making it ideal for long-distance cruising.

The S90 launched with three trim levels—Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design—though from 2020 this was rationalised to just two. Engine options include 2.0-litre diesel (D4 and D5), petrol (T4 and T5), and a plug-in hybrid (T8). Real-world fuel economy varies by engine choice, with diesels achieving around 40-50mpg and petrol engines around 37mpg. Insurance groups range from 27 to 42, and servicing intervals are 12 months with flexible payment plans available. The S90 competes without competing, offering an alternative to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class for buyers seeking comfort and refinement over sportiness.

Best for: Buyers seeking a premium, comfortable saloon that prioritises refinement and elegance, those wanting an alternative to German rivals, and drivers who value long-distance comfort and quality interior appointments.

Not ideal for: Drivers seeking dynamic, sporty handling, those wanting traditional engine variety (post-2020 models are plug-in hybrid only), or buyers frustrated by touchscreen-heavy infotainment systems.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the S90 if: You seek a premium, comfortable saloon that prioritises refinement and elegance, want an alternative to German rivals, or value long-distance comfort and quality interior appointments.

Consider alternatives if: You desire dynamic, sporty handling, want traditional engine variety (post-2020 models are plug-in hybrid only), or prefer physical controls over touchscreen-heavy infotainment systems.

Competitive Position: The Volvo S90 (2016-present) is a compelling alternative in the premium large saloon segment, offering an elegant, refined approach that contrasts with the sportier BMW 5 Series and the luxurious Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Whilst it may not match the 5 Series for dynamic handling or offer the widest engine choice, the S90's minimalist interior design, exceptional comfort, and focus on refinement make it an excellent choice for buyers seeking something different. With strong user ratings and competitive value, it represents a thoughtful alternative for those prioritising long-distance comfort and understated elegance over outright sportiness.

Read our full Volvo S90 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.