CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 44.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 80
Average Price: Around £13,000

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 or raw power, Volvo has created an elegant, beautifully appointed car that prioritises comfort, refinement, and safety. The spacious interior features a minimalist design dominated by a portrait-oriented touchscreen, high-quality materials, and some of the most supportive seats in the class. With 500 litres of boot space and plentiful legroom, it's exceptionally practical for long journeys, whilst the refined driving experience ensures you arrive feeling fresh.

Engine options include 2.0-litre diesel (D4 and D5), petrol (T4 and T5), and a plug-in hybrid (T8) variant. Real-world fuel economy varies from around 37-50mpg depending on engine choice, whilst the T8 offers a 37-mile electric-only range. Running costs are competitive with rivals, though insurance groups range from 27 to 42. Servicing is straightforward with 12-month intervals and flexible payment plans available. The S90 launched with three trim levels (Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design), later rationalised to two from 2020. This is a car for those seeking understated elegance and serene driving dynamics over outright sportiness.

Best for: Buyers seeking a refined, comfortable premium saloon with elegant design, those prioritising safety and technology, and drivers who value long-distance comfort over dynamic handling.

Not ideal for: Enthusiasts wanting a sporty driving experience, those seeking the most powerful engines in the class, or buyers frustrated by touchscreen-heavy infotainment systems.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the S90 if: You seek a refined, comfortable premium saloon with elegant design, prioritise safety and technology, or value long-distance comfort over dynamic handling.

Consider alternatives if: You want a sporty driving experience, desire the most powerful engines in the class, or prefer traditional infotainment controls to touchscreen systems.

Competitive Position: The Volvo S90 occupies a unique position in the premium large saloon market. Whilst the BMW 5 Series leads on sportiness and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class excels in laid-back luxury, the S90 carves its own path with understated elegance and serene refinement. It offers excellent value with the highest percentage of good and great deals available (44.2%), and users rate it highly at 5.0 out of 5. Though the Audi A6 matches the S90's user rating, it has fewer deals available. The S90 is the ideal choice for those seeking something different from the German establishment, combining Scandinavian minimalism with premium comfort and cutting-edge safety technology.

Read our full Volvo S90 Review

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