2017 Volvo S90 Review

Anonymous. Bland. Sensible. Stodgy. These are a few of the descriptors we've leveled at recent Volvo models, including the outgoing S80 luxury sedan. It's been faint praise for an automaker struggling to keep pace with evolving competition, but that all changes with the 2017 Volvo S90.

With a sleek, coupelike shape, bold upright grille and stylish LED headlights, the S90 is far more stylish than its predecessor. The overhaul continues inside, where the S90 cabin is trimmed with high-quality wood and metal accents. Volvo wants you to think of it as a "Scandinavian Sanctuary," and if you close your eyes you might transport yourself to the lobby of a stylish Swedish hotel.

The S90 retains many of the features of the well-equipped S80, but adds a more powerful engine (available in two power grades), more cargo space, semi-autonomous driving capability and a vastly improved infotainment experience. Optional all-wheel drive also makes a return with the S90, and a plug-in hybrid model and a high-performance Polestar edition will also eventually be available.

The S90 is an impressive luxury effort, but ultimately still lacks some of the polish of its established European competitors, like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and the redesigned Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The S90 rides just a little rougher, the handling has a little less bite and the engine sounds just a bit more strained when asked to deliver. None of this detracts from the S90's place as a fine midsize luxury sedan, deserving of a spot on any list that includes the aforementioned German contingent, as well as more value-oriented luxury sedans like the Acura TLX, Cadillac XTS or the new Genesis G80.

Volvo's reputation for innovative standard safety features continues with the S90, which offers collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, lane departure warning, road sign recognition, a system that helps you avoid running off the road (and another that helps minimize the damage if you do), a drowsy driver alert, and the OnCall telematics system, which can remotely start or unlock the S90 and notify authorities in the event of a crash.

Curiously, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert remain optional.

Semi-autonomous steering, lane keeping and adaptive cruise control (combined, called Pilot Assist) allow the S90 to drive itself through slow traffic jams or even swift-moving traffic, requiring only that the driver touch the steering wheel at regular intervals.