A Week With: 2022 Volvo S90 R-Design AWD

Big sedans are seemingly a thing of the past as buyers seem to prefer large SUVS instead.

However, Volvo still offers a large, luxurious sedan with a long wheelbase and ample power, helping maintain a tradition of vehicles suitable driving cross country in impressive style and comfort.

The 2022 S90 R-Design comes with all the technology as well as the exterior and interior styling one expects from a sedan, which is built and engineered to offer both driver and passengers a smooth, quiet ride in a comfortable seat. Passengers also get the additional benefit of being ensconced in a restful environment.

Overview

At the same time, the 2022 Volvo S90 R-Design is equipped with features designed to keep both the driver and all passengers safe.

The S90 is not a big seller. Volvo has sold fewer than 1,000 in the United States so far this year. But word is getting around and total sales in 2022 are up nearly 85 percent. Availability certainly plays role since the S90 is assembled in China, but the car also appears to be developing fans.

Exterior

The most impressive features of the S90’s exterior design is its long, low silhouette, which gives the car its own unmistakable presence when it is standing still or in motion. The car’s exterior and long nicely balanced appearance is fortified by the vehicle’s wide stance. Big SUVs also come with a wide stance, their stances are nowhere near as dramatic or as bold as that of S90 R-Design. 

The bold posture is also amplified at the corners by the unique designs for the 19-inch wheels. The grille includes a bold interpretation of the Volvo badge and high-gloss black mesh. The other badging on the car is quite unique and the rear of the car is a study of restrained Scandinavian design. Overall, the exterior of the S90 creates an elegant, sophisticated statement, which stands out among today’s vehicles.

Interior

The elegance and sophistication of the S90’s exterior is carried over into the car’s interior. The overall design of the cabin is restrained but the details are exceptionally well executed from the neat stitching to the judicious use of bright accents and the different material with different textures to sheathe the inner door panels all combine to deliver a stylish and comfortable interior that is one the best released by an automaker in the past couple of years. 

The technology loaded into the 2022 S90 R-Design is neatly integrated into the vehicle so it easy for the driver or the passenger to use. The controls for entertainment system and cruise control are on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The interior is also very quiet and the visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent.

Powertrain

The 2022 S90 Volvo R-Design’s powertrain is built around a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine equipped with turbo charging, direct injection and a mild hybrid with a 48-volt battery and a stop-start system as well as regenerative braking. 

The engine is paired with an 8-speed transmission with all-wheel drive and traction control. The powertrain produces 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rated the S90’s combined fuel economy at 26 mpg, including 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. 

Safety and Technology

The Volvo S90 is equipped with multiple airbags for protection in frontal, side and rollover collisions as well as whiplash protection. It is also equipped with driver assistance technology including blind-spot detection, lane-departure alert, road run-off mitigation, pedestrian and cyclist detection, driver alert feature.  

The S90 R-Design also is outfitted with a Harmon-Kardon sound system as well as satellite radio and Bluetooth. The display also includes a digital driver display and a nine-inch touch screen. It is also equipped with Google assistant natural voice recognition with Google Maps and Google Play. The car also comes with inductive smartphone charging and USB ports in the front and rear seats.

Driving Impressions

The Volvo S90 R-Design has more than enough power and it delivers a smooth ride. The steering is accurate and crisp, and the brakes are very good. Overall, the car has very good driving dynamics thanks to the double wishbone suspension up front and an integral link suspension in the rear. 

Besides being a pleasant vehicle to drive on the highway, it is very well-behaved in traffic. In addition, the S90 is designed to carry passengers, particularly the spacious rear seats, which are designed for the Chinese market where chauffeured premium vehicles are more common.

2022 Volvo S90 R-Design AWD Specifications

Wrap Up

One thing the S90 has going for it is that it one of the most authentic luxury cars out on the road. There are plenty of expensive vehicles on the market carrying price tags elevating them into the luxury segment. 

The MSRP of the Volvo S90 I drove was $64,540, but it did not seem to out of line since it was genuinely luxurious. The S90 is an authentic luxury car. It would be a great vehicle if you are taking a long trip with a couple of friends. But it might not be the most versatile vehicle on the market today and versatility seems to one of the features in which potential buyers seem most interested. But it is a very nice car to drive.

2022 Volvo S90 R-Design AWD ­— Frequently Asked Questions