What is it?
The Volvo S90 is a refreshing Scandinavian alternative in an executive saloon segment filled with big-hitting German rivals. This new R-Design trim is, for now at least, its sportiest variant.
Available with either of the 2.0-litre diesel D4 or D5 engines at launch (with a hybrid T8 to join later), R-Design gets a black grille, 18in alloys, dual exhaust pipes and sports seats, as well as a sporty suspension set-up and a lavish leather and nubuck interior.
We’re driving the D5 variant, which isn’t a full-blooded Polestar performance model (although a Polestar Optimisation Pack is available) but still offers a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine with 232bhp and 354lb ft, all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission.
In the UK, R-Design is expected to be the joint most-popular trim in the S90 range, alongside entry-level Momentum. It offers head-turning looks, a plush interior and the promise of a sportier drive, but it faces tough competition from all-wheel drive BMW M Sport and Mercedes-Benz AMG Line rivals in its class.
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agree it needs a 6 cylinder in that price range
The endless German comparisons serve no purpose...
The Germans have mastered the art of building cars that reviewers find hard to criticize, though they have little soul or character. Volvos have soul, character, and are fun to drive, in their own way. The entire conversation needs a reboot, though I really don't care that much as long as excellent cars like this are available. On an average day the benefits of what this car has to offer far exceed the "dynamic edge" the Germans have, which for all intents and purposes is unusable day to day.
apologies, meant "For decades