Review of the 2022 Volvo S90 B6, The Luxury Midsize Sedan

The S90 is Volvo's flagship premium midsize sedan, which was introduced for the 2017 model year. It demonstrates the Swedish brand's commitment to fashion, materials, and technology, as well as the importance of safety. The 2022 Volvo S90 B6 is more about calm comfort than sheer performance, thanks to its four-cylinder gas engine or plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

1. New Features of 2022 Volvo S90 B6

This year, Volvo made several changes to the 90-Series range. The standard turbocharged engine has been replaced with a new mild-hybrid variant of the turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter inline-4, dubbed B6. The S90 sedan is still available in T8 Recharge trim, which has a plug-in hybrid system that allows for up to 20 miles of electric-only driving.

The S90 sedans have a fairly long wheelbase, which allows for plenty of legroom in the back. The V90 wagon is a little shorter, but because of its large load spaces, it is more practical overall. The well-crafted cabin is a picture of Scandinavian simplicity throughout, yet even the basic trim comes tastefully outfitted.

2. Performance and Fuel Economy

The 2022 Volvo S90 B6 will get a new standard powerplant in 2022. With a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system, it improves on the preceding T6 supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 engine. The objective is not to increase horsepower; instead, torque is increased to 310 lb-ft. Its purpose is to increase drivability. A 0-60 mph time is expected which is similar to the 5.6-second run achieved earlier.

The eight-speed automatic gearbox and standard all-wheel-drive remain unchanged. Despite the hybrid feature, fuel efficiency remains the same; the 2022 S90 gets 23/31 mpg city/highway, compared to 21/32 mpg last year. The T8 plug-in hybrid engine, which turns the front wheels with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 and an eight-speed automatic gearbox and the rear wheels with an electric motor, is also available.

3. Comfort and Quality

Volvo's largest sedan and wagon come with luxurious, well-equipped interiors that also happen to be spacious. With optional massagers of the 2022 Volvo S90 B6, both the standard and optional multi-adjustable front seats provide excellent support. The amount of space in the back seat, especially in sedans, is incredible. The Volvo S90 and V90 offer a roomy, airy sensation despite their low roofline.

Lighter interiors offer a spa-like vibe to them, yet the black headliner that comes standard with some interior colors may make them appear cave-like. Cargo capacity is adequate in sedans but excellent in wagons, which provide an SUV-rivaling 54 cubic feet when the second row is folded down. Also available are built-in outboard rear child-seat boosters.

4. Safety Measures

The IIHS has named the S90 and V90 models as Top Safety Pick, citing excellent overall performance, albeit its "Acceptable" headlights fall short of the top "Good" grade. It has not been confirmed whether the S90's front-collision avoidance system would receive the prize again in 2022, but the 2022 Volvo S90 B6 remains unaltered.

The newest generation of these Volvos has not yet been tested by the NHTSA. Adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control are all standard features, as is a technology dubbed Pilot Assist that allows for limited hands-free driving. The ability to see outwardly is exceptional.

5. Modern Advanced Features

Inside, the biggest change is the transition to Android Automotive OS, which replaces Volvo's proprietary Sensus infotainment system with Google's dashboard platform. It means you will get Google Maps, the Google Play store, and the Google Assistant for voice control, all of which are much superior to their predecessors.

Although Google Maps is useful, smartphone connectivity is nonexistent at the moment. You will get Bluetooth, but neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto. Volvo promises they will be added to the 2022 Volvo S90 B6 later, but their lack is noticeable right now. There is no wired music streaming functionality if you connect your phone to one of the four USB-C ports, merely charging.

What jumps out about the automobile is how well it has aged. The S90 defies its years, from the outward design to the cabin to the way it drives, and feels not so much new as indifferent with such things as age. Of course, targeted upgrades and massaging have aided this, with the sole flaw being the Google-powered infotainment system, which seems like it was released before it was fully cooked.