The Volvo S90 is a stylish and comfortable sedan that offers a blend of Scandinavian design, advanced technology, and a focus on safety. Choosing the right year model is crucial to ensure you get the best possible ownership experience. This guide will delve into the best and worst years for the Volvo S90, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
| Year | Strengths | Potential Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Elegant design, comfortable ride, advanced safety features (City Safety), well-appointed interior. | Infotainment system can be laggy, potential for early production issues, some reports of electrical glitches. |
| 2018 | Refined engine options, improved infotainment system responsiveness, enhanced driver-assistance features. | Infotainment system still not perfect, some reports of minor software bugs. |
| 2019 | Introduction of mild-hybrid technology (B5 and B6 engines), improved fuel economy, more standard features. | Mild-hybrid system complexity could lead to future repairs, potential for increased maintenance costs. |
| 2020 | Further refinement of mild-hybrid technology, improved interior materials, subtle styling updates. | Mild-hybrid system still relatively new, long-term reliability not fully established. |
| 2021 | Plug-in hybrid (Recharge) model gets increased electric range, Google-based infotainment system introduced. | Google-based infotainment system learning curve, potential for early software issues with new system, Recharge models can be expensive. |
| 2022 | Continued improvements to Google-based infotainment, refined plug-in hybrid powertrain, more standard safety features. | Potential for software glitches with Google-based infotainment system, ongoing parts shortages may impact availability. |
| 2023 | Minor cosmetic changes, updated trim levels, continued focus on electrification. | Potential for software glitches with Google-based infotainment system, ongoing parts shortages may impact availability. |
| 2024 | Expected to be a continuation of the 2023 model with minor updates. | Potential for software glitches with Google-based infotainment system, ongoing parts shortages may impact availability. |
Detailed Explanations
2017: The inaugural year for the second-generation S90, the 2017 model showcased Volvo's new design language and commitment to luxury. Its strengths included its elegant design, a comfortable ride thanks to its well-tuned suspension, and a suite of advanced safety features like City Safety, which automatically applies the brakes to avoid or mitigate collisions. However, the infotainment system was known to be laggy and unresponsive, and some owners reported early production issues and electrical glitches.
2018: Volvo addressed some of the initial concerns with the 2017 model in the 2018 S90. The engine options were refined, and the infotainment system's responsiveness was improved. Additionally, driver-assistance features were enhanced, making the driving experience safer and more convenient. While the infotainment system was better, it still wasn't perfect, and some owners experienced minor software bugs.
2019: A significant update came with the 2019 S90, as Volvo began introducing mild-hybrid technology in the form of the B5 and B6 engines. This resulted in improved fuel economy and a slightly more responsive driving experience. The 2019 model also boasted more standard features. However, the complexity of the mild-hybrid system raised concerns about potential future repairs and increased maintenance costs.
2020: The 2020 S90 saw further refinement of the mild-hybrid technology, leading to even better fuel efficiency and smoother performance. Volvo also improved the interior materials, enhancing the overall luxury feel. While the mild-hybrid system was becoming more mature, its long-term reliability was still not fully established.
2021: A major leap forward occurred with the 2021 S90. The plug-in hybrid (Recharge) model received an increased electric range, making it a more practical option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. More importantly, Volvo introduced a Google-based infotainment system, offering a more intuitive and feature-rich experience. However, the Google-based system had a learning curve, and some owners experienced early software issues. Furthermore, the Recharge models were more expensive than their gasoline-powered counterparts.
2022: Volvo continued to refine the Google-based infotainment system in the 2022 S90, making it more stable and user-friendly. The plug-in hybrid powertrain was also refined, further improving its efficiency and performance. Additionally, more standard safety features were added. However, the potential for software glitches with the Google-based system remained, and ongoing parts shortages stemming from global supply chain issues could impact vehicle availability.
2023: The 2023 S90 received minor cosmetic changes and updated trim levels, keeping the design fresh. The focus remained on electrification, with the Recharge model continuing to be a key offering. Similar to the 2022 model, the potential for software glitches with the Google-based infotainment system persisted, and ongoing parts shortages remained a concern.
2024: The 2024 S90 is expected to be a continuation of the 2023 model, with potentially minor updates. Given the recent trends, the potential for software glitches with the Google-based infotainment system is likely to remain a consideration, and ongoing parts shortages could still impact availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which year of the Volvo S90 is the most reliable? While no year is entirely free of potential issues, the 2018 and 2020 models are generally considered more reliable due to improvements over the initial 2017 release and further refinement of the mild-hybrid systems.
Is the Google-based infotainment system in the newer S90 models worth it? The Google-based infotainment system offers a more modern and integrated experience, but it can have a learning curve and potential software glitches, so it depends on your preferences and tech-savviness.
Are the Recharge (plug-in hybrid) models a good choice? The Recharge models offer excellent fuel economy and reduced emissions, but they are more expensive and require regular charging to maximize their benefits.
What are the common problems with the Volvo S90? Common problems can include infotainment system glitches, minor electrical issues, and potential concerns related to the complexity of the mild-hybrid systems.
How much does it cost to maintain a Volvo S90? Maintenance costs can vary depending on the year and model, but generally, Volvo S90s require regular servicing, and parts can be more expensive than those for some other brands.
Conclusion
Choosing the best year for a Volvo S90 depends on your priorities and budget. If you value a modern infotainment system and are comfortable with potential software glitches, the 2021 or newer models with the Google-based system might be a good fit. If you prioritize reliability and a more established powertrain, the 2018 or 2020 models could be better choices. Always thoroughly research any specific vehicle you're considering and have it inspected by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase.