2018 Volvo S90 T8 Review / Comparison - In 4K

Even though the S90 is only about a year old Volvo decided to make some big changes. All American bound 2018 S90 sedans will be 5 inches longer than the 2017 model putting the formerly-mid-sized S90 closer to some full-sized luxury sedans than the the Lexus GS. At the same time they dropped a new 400 horsepower plug in hybrid system under the hood and topped it all off with a new rear seat package that again blurs the lines between mid and full size sedans. The one thing Volvo didn't really change however was the price tag, the S90 is still one of the best values in this segment and with the addition of nearly 5 inches of legroom it's also the roomiest European option.
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[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

As a Volvo guy: I'd buy this someday Alex.

[@jordaneep]

This guy. Alex. Best reviews on KZbin

[@THEJEDEYEMASTER]

yes, besides his horrible intro music thats way too shrill. I usually catch it and move the slider a bit. when I dont I get so pissed off I would throw my shoe at him if he was in front of me.

[@Nathan-dm9wr]

THEJEDEYEMASTER no you wouldn’t , Get off KZbin and go to bed, It’s past your bedtime

[@johnborges5938]

Jordan Ensminger - Hear, hear! Tons of actual content and less fluff. Alex rocks.

[@micgeneva998]

Indeed. Very practical, no fancy moves, and even has car seat test from time to time.

[@xcom6466]

@@THEJEDEYEMASTER Intro music can stay but you can go...

[@The69cool69]

Alex, all of your reviews are very comprehensive. A pure joy to watch.

[@narayananmuruganandam7699]

. .m

[@alber.a1232]

Looks quite good. Anyway, cockpit and media seems a bit dated, and the steering wheel is not the best looking in the segment, just saying… Nevertheless, great option. On the other hand, terrific review. Very complete👌🏻 Kudos

[@SSS-mp8th]

Anyone considering this please buy a V90 (non CC) instead, for one it looks great, 2 more practical and 3 I want to buy one used in 2 years so we need lots of lease returns.

[@maxh4782]

Awesome Review! You're so professional!

[@Mamo878]

Btw, the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system is insanely good.

[@the80386]

I rarely hear people talking about one of the best audio system. the one in acura. a hidden gem, that one.

[@mr.b4444]

You have the best reviews. I purchased a 2018 S90 Momentum T5 a couple of months ago. I absolutely love the car. I’ve seen a lot of reviewers and comments that the engine isn’t powerful enough for a vehicle this size. I’m not so sure about that. I guess it boils down to what the car will be used for. I don’t race down roads, and didn’t want a sports car. I wanted a nice looking upscale sedan to cruise a little and the S90 fit the bill perfectly. My only real disappointment is in the basic sound system. $3200 seemed a bit steep for the BW upgrade. The basic sound system needs a little more bass and adjusting the sound balance to have a little more towards the rear passenger area almost sounds like its missing a lot of mid range. I’m still shopping around for a small self powered subwoofer that I can hide somewhere that would fill the void and not interfere with the Sensus control. If I had to do it over again, I would probably spring for the BW upgrade. Also, all cars in this class should have fold down rear seats for greater trunk space as a standard feature. Even some cheap cars have that feature. Anyhow, the S90 looks classy without too much bling; I believe that’s called elegance. I’m in Phoenix and I don’t see many Volvos driven here, so I get the occasional stare. My first Volvo…I hope it lasts a long time.

[@jeremyowens4115]

Still have it??

[@Pp942]

Still have it?

[@DJM565]

The Volvo S90 has amazing lines and overall design! Kudos to the company, and thank you for the review.

[@BanBiofuels]

I like the front end, but the rear is a deal breaker.

[@alfredvalrie5541]

Christopher Calder that’s what she said

[@Trades46]

That's why you buy the V90. More practical choice as well.

[@quinton01]

I would love to own an S90 one day, but they really dropped the ball on the back end.

[@ryanfisher7164]

I actually like it. It's different. Grew on me over time

[@RangerAmateur]

Cuz they originally designed that for the wagon. V90 and new V60's rear looks gorgeous.

[@stephenwalker8791]

QB amber turn signals and not LED...big miss!

[@Trades46]

It seems Volvo listens - the new S60 has a much nicer resolved rear end treatment.

[@bird718]

those volvos stand out on the road, is it a large midsize car or a small full size car? lets just say the designs different and they probably left room for improvements to the lights etc.. for the the 2019, 2020 etc... i wish it had a bigger trunk and six cylinder engine, i'm not a fan of 4 bangers.

[@swanblake]

@Alex on Autos Alex, once you lose battery power/charge level, do you lose AWD? Same for that 0 to 60mph number ?

[@ethanjmeister]

Looks wise I honestly think its superb. Especially the front.

[@Obitdf]

EXCELLENT REVIEW SIR.

[@ultratech6671]

Planning on replacing my Honda Accord Hybrid with this. Goes along with my XC90 T8 which has been a perfect car.

[@kevinn1158]

Bro, you are like data from Star trek. I love it. Pure logical analysis. No car company can hide from you.

[@williamerazo1685]

Review for honda clarity Phev

[@williamzhao3393]

Hi Alex, would you consider give some quality comments on rear seat comfort level instead of solely on legroom statistics. I am a Chinese and I know these manufacturers’ tricks of extending wheel base. For example, I can assure you an Audi A4L has a similar rear seat leg room of an A8 but the comfort level is certainly unparalleled. Don’t you find the rear seat bottom cushion is too short and too hard in the long wheel base S90? I strongly recommend you to take consideration of the rear seat ride comfort on reviewing these luxury mid size sedans. Finally, thank you for keeping bringing great videos to us!

[@quizzley7]

How does it compare to the Cadillac CT6 PHEV?

[@sergevivier2861]

I think that Hybrid and EV are the future of the industry.

[@charlesreynolds4786]

Its has only 4 cylinders on it though, it would be nice if they make another V8 engine turbo version.

[@Trades46]

I like the overall styling of Volvos, but honestly I think the V90 back end looks better resolved than the S90. Perhaps that shouldn't be a surprise as Volvo has always been known better for their wagons than sedans. I like the T8 PHEV variant, but the pricing is a bit steep. Also I find the S90 & V90 a bit big. I anxiously wait for the V60 which seems to be a perfect size & keeps the same great styling, and comes in the cheaper T6 Twin Engine PHEV which is cheaper as well.

[@muhammadfaridsuryautama319]

Because why 2018 S90 is now longer than 2017? The because the 2018 S90 till today is now made in China, compare with 2017MY when was still made in Sweden.

[@didiattoz]

Mr. Very attention to detail! awesome!

[@jazzbeau507]

Where was final assembly for this car? Sverige/Sweden, China, or South Carolina?

[@CHEloveg22]

despite i'm an owner of accord hybrid touring 2024, i'd like to have a volvo

[@brucec43]

The longer version now makes it very comparable to the S class and BMW 7 series. Not as refined but if you need a big comfortable car it seems like a bargain.

[@benjamincaron46]

They should offer the Excellence model in the US to compete with the S class, A8, LS, and 7 series.

[@fleuger99]

Great review as always Alex! I have an XC70 now and this is my 3rd Volvo so I love them but the S90 is ugly from all angles but the front. Back reminds me of a Russian car from the 70's LOL. I'm not a fan at all.

[@_-_-_-_9407]

what Russian car?

[@thex2thaz]

Wow! super helpful. Thanks!

[@brucec43]

All S90's will be screaming bargains used when the first ones come off lease.

[@brucec43]

You think there will be reliability issues? What's the warranty on the battery and electric components?

[@WaheedKhan-mm3pw]

Infiniti q70l had 86.2 in combined legroom.

[@courtneypopielarz3510]

The video sound is pretty good, beyond my imagination

[@Clippers0507]

You ever think about having timestamps, Alex?

[@ThatWasherNerd]

He used to in his older videos, but he decided it was too much of a hassle to edit.

[@Clippers0507]

LGwasherFan Really? As heavily edited as the actual videos are, I wouldn't think it would be too taxing to just have in the descriptions: Exterior: xx:xx Interior: xx:xx Ride Conditions: xx:xx Car Comparison: xx:xx Final Thoughts: xx:xx Just something simple like that. Beats blinding scrubbing through the video.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

KZbin dropped the feature where you could click on them and skip to that section :-(

[@Clippers0507]

I'm confused. Was there a click thing on the actual video that KZbin enabled content creators to do when they uploaded their video? I was just talking about the regular timestamps that anyone can do where you just type the point in the video you want to highlight. Ex: 0:09 - Exterior 4:16 - Interior and so forth. We are talking about the same thing, right? Oh, and THANK YOU for having 4K videos, dude. It's nice to see more videos in 4K.

[@soumyadeepbhunia172]

Oh my, what a long doggo!

[@chocolatemilk912]

Yikes on the backend.

[@ast5515]

I'm a bit confused as to why these cars exist. Your head is touching the ceiling if you sit upright in the back, but you give it 10 points. But this is the way you are supposed to be sitting in general. In any car. That means you gave 10 points to a car that you don't fit in. I understand these scores are relative to their categories, but in my opinion this is a gloriously oversized 2 seat vehicle, since an avarage person doesn't fit in the back. Might as well make it a coupe and give it super soft suspension. Land yacht in the house.

[@bl00dra1nn]

Nobody sits clinically upright

[@ast5515]

Carly Schultz But some people do sit at least somewhat upright. Look. I'm 5 11 and I don't feel comfortable in the back of the S90 we get in Europe. The version in the US doesn't have more headroom so it cannot be better. I do fit, but the ceiling is so close that it makes it feel cramped. I'm not a big fan of crossovers and SUVs, but the XC90 is simply superior because it actually seats 5. Notice I said 5, not 7.

[@gregsullivan7408]

ast5515 couldn't agree more. It's good that they've given it more leg room, but they need to go further. (and as a chauffeur, I need a larger trunk too). One vehicle I'm very impressed with is the BWM 6-Series GT, especially the upcoming 620d. Much cheaper than a 7-series, yet lots of leg AND head room, and a better trunk. I applaud BMW for putting function before form in this vehicle. (it does look a little odd)

[@lmn222002]

I wish they would make this available on their new Care by Volvo..I like this car a lot!!

[@Chiderah100]

This or the regular T6 inscription? I’m trying to decide and switch my Nissan Altima for this beautiful masterpiece. Please help! Thank you!

[@mohamadk5000]

@Alex on Autos Thank you for all your professional and comprehensive reviews. The best car reviewer by far. I can't find an S90 T8 to test drive. I am torn between 2020 S90 Inscription T6 and T8. Since you have driven both, may you please tell me which one handles better and is more nimble? Much appreciated.

[@Zirkobi]

Really god review, unbiased and very factional. Beautiful, however I will say that in the end Volvo has the edge over all the competitors, because it in the end is the safest car. Like even if the German cars handle slightly better, turn slightly better and do other things slightly better, that still won't save you in a crash, but a Volvo will.

[@AidenRZ777]

. I thought the 2017 was the same size as a a4 the s90 was maybe like 1 inch bigger than the a4 but the 2018 looks way bigger I don’t know why Volvo had to wait one year to make a stretched S90

[@MaestroWenarto]

Alex is better than autogefuhl, more details

[@Yibbs08]

@13:43 miss these 0-60 comparisons in the drive. Still the best car reviewer on KZbin :)

[@peer6038]

One of the market's most charming and stylish cars. To all of you who complain at the back, I just want to say: Get your own opinion and do not listen to everyone else. Personally, I think it is very appealing and fits the car

[@patty109109]

Great review as usual. Really wanted to get some deets on the T8 because there isn't a lot of info about the T8 S90. That center console really is small! In my opinion the $5k (and any state credit) makes the T8 compelling. With the slightly better gas mileage and plug in availability your total cost could end up only very slightly higher than a T6, yet you have an extra 84 horsepower, and dump the 0-60 from 6 seconds to sub-5.

[@augiepalmisano5853]

6

[@b.f.378]

I hope the 2019 S60 won't get that same back end too... Every other part of this car (inside and out) looks nice tho

[@alwaysgrowing369]

your videos are good but they are very runny, and you forgot to show the back arm slant, which is very important in sedans limousines.

[@gitrdoug]

Nice looking car inside and out. I had to look it up after pulling up behind one earlier today. Seems like a very complicated drive train. Another thorough review Alex. Subscribed!

[@jon4715]

Car is great looking EXCEPT for the rear end (the trunk and tail lights are pretty awful).

[@CommViewer]

Q: for insurance purposes will this car be put in the same class of car as say a 7 series BMW/A8 or in the A6/535i class ?

[@smovol1847]

Pleace, make review on Maserati Levante 2018 with electric-powered stearing.

[@VincentConard]

This dude, Alex, is so knowledgeable and authoritative. Best auto reviewer on KZbin!

[@mgp9733]

Seems clear, the RLX Hybrid is the way to go, especially used.

[@py1211]

If I were to buy a Volvo I would only choose the wagon version simply because it looks way better than the sedan, and it has to be white color.

[@percybedford6266]

Alex how would you rate the S90 against the Lincoln Continental?

[@scotstirling639]

This was an *outstanding* review! Very thorough, informative, and focused on things that actually matter. Thank you.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Alex, what was used to determine that this model is considered mid-sized? Seems a stretch to me - pun intended. Thanks for another quality review.

[@Kezardin]

Vehicle classes are determined by the EPA : www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2010-title40-vol29/xml/CFR-2010-title40-vol29-sec600-315-08.xml

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Well, for *this* one, it's the fact that it competes against the mid-sized ones.

[@loftalofta8423]

5m cars that are mid sized is kinda strange...

[@flarestorm99]

That metal piece on the lower portion of the door makes it look so old to me. Interior is really nice though.

[@nickscott447]

Great in depth review. Glad I watched. I was very curious about Volvos hybrid system so thanks for posting.

[@michaelgrant5258]

Hmm 70db at 50mph is pretty loud for its class.

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

T8 top of the line don't have fog lamp... WHY?

[@Joke9972]

This thoroughly presented and so complete, congrats.

[@alexanderdeburdegala4609]

Hey Alex just wanted to say I enjoy your presentations. Thanks for being so informative and non bias

[@weirdshibainu]

1st

[@bigc4544]

I've never been a Volvo guy... After seeing this video that still won't change.

[@jeff3220]

Unfortunatelly rear is ugly :((

[@brenrob7403]

Nice review. Lovely car. Powertrain is indeed powerful but I'd be worried about reliability a little - Turbo, supercharger, battery, etc.

[@patty109109]

Agreed. I would never want to own this. It has lease written all over it, then the second you hit 50k miles (Volvo's warranty) get rid of it.

[@JosephYoussefOfficial]

What's the T8 mpg?

[@R4Ramit]

Car review is nice but I just hate the music of this channel at the start of every video😡

[@mkotrba2]

I have the feeling that the redesigned S90 will have a negative impact on their S60 sales (at least this year). Their more affordable sedan is looking more dated compared to it's big brother. However their bread and butter is the XC60 which did get the updated design and the S90 and XC90s are driving up sales. Love your reviews - listening to the comps to others in segment makes me realize that these manufacturers are competing at such a level that no matter what you pick you are getting a great car. You are talking about a luxury sedan with 400hp and 29mpg! My 1990 self would think you are a joke.

[@brucec43]

Sales were down 10% YTD vs a year ago for the S60. This is to be expected for a design on its way out soon, though. Oddly, V60 sales were way up, 70% YTD! My guess is the V90CC draws in shoppers, they're repelled by the actual prices on lot vehicles (often heavily loaded and in the $60's) and "settle" for a V60 that can be had in the upper $30's well equipped. The V90 is a bigger vehicle but the interior in the front seat is barely noticeable in size difference. For those who don't care about infotainment, can just use a phone for nav, and are ok with regular bluetooth, the controls on the older models are actually more user friendly and easy to use when driving. The S60's are heavily discounted and a really nice one can be had in the low-mid 30's. (Dynamic, sport package and wheels, xenons, etc).

[@patty109109]

V60 is coming out soon and I believe there will be a renewed 60 later this year as well, for the reason you mention. Current S60 looks downright ancient.

[@bobcraft9597]

Time to retire "winding mountain road".

[@ElvisAronable]

S90 styling is really great.

[@SCtester]

I never knew I wanted to own a Volvo so much!

[@blitzbbffl]

Is "Power Mode" dependent upon having had the car plugged in? If so, how long does "Power Mode" last?

[@RubenKelevra]

blitzbbffl well, no. It means that the motor is charging at all times you don't need full power, with the remaining and do use both motors at all times to give a lot of instant torque.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Correct. It uses the ISG to keep the battery at a higher SOC so that it can deliver more power for longer but it will still operate as a hybrid with no charging from a home source needed.

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review Alex.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

I just recently drove this car- i immediately was shocked at how bad the NVH was - sure, in db numbers it may be quiet, but what you hear sounds really bad. 400 hp, but sounds and vibrates like a subcompact. 400 hp but feels strained going 30 mph. I don't understand how anyone would buy expensive Volvos after test driving them for just 1 minute. At this price point the powertrain comfort is absolutely unacceptable, makes the whole car feel cheap. I also don't understand why Alex doesn't citizise the rough drivetrain more. During my drive there also were 2 false alarms from the driver assists (one time without any reason, the other time because of a train driving by at around 20m distance.)

[@fleuger99]

Mgoblagulkablong I'm not surprised. It is a 4 cylinder engine in a $65K + car. I'm a huge Volvo fan and have owned several but will never buy one with this new 4 cylinder engines. They are unrefined and lack a smoothness I expect at this price point.

[@sunshadow9704]

You are idiot. You must be enjoying American junk like Dodge or Chevy.

[@loftalofta8423]

I rented one last summer and it was very sharp, powerful, quiet and precise..and the stereo BW is the best i’ve heard in any car....

[@bird271828]

What? No amber turn signals? I am not buying the S90.

[@Clippers0507]

Second

[@tarassu]

I suspect 540e will come out soon :D

[@pgivno4241]

540e SHIT

[@tinhinnh]

not my 1st choice for fullsize lux sedan, or 2nd or 3rd etc...

[@b.f.378]

I thought it was a full size sedan at first, but it's actually a midsize sedan

[@tinhinnh]

Baasil F. so “Long” is midsize?

[@b.f.378]

tinhinnh according to Wiki, but it looks long like a full size car and with "90" at the end, you'd think it's the flagship car

[@tinhinnh]

Baasil F. on the size scale it looks like a tweener - longer than 5series but shorter than the LS

[@OM_42]

Volvos are lease only. You would be crazy to buy with this complicated powertrain.

[@leesprout5820]

Certified pre-owned life!

[@the80386]

unfortunately most car manufacturers make their designs expecting lease these days. people have become engulfed with materialism so they have to keep up to the latest trend rather than being content with one. gone are the days when people bought a car to keep and manufacturers made them with that in mind. in recent future, people won't even buy cars anymore. when autonomous become common, cars will become a service.

[@charlesduran8700]

$80,000 for a 4cylinder car, NOPE !!!

[@jblitz9331]

My boi, it's turbo charged and super charged. It will put many 6 cylinders to shame and still get better fuel economy

[@charlesduran8700]

Sorry , I don't by the Hype I am Old School . If you have to add super charger and turbo charger to do what a naturally aspirated V/8 does then it not worth it. I took one for a test drive ( the 316 hp variant ) and it was not as smooth sounded like a muted sewing machine and I did not find it refined for my taste or my money . If I was looking to buy a car for fuel economy i would skip the Luxury name plates and Buy a toyota Corolla

[@DrClaw77]

It's 2018. V8s and V6s are slowly vanishing into the ether. Even in brands even more prestigious (and in brands less).

[@charlesduran8700]

YEAH i know But for and Old Schooler like me I cant wrap my head around paying so much for a car with a 4cylinder engine . I did take the Volvo for test drive and it was not as smooth or quiet as an old school luxury car with a V/8 . Its that old saying Less is more , But to old schoolers Less is Less and More Is More . Sorry I'LL pass

[@charlesduran8700]

Your Point !! Just because those engines are disappearing does not mean the 4 cylinders will ever be as smooth in a prestigious car for $80,000 . beside I took the Volvo for a test drive and there was nothing the salesman could say to make we want to buy one . Plus I found other issues I did not like

[@lukimy2704]

first?

[@_-_-_-_9407]

first what?

[@ivaylovarbanov5177]

Alex why don't you admit that this is the most elegant sedan in this class out there 😉?

[@cte4dota]

New A6 over this any day of the week.

[@b.f.378]

Anything in its class over this

[@earlpainter2143]

I agree the back end is ugly,but, I think the front is also pretty bad!

[@tjs114]

I missed nearly the entire rear seat description because I was fixated on the exposed pop rivets at the top of the door jam. That is not what I would consider high-end car fit and finish. Are they mounting points for something? I can't believe they'd leave something like that exposed.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

They are mount points for roof racks. The Europeans *LOVE* roof racks so having a fixed mounting point hidden that way is seemingly essential for a Volvo.

[@karlp8484]

Ridiculous car. VOLVO fails model for model in every category , why create a stretched?

[@jhrk4279]

Rear is so ugly.

[@sunshadow9704]

Despite what some say I find rear of S90 is much more pleasant then 3 Germans. Volvo rules.

[@tarassu]

Tesla Model 3 with updated suspension.