Used 2017 Volvo S90 T5 Inscription Sedan Review

Anonymous. Bland. Sensible. Stodgy. These are a few of the descriptors we've leveled at recent Volvo models, including the outgoing S80 luxury sedan. It's been faint praise for an automaker struggling to keep pace with evolving competition, but that all changes with the 2017 Volvo S90.

With a sleek, coupelike shape, bold upright grille and stylish LED headlights, the S90 is far more stylish than its predecessor. The overhaul continues inside, where the S90 cabin is trimmed with high-quality wood and metal accents. Volvo wants you to think of it as a "Scandinavian Sanctuary," and if you close your eyes you might transport yourself to the lobby of a stylish Swedish hotel.

The S90 retains many of the features of the well-equipped S80, but adds a more powerful engine (available in two power grades), more cargo space, semi-autonomous driving capability and a vastly improved infotainment experience. Optional all-wheel drive also makes a return with the S90, and a plug-in hybrid model and a high-performance Polestar edition will also eventually be available.

The S90 is an impressive luxury effort, but ultimately still lacks some of the polish of its established European competitors, like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and the redesigned Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The S90 rides just a little rougher, the handling has a little less bite and the engine sounds just a bit more strained when asked to deliver. None of this detracts from the S90's place as a fine midsize luxury sedan, deserving of a spot on any list that includes the aforementioned German contingent, as well as more value-oriented luxury sedans like the Acura TLX, Cadillac XTS or the new Genesis G80.

Volvo's reputation for innovative standard safety features continues with the S90, which offers collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, lane departure warning, road sign recognition, a system that helps you avoid running off the road (and another that helps minimize the damage if you do), a drowsy driver alert, and the OnCall telematics system, which can remotely start or unlock the S90 and notify authorities in the event of a crash.

Curiously, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert remain optional.

Semi-autonomous steering, lane keeping and adaptive cruise control (combined, called Pilot Assist) allow the S90 to drive itself through slow traffic jams or even swift-moving traffic, requiring only that the driver touch the steering wheel at regular intervals.

The 2017 Volvo S90 is the automaker's largest four-door, five-passenger sedan, available with two engines and two trim levels called Momentum and Inscription.

Standard equipment on the base Momentum trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and foglights, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10-way power front seats, a navigation system, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a 10-speaker audio system with USB and auxiliary inputs, and satellite radio. Other touches include birch interior accents, power-folding rear head restraints (improves visibility when rear passengers aren't present), illuminated door handle approach lighting, and a high-gloss black grille.

Upgrading to Inscription trim brings 19-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, headlight washers, Nappa leather upholstery, upgraded front seats with both heating and cooling, a leather-wrapped dash panel, walnut trim accents, four-zone climate control, a 12-inch instrument display and Apple CarPlay integration.

The S90 offers a few options packages. The Momentum Plus package, available for the Momentum models, offers several items from the Inscription feature set including adaptive LED headlights and headlight washers, four-zone climate control, a cooled glovebox, the larger instrument display and Apple CarPlay.

The Climate pack, optional for the base Momentum trim, includes heated front and rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, heated wiper fluid nozzles, and a heated windshield.

The Vision pack is available for both trims and includes auto-dimming side mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree view camera.

The Convenience pack, also available for both trims, includes autonomous parking, front parking sensors, a power trunk lid, a compass embedded in the rearview mirror, and Homelink programmable buttons for garage doors.

The S90's stand-alone options include a rear air suspension, unique 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats (base Momentum), a wood-inlay steering wheel, a head-up display and a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system.