Safety Innovation That Actually Works

Volvo’s commitment to safety isn’t just marketing speak – it’s embedded in the XC90’s DNA. What sets their systems apart isn’t necessarily having more features than competitors, but how seamlessly and intelligently they operate.

The Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system exemplifies this approach. Unlike some rival systems that ping-pong between lane markings or brake nervously for shadows, Volvo’s implementation maintains a natural driving line and responds to traffic with human-like smoothness. On the N1 highway during holiday traffic, the system reduced driver fatigue significantly without ever feeling intrusive.

Cross Traffic Alert with automatic braking proved its worth in busy mall parking lots during December shopping madness. The system detected pedestrians and vehicles I hadn’t spotted in my peripheral vision multiple times, providing warnings and, in one instance, applying the brakes when a shopper suddenly appeared from between parked cars.

The 360-degree camera system deserves special mention for its exceptional clarity and intuitive interface. The bird’s-eye view creates a seamless composite image that makes parking this large SUV surprisingly stress-free, even in tight urban spaces.

Perhaps most impressive is how Volvo integrates these systems. Rather than overwhelming the driver with beeps and alerts, the XC90 prioritizes notifications based on urgency and relevance. This thoughtful approach means you’re likely to keep these systems activated rather than turning them off in frustration – which is, after all, the whole point of safety technology.

Cutting-Edge Climate Control

South Africa’s summer demands effective climate management, and the XC90’s four-zone system handles the challenge with remarkable efficiency. Each zone maintains its set temperature precisely, while the CleanZone air filtration system noticeably improves air quality when driving through urban areas.

The system’s ability to precondition the cabin via the Volvo On Call app proved invaluable during hot afternoons. Setting the climate to cool the interior minutes before returning to the parked vehicle transformed what would have been an uncomfortable experience into a pleasant one.

A particularly clever touch is the ventilated seats’ integration with the climate control. When set to Auto, the seat ventilation adjusts its intensity based on cabin temperature and individual climate settings, providing consistent comfort without constant manual adjustment.

Infotainment: Aging Gracefully

The XC90’s 9-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment system isn’t the newest or largest in its class anymore, but it remains among the more intuitive to use. The tablet-like interface with swipeable menus makes navigating through functions straightforward, though as mentioned previously, it occasionally exhibits minor lag when switching between applications.

Smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay works flawlessly, occupying only a portion of the screen rather than taking over the entire display – a thoughtful approach that allows access to vehicle functions without exiting these interfaces.

The digital instrument cluster prioritizes relevant information based on the selected driving mode, putting crucial data like range, power flow, or navigation directions directly in the driver’s line of sight. The optional head-up display complements this by projecting speed, navigation cues, and safety alerts onto the windshield, minimizing the need to look away from the road.

One technology that deserves special mention is the natural language voice control system. Unlike some competitors that require specific command structures, the XC90 can interpret conversational requests like “I’m cold” or “Navigate to Sandton City” without the need for precise phrasing. This seemingly small convenience significantly reduces distraction while driving.

Power Management Made Intelligent

The T8 Recharge’s hybrid system goes beyond simply combining electric and combustion power. Its true sophistication lies in how it manages these energy sources based on multiple factors including route, driving style, and even topography.

When a destination is entered into the navigation system, the powertrain uses route data to optimize battery usage. Approaching a hilly section? The system preserves electric power for uphill climbs where the immediate torque provides maximum benefit. Entering an urban area? It prioritizes electric power for zero-emission driving where it matters most.

The brake regeneration system deserves praise for its natural feel – something many hybrids struggle with. The transition between regenerative and friction braking is virtually imperceptible, allowing for smooth, predictable deceleration that never feels artificial.

For those new to plug-in hybrids, the XC90 makes the experience accessible with clear power flow displays and intelligent charging management. The ability to set charging schedules via the app allows for taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates – a small but meaningful cost-saving feature.

Convenience Features That Actually Serve A Purpose

Technology for technology’s sake often results in features that impress in the showroom but irritate in daily use. The XC90 largely avoids this trap, implementing advancements that genuinely enhance the ownership experience.

The hands-free tailgate, which opens with a foot movement under the rear bumper, recognizes the gesture more reliably than many similar systems I’ve tested. Similarly, the keyless entry system consistently detects the key’s presence without the awkward dance of grabbing and re-grabbing door handles that some luxury vehicles require.

The automated parking system isn’t just a novelty – it’s genuinely useful in tight spaces. Unlike some systems that work only for parallel parking, the XC90’s implementation handles perpendicular spaces equally well, measuring gaps with remarkable accuracy and executing maneuvers with confident precision.

Room For Improvement

No technology suite is perfect, and the XC90’s does have a few areas where updates would be welcome. The native navigation system, while functional, lacks the real-time traffic accuracy of smartphone alternatives like Waze or Google Maps. The built-in voice assistant, though improved from earlier iterations, still can’t match the contextual understanding of the latest systems from Mercedes or BMW.

The infotainment system’s architecture is also showing its age when it comes to processing speed. While never frustratingly slow, there’s occasionally a brief hesitation when switching between functions that isn’t present in the latest offerings from competitors.

Final Thoughts On Living With Swedish Tech

After a month of daily interaction, what stands out about the XC90’s technology isn’t any single feature but rather how it all works together to create a cohesive experience. There’s a distinctly Scandinavian sensibility to how these systems operate – prioritizing function over flash, integration over isolation.

Is it the most cutting-edge luxury SUV on the market? In some areas, no. Newer rivals offer larger screens, flashier graphics, and more processing power. But the XC90’s thoughtful implementation of technology that genuinely enhances the driving experience rather than complicating it represents a different kind of advancement – one focused on human needs rather than specification sheet superiority.

For a vehicle that will likely be owned for many years, this approach may ultimately prove more satisfying than chasing the bleeding edge. As automotive technology continues its rapid evolution, the XC90’s focus on getting the fundamentals right while implementing innovations with purpose rather than for show makes it feel like it will age gracefully rather than quickly becoming dated.

After living with the XC90 T8 Recharge through December’s varied demands, its technological suite stands as one of its strongest arguments. Not because it’s the most extensive or advanced, but because it’s among the most thoughtfully conceived and executed.

1. The Seamless Hybrid Powertrain

When a car promises both performance and efficiency, skepticism is natural. Remarkably, the XC90’s T8 powertrain delivers on both counts without feeling like it’s compromising either.

The transition between electric and combustion power is almost imperceptible in normal driving. Unlike some plug-in hybrids that shudder or hesitate during this handover, the Volvo manages the switch with such refinement that passengers remain oblivious.

In Pure mode (full electric when charged), the XC90 offers around 40km of silent, emission-free driving – enough for most daily commutes. But it’s the Hybrid mode that truly shines, intelligently blending both power sources to maximize efficiency without driver intervention.

What’s most impressive is how the car uses its electric motor not just for efficiency but also for performance. The instant torque fills in gaps in the power delivery, making the two-ton-plus SUV feel surprisingly nimble off the line. When you need serious acceleration, both power sources work together to deliver genuinely impressive thrust.

2. Those Perfect Seats

Few things matter more in a car you’re spending significant time with than the quality of its seats. Here, Volvo has absolutely nailed it.

The front chairs in the XC90 deserve special recognition. With just the right balance of support and cushioning, they manage to remain comfortable whether you’re taking a quick trip to the shops or embarking on a four-hour highway journey.

The multi-way power adjustment makes finding your ideal position effortless, while both heating and ventilation functions have proven invaluable during December’s unpredictable weather. The massage function – which I initially dismissed as a gimmick – has become a genuine pleasure on longer drives.

What truly sets these seats apart is their orthopaedic design. Volvo worked with spinal specialists to create seats that properly support your lower back and promote good posture. After two weeks and roughly 1,200km, I can report that they’ve eliminated the back fatigue I typically experience in other vehicles after long stints behind the wheel.

3. The Bowers & Wilkins Sound System

Optional extras can be hit or miss, but the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system in our test car is unquestionably worth every cent.

With 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of output, it transforms the XC90’s cabin into a concert hall. The clarity is startling – you’ll notice details in familiar songs that you’ve never heard before. Bass response is tight and controlled rather than boomy, while high frequencies sound crisp without becoming harsh.

The system’s party trick is its Concert Hall mode, which recreates the acoustic properties of the Gothenburg Concert Hall. It sounds gimmicky, but the spacious, three-dimensional soundstage it creates is genuinely impressive, especially with classical music or live recordings.

Even at highway speeds with road noise to contend with, the audio quality remains exceptional, requiring less volume adjustment than most premium systems. For music lovers, this upgrade alone might justify choosing the XC90 over its competitors.

4. Thoughtful Practicality

Luxury vehicles sometimes prioritize style over substance, but the XC90 excels at the practical details that make daily living easier.

Take the power-folding third-row seats, which can be lowered or raised via buttons in the cargo area. This seemingly small touch saves awkward reaching and struggling when you need to reconfigure the space. Similarly, the hands-free boot lid has worked flawlessly, recognizing a simple foot movement under the bumper every time.

Storage solutions throughout the cabin show careful consideration. The center console is deep enough for larger items, door pockets can accommodate water bottles, and there are clever cubbies that don’t compromise the clean design aesthetic.

Perhaps most impressively, the XC90 maintains useful cargo space even with all seven seats in use – something many three-row SUVs struggle with. A family trip to the airport demonstrated this perfectly, as we managed to fit four medium suitcases behind the third row without Tetris-like maneuvering.

5. Refined Road Manners

South African roads present unique challenges, from poorly maintained surfaces to extreme temperature variations. The XC90’s air suspension (optional, but fitted to our test car) has proven itself exceptionally capable across these diverse conditions.

The system maintains composure over broken surfaces that would unsettle many competitors, absorbing initial impacts and controlling secondary motions beautifully. In Comfort mode, there’s a suppleness to the ride that belies the large wheels and the vehicle’s substantial weight.

Yet this comfort doesn’t come at the expense of control. Switch to Dynamic mode and the suspension firms up noticeably, reducing body roll and improving responsiveness. While never sports-car sharp, the XC90 handles with surprising agility for its size, inspiring confidence on winding roads.

What’s most impressive is the refinement at highway speeds. Wind and road noise are remarkably well suppressed, creating a serene environment for long-distance travel. After several extended journeys, I’ve come to appreciate how this calm atmosphere reduces fatigue.

Not Quite Perfect

For balance, I should mention that not everything has been flawless. The infotainment system, while generally intuitive, occasionally exhibits slight lag when switching between functions. And while the four-cylinder engine sounds refined most of the time, it lacks the silky-smooth character of six-cylinder units found in some competitors when pushed hard.

These minor quibbles aside, the XC90 T8 Recharge has integrated into daily life with remarkable ease. As we enter the final stretch of our time together, it’s clear that Volvo’s flagship continues to carve out its own unique space in the luxury SUV segment – prioritizing thoughtful design and genuine usability alongside the expected premium trappings.

Next week, we’ll take a deeper dive into the technology that makes this one of the most advanced vehicles on South African roads.

December is a peculiar time to test a vehicle in South Africa. The usual commutes and school runs give way to holiday travels and beach excursions. It’s a period that demands versatility from any car – and versatility happens to be what Volvo’s flagship SUV promises in spades.

Standing Out In A Crowded Segment

The luxury SUV market is brutally competitive, with everyone from the German trio to British and Japanese rivals vying for attention. Yet even in this crowded space, the XC90 manages to carve out its own distinct identity.

In Onyx Black Metallic, our test car strikes a handsome figure that turns heads without shouting for attention. There’s a dignified restraint to the design that feels refreshingly honest. While other manufacturers add ever-more aggressive styling elements and oversized grilles, Volvo continues to embrace clean Scandinavian minimalism.

The Thor’s Hammer LED headlights remain one of the most distinctive front-end signatures on the road today. They frame a subtly concave grille that wears Volvo’s iron mark like a family crest rather than a flashy logo. The vertical taillights that stretch from bumper to roof are equally recognizable, making the XC90 instantly identifiable even at night.

Our T8 Recharge model rides on 20-inch diamond-cut alloys that fill the arches nicely without sacrificing ride comfort – a wise choice for South African roads that aren’t always kind to low-profile tires.

Inside The Swedish Sanctuary

Stepping into the XC90’s cabin is like entering a high-end Scandinavian furniture showroom – if that showroom happened to have wheels and a steering column. I don’t even know what a Scandinavian furniture showroom looks or feels like, but it must be this. The blonde open-pore wood trim contrasts beautifully with the black Nappa leather upholstery, creating an atmosphere that feels both warm and modern.

The vertically-oriented 9-inch touchscreen continues to age gracefully in an era where some rivals are installing displays the size of small televisions. There’s something refreshingly focused about Volvo’s approach here – the screen is large enough to be functional without dominating the dashboard.

The second-row seats offer plenty of space for adult passengers, while the third row can accommodate teenagers or shorter adults for reasonable distances – not always a given in this segment. With all seats in place, there’s still enough room for a few shopping bags; fold the third row flat and you’re looking at proper family holiday luggage capacity.

Electrified Performance

Under the hood lies the reason for the “Recharge” badge – Volvo’s T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. Together, they produce a substantial 335kW and 709Nm of torque – numbers that would have been the preserve of dedicated performance cars not too long ago.

But more on the driving experience in future articles. For now, I’ll just say that the combination of instant electric torque and refined gasoline power creates a compelling package that feels distinctly different from conventional luxury SUVs.

The Month Ahead

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be putting the XC90 T8 Recharge through its paces in a variety of scenarios. From holiday traffic to open-road cruising, urban commuting to weekend getaways – this Swedish seven-seater will need to prove its versatility.

We’ll dive deeper into its technology suite, explore the real-world benefits of its plug-in hybrid system, and discover whether the XC90’s blend of luxury, practicality and environmental consciousness makes sense in the South African context.

For a vehicle that starts well north of R1.5 million, expectations are understandably high. The question is whether the flagship Volvo can deliver a driving experience that justifies its premium positioning while offering something distinct from its German rivals.

If first impressions are anything to go by, the next month promises to be an interesting exploration of Swedish luxury on wheels. Stay tuned as we share our ongoing experiences with what might be the thinking person’s luxury SUV.

Combined with 233kW from the two-litre turbocharged engine, the 340kW power output and the 709Nm of torque from the two powertrains, make this car with its smooth changing 8-speed Geartronic gearbox, the most powerful XC90 ever.

Electric range too has been boosted in this model. Courtesy of a new long-range battery featuring a third layer of cells, nominal energy has increased from 11.6kWh to 18.8kWh, now making the electric range up to 77km.

With the average South African travelling 50km a day, that means that Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid drivers will be able to do their daily motoring on pure electric power.

The second-generation XC90 was the first of Volvo’s reinvention vehicles, launching a new design language, new range of engines, and a more luxurious – and distinctly Swedish – experience inside back in 2014.

The model is offered in Inscription and R-Design trim levels. Pricing for the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge plug-in hybrid starts at R1,560,600.

Volvo then proceeded to apply that recipe for success across its subsequent cars, SUVs, and crossovers. The XC90 was joined by the S90 luxury sedan and V90 wagon, together with the V90 Cross Country crossover.

New Volvo XC90 Inscription T8 Twin Engine in Birch Light Metallic

At the same time, the 60 Series was rebooted, with XC60, S60, V60 abnd V60 CC. The 40 Series, most notably the XC40 crossover, helped the automaker debut Care by Volvo, its subscription-based driving package that’s yet to reach our shores.

Until now, Volvo has offered the  T8 Twin Engine Plug-in Hybrid pair petrol engine with a battery pack and electric motors. This delivers an all-electric range, or can combine both power sources for maximum range and performance. Volvo’s ambitions for electrification have escalated, however. The manufacturer had already confirmed that all of its models will eventually be electrified by the middle of the next decade.

With the 2019 XC90, major changes are under the bonnet, the surface alterations to the refresh are minor. Even Volvo admits they’re subtle: then again, even five years after its debut, the second-generation SUV still looked relatively clean. New wheels and exterior colours have been added for the 2019 model year, along with a new grille.

Inside, there’s now a choice of seating configurations. Joining the seven-seat option and the four-seat Excellence luxury version is a new six-seat configuration that has three rows of two seats each. New wool blend materials see the 2020 XC90 follow the rest of the Volvo range in offering non-leather options.

The Volvo Sensus infotainment system now gets integrated Spotify support, and Android Auto has been added to the Apple CarPlay support. However this isn’t Volvo’s all-new, next-generation Sensus which will be based on Android. On the safety front, there’s now steering assistance in City Safety and the Blind Spot Information System, while Oncoming Lane Mitigation is also now an option. Cross Traffic Alert can autobrake now, too. The 2020 XC90 comes standard with Volvo On Call, an innovative app-based service that helps motorists to communicate with their cars.

Volvo On Call facilitates a multitude of tasks: with Volvo On Call, motorists can lock or unlock the doors to their car, check the fuel level and cool or heat their car – and they can do this all via their smartphone, smartwatch, tablet or desktop. We’ll have more info on it’s specifics as soon as we get a first drive with the vehicle.

Pricing for the 2020 XC90 starts at R1 023 700 for the T5 Geartronic AWD Momentum and goes up to R1 668 500 for the T8 Twin Engine AWD Excellence.

The crash saw Uber put its autonomous research on hold, but efforts resumed later in the year. This newest vehicle takes the lessons learned by that incident – along with other testing in select US cities – and rolls it into an SUV that’s said to be ready for production.

It’s based on the Volvo XC90, itself refreshed recently. Volvo and Uber inked a deal back in 2016 on driverless vehicles, with the Swedish automaker agreeing to produce a base vehicle for the firm. Although at first glance it may look like a regular XC90, in fact there are numerous differences.

Most significant is the hardware redundancy. The car has back-up systems for several of the key components, including steering, braking, and battery back-up. Should the primary brakes fail, for example, the secondary system kicks in automatically to bring the SUV to a halt.

Cameras and ultrasonic sensors have been built into the front, rear, and sides of the XC90. There’s a camera built into the Volvo badge on the front grille, for example, and further cameras underneath the side mirrors. Each gets its own water-jet washing system, so that road dirt or bugs don’t occlude the car’s systems. Together with the other sensors, it gives the car a 360-degree perspective.

That, though, isn’t enough to make it fully autonomous. For that, Uber adds its own self-driving system, which installs on the top of the SUV. It includes LIDAR, along with more cameras and other sensing technology, plus the computational processing to crunch through all that data generated.

The deal between the two firms has been an interesting one. Back when Uber’s car crashed last year, Volvo was clear that the autonomous technology involved was Uber’s own, not the automaker’s. However, Volvo will be using the base car design for its own driverless efforts, only with different software, among other changes.

“Volvo Cars plans to use a similar autonomous base vehicle concept for the introduction of its future autonomous drive cars in the early 2020s,” the company says. “These technologies, to be introduced on the next generation of Volvo models based on the SPA2 vehicle architecture, will include features designed to enable unsupervised autonomous drive in clearly designated areas such as highways and ring roads.”

If all goes to plan, Uber aims to buy tens of thousands of the cars from Volvo to build out its driverless fleet. For the moment, though, there’ll still be a “Mission Specialist” – Uber’s term for the human safety driver who sits, poised, ready to take over in the case of an emergency – behind the wheel.

It might be an odd place then to test drive a car, but no place could be more fitting for a car like the Volvo S90, the flagship four-door sedan from a company that defies convention.

Volvo seems start its new designs with the basic blueprint of a car, and then have its engineers redraft them from memory, all the while adding extra twists that exemplify the brand’s unique approach to all facets of car making.

At first glance, the S90 looks very much like an XC90, and the V40, pressed and molded into a sedan shape. That’s not exactly a stretch, considering the S90 rides on the same modular platform as its SUV big brother. But its proportions are better balanced than the model it replaces, the S80, with the front wheels tucked further forward on the chassis.

This longer “axle-to-dash ratio” subconsciously telegraphs luxury – the front wheels set further from the back ones subtly mirrors limousines. In all, the car’s got a very solid, longer and wider stance.

T-shaped front headlights that recall “Thor’s hammer” reinforce Volvo’s Norse brand identity. These flank the concave, upright waterfall chrome grille that mirrors the design found on the classic P1800 coupe.

The rear still ends in a seemingly abrupt manner that Volvo sedans do, but it’s overshadowed by distinct wraparound taillights, the shapes of which echo throughout the car’s design, repeating in things like the air vents.

Step Inside

Inside the cabin, a host of details rarely found outside the realm of top-lier luxury automakers demonstrate how Volvo approaches even small details in a different way than most. For instance, looking at the dash, you can see a single-piece metal spine flowing from wheel to door.

This isn’t a snap-on design piece, but something actually structured into the architecture. All the wood-deco panels have been cut to a specific curvature to accentuate the 3D effect it gives off. Each knurled air vent knob is cut in the multifaceted style of Swedish glass fixtures.

These details receive an unprecedented level of detail, and it barely scratches the surface. Speaking of which, the leather wrapped interior is made of some of the supplest leather you can find in a car.

A great deal of thought has gone into the technology that surrounds the occupants, from safety to entertainment. Behind the steering wheel sits a generous 12.3-inch digital display that tells drivers a lot more than the usual instrument gauges. Here, the driver can activate the S90’s big party trick: Pilot assist, the latest edition of Volvo’s semi-autonomous drive mode.

In its latest iteration, the semi-auto system helps the driver with things like braking, acceleration, and lane-keep assist. I say “help” because this is a hands-on-the-wheel situation and Volvo doesn’t beat around the bush when talking about liability: the driver is in charge.

With a combination of sensors, the S90 can travel with no inputs on the highway at up to 130km/h. In ideal conditions, it senses the lanes and keeps the car within the boundaries, adjusting the steering angle and speed when necessary. Pilot assist no longer requires a car to follow for it to work, but it doesn’t hurt if there is one. At that point, adaptive cruise control kicks in, maintaining distance as both cars cruise along.

With the car handling some of the driving on the way north out of Johannesburg, I was free to explore the Sensus Connect touchscreen, the large tablet-like interface in the center of the dash. The nine-inch screen is standard on all trim levels, and hosts pages of different functions. It works very much like any home tablet, and even has a pulldown shortcut menu to access many of the applications available.

Maps are a given, as are the various radio options, but swipe further and you’ll find several menus to access the 360-degree parking camera, the accompanying sensors, driver assists, and more. A selection of third-party apps also assist in travel, such as weather apps.

The S90 is Apple CarPlay compliant, but uniquely, CarPlay doesn’t fully dominate the interface as it does in other applications. Instead, it runs in a lower portion of the touchscreen, allowing CarPlay access, but easy reach of all the Volvo functions simultaneously.

A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system blasts out your musical selections. I favored the “Concert Hall” setting, which reproduces the sound experience one would have at the concert hall of Gothenburg, where Volvo is headquartered.

Volvo has set a goal for itself for its cars to be so safe, that by 2020, there will be no serious injuries sustained in one of its cars. To that end, safety has received just as much attention as other aspects of the car, particularly when it comes to what the car sees in front of it. From its perch in the windshield, the rear-view mirror hosts a huge packet of cameras and sensors that scan the road ahead. A pedestrian safety system can recognize people at low speeds and brake to a full stop, and the S90 now sports the new system that now detects large animals as well. 

As much as it is a technologically sound Scandinavian sanctuary, the S90 is still a car, and although the technology overshadows this, the driving experience remains a factor. What Volvo would call “relaxed confidence” is what I’d call a car that leans more towards luxury than sport.

All S90 models house a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-banger beneath the hood. Thus, my D5 produces 173kW and 480Nm of torque, which is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

If need be, the S90 has enough grunt and poise to make a speedy highway dash without too much drama, but don’t mistake it as a sports sedan. In tighter instances, pushing the S90 hard is taking it outside its comfort zone and yields little reward.

So apart from the occasional lead-footedness, the S90 isn’t stellar, but in all other instances, it really shines. Those who may be unfamiliar to the brand find it surprisingly luxurious and comfortable, from either the front or the back seats.

I loved the XC-90 so much, I gave it an award, and reducing its essence down to a mid-size sedan to form the S90 is fine by me. Volvo’s dignified flagship is very easy on the eyes, and even easier to drive on a daily basis.

Is there a better alternative?

Not if you value luxury and technology, but maybe if you’re feeling the need for speed. 

The S90 starts at R675 200  for the base model, while our D5 AWD Inscription model is priced at R821 200. Loaded with options, it totaled at R1 018 325. This puts it against some solid competition on both sides of the pond.

Rivals include the Mercedes E-Class, which has its own bevy of tech, as well as the newly launched BMW 5 series. It’s worth mentioning that cars from these German contemporaries focus more on sporty driving dynamics, which is the one weak link in the S90 chain.

Should you buy it?

I say yes indeed. The Volvo S90 is a comfortable, luxurious package designed to make your daily driving as easy as possible. Heck, it’ll even help you do it half the time. Those unconcerned with sportiness that want a classy, stylish concert hall on wheels need look no further.

Polestar has optimized the entire drivetrain of the XC90 to give it better performance, throttle response, gearshift speed, shift precision, and off-throttle response. The polestar software tuning for the SUV focuses on drivability and having power available when you need it. Additional optimizations will come in the future.

Volvo has confirmed that the Polestar optimisation software can be ordered through any Volvo Cars dealer in South Africa . All mods that Polestar makes also come without affecting the warranty or fuel economy numbers for the car. Service intervals also remain the same. I’m not sure how they can up the performance without making it drink more fuel.