Driven: Volvo S90 D5 Inscription
Volvo has come a very long way since the reveal of the XC 90 which seemingly spearheaded their move into the upmarket luxury vehicle segment. Following the XC 90 was the introduction of the new Volvo S90 – a full-sized luxury sedan. We got to spend a few days with the Volvo S90 D5 Inscription to see if it was worthy of competing against the usual suspects in this segment, such as the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The Inscription package fitted on our test unit is clearly focused on making the S90 look luxurious as opposed to the sporty look that many of its rivals exude. There is chrome all over the car with the centrepiece being the slatted chrome grille up front between the intimidating ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights. The overall shape of the car is very angular and boxy which is refreshing in this day and age where coupe-styled sedans are trending. The bonnet line is strong, flowing up into the roof with integrated tilting and sliding sunroof. The rear features some of the most unique taillights in this class which also emphasise the width of the car. The boot also makes good use of design to add depth to the different levels, eliminating the flat rear effect. I really like the look of the S90. It has the signature new-age Volvo design which is aging very gracefully. It’s a car that can still rock the chrome look without being pretentious while oozing luxury and opulence.
The interior is a bit more reserved but functional nonetheless. Premium materials dominate the entirety of the cabin with leather on the seat, metal on the buttons and gloss black finishes around the dash. The seats are very comfortable and feature electronic adjustment, heating and cooling as well as a massage function that allows you to tailor the speed, intensity and location of the massage. The steering wheel is clean and uncluttered with a few buttons reserved for media controls and the adaptive cruise control, which paired with lane-keep assist unlocks a semi-autonomous driving experience. Infotainment is managed by a vertical tablet-like touchscreen display at the centre of the dash which takes a bit of getting used to. One of the highlights of the Volvo S90 D5’s interior is the Bower and Wilkins high definition sound system which is still one of the best in-car sound systems I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. The machined metal start, volume and drive mode selector buttons add a touch of individuality to the cabin. The interior of the S90 is minimalistic which isn’t a problem unless you’ve driven a newer Mercedes-Benz or BMW, and one of the features that you really miss is interior lighting because the S90 gets very dark inside at night. Still, it’s a pleasant space to be in and can provide excellent comfort for cross country trips.
Speaking of cross country trips, the S90 is a car that just devours long distances. The engine is to thank for most of this. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel motor is smooth in comfort mode and powerful in dynamic mode thanks to the 173kW of power and 480Nm of torque available on tap. The automatic transmission climbs up and down the gears with ease and actually works very nicely in Eco mode to bring out the S90’s frugal side. I averaged 8.0-litres/100km which gave me a range of about 1000-kilometers on a full tank which is very impressive considering the size and mass of the car. The Volvo XC90 D5 was one of my favourite Volvo’s to drive, but the only thing that held it back was its lack of performance in Dynamic mode. The S90 solves that problem by providing an engaging drive when I wanted it.
Also worth a look: the 315kW of Swedish Grit: The Volvo EX30 Cross Country Revealed and the Volvo EX90: The Future of Safety Lands in SA in 2025.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volvo S90 D5 Inscription cost in South Africa?
The Volvo S90 D5 Inscription starts from around R899,900 in South Africa, making it a premium luxury sedan that competes directly with the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class in terms of pricing.
Q: Is the Volvo S90 D5 Inscription worth buying?
The S90 D5 Inscription is worth buying if you prioritise comfort, luxury features and unique Scandinavian design over outright sportiness, offering excellent value with features like massage seats, premium materials and distinctive styling that stands out from German rivals.
Q: How powerful is the Volvo S90 D5 engine?
The S90 D5 features a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 173kW of power and 480Nm of torque, delivering smooth acceleration while maintaining excellent fuel economy for a luxury sedan of this size.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Volvo S90 D5 Inscription?
The S90 D5 Inscription's main rivals include the BMW 530d, Mercedes-Benz E220d, Audi A6 40 TDI and Jaguar XF, all competing in the premium executive sedan segment with similar pricing and luxury features.
Q: What luxury features does the Volvo S90 D5 Inscription include?
The Inscription trim includes massage seats with heating and cooling, premium leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, Thor's Hammer LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof and high-quality metal and gloss black interior finishes throughout the cabin.
Should You Buy It?
The Volvo S90 D5 Inscription is a compelling choice if you want something different from the usual German luxury sedan suspects. At R899,900, it offers exceptional comfort with those brilliant massage seats, distinctive Scandinavian design that ages gracefully, and build quality that feels properly premium. The 173kW diesel engine provides smooth, effortless performance while sipping fuel like a gentleman. However, if you prioritise sporty handling or badge prestige, the BMW 530d or Mercedes E220d might suit you better. The S90 is perfect for buyers who appreciate understated luxury, comfort-focused driving and want to stand out without being flashy. It's a yes from us, especially if you value comfort and uniqueness over outright sportiness.
