Volvo

V90

Volvo has a long established and well respected reputation for developing outstanding estate cars. And the V90 is the latest example of all that experience and technology. It looks fabulous, drives beautifully, boasts excellent connectivity and safety features and is also competitively priced.

The good

Practical, stylish, and packed with safety features

The bad

No quite as dynamic as some estate cars

Tech Specs

Price from

£34,555

Combined Fuel up to

62.8mpg

0-62 from

7.2 seconds

max speed up to

149mph

co2 from

119g/km

Test Drive

Volvo V90 B5 AWD Cross Country (2022)

If you take a rather upmarket estate car and sprinkle some aggressive styling into the mix you have the perfect recipe for the striking Volvo V90 Cross Country.

Despite SUVs being all the rage these days, there is still great demand for estate cars too with their sleek streamlining and massive boot capacities. And Volvo has always, and still does, produce some of the finest load luggers in the business.

Long gone are the box-like, characterless designs of bygone years and in their place, we get the stunning V90 Cross Country. The CC tag relates to this model’s off-road ability and also means there are some rough-tough design cues to help it stand out in the line-up.

For example, there is added cladding to the wheel arches, bumpers and side sills, along with a blacked-out grille, dark tinted windows and our car also featured distinctive 21-inch alloy wheels.

Moving inside, the interior is very swish and modern with the latest nine-inch centre console touchscreen with all the Google Automated Services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant voice control and apps to Google Play Store with four years’ data allowance.

On-board tech is plentiful with a premium Harmon Kardon sound system, Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, a wireless charging pad, rear parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, heated front seats and plenty more besides.

A Climate pack, costing an extra £575, adds heated outer rear seats, a heated steering wheel and a heated front windscreen.

In addition, the Volvo Cars app allows you to control a number of features remotely via a smartphone, tablet or smartwatch. It also acts as a tracking service in an emergency.

Our test car costing £53,695 (£60,210 with options) was powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine delivering 235hp and 480Nm of torque. It could reach 62mph from a standing start in 7.5 seconds and maxed out at 112mph. According to official figures, it can deliver a combined 44.8mpg with carbon emissions from 164g/km.

When it comes to performance, the Volvo V90 is an absolute delight to drive. The market has been flooded with so many SUVs and crossover vehicles in recent years, it would be easy to overlook the good old estate car. And that would be a real shame because they drive so beautifully.

With confident grip and no sign of body sway thanks to its low centre of gravity, the V90 is composed when attacking tight bends along the country lanes. It cruises on motorways with ease and, thanks to all the sensors and a reversing camera, is fairly agile in busier city centre traffic. You will need a larger than normal parking space though as this estate car stretches almost five metres in length.

The eight-speed automatic gearbox is perfectly timed and the steering is beautifully weighted with plenty of driver feedback.

While the V90 is not an out and out off-roader it copes well when faced with rougher terrain which makes it ideal for family adventures or towing a caravan weighing up to 2.4 tonnes. And the V90 Cross Country version gets a raised ground clearance for added protection.

Comfort levels up front are sublime with powered seats to quickly get the ideal driving position. The cabin is upmarket and very driver focused with all controls simple to operate on the fly.

There is ample space in the back for two adults to stretch out in absolute comfort – add a third and it gets a little cosy. But storage limits are impressive with a boot that can swallow 560 litres of kit, increasing to 1,526 litres with the split-folding rear seats dropped flat.

Throughout the vehicle are numerous storage compartments, including a deep glovebox, practical central cubby, door bins with space for a bottle, front and rear cup holders and a secret compartment next to the driver’s right knee.

And being a Volvo, the V90 is packed to bursting with safety kit and driver assistance systems that helped it achieve a maximum five stars when tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating.

Features include City Safety with Steering Support which includes pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, Run-off Road Protection which automatically tightens the seatbelts if the car leaves the road, Oncoming Lane Mitigation to prevent you from drifting out of your lane into the path of oncoming vehicles, cruise control with speed limiter and lots more besides.

All in all, the Volvo V90 is a fabulous all-rounder that easily doubles up as a family and business vehicle. It’s stylish, versatile, very practical, packed with technology and rewarding to drive too.

Test Drive

Volvo V90 D5 PowerPulse AWD Cross Country Plus I(2020)

If you take the elegantly-styled Volvo V90 estate car and add some real attitude into the mix the end result is the rugged and very capable Cross Country Plus edition.

While the five-door model still boasts all the luxurious touches and superb levels of on-board technology as the standard V90, the AWD version of one of Volvo’s flagship models gains lots of extra styling cues to help it stand out from the crowd.

For starters it boasts a raised ride height to assist with any off-road ventures and there are also protective wheel arches, front and rear skid plates, charcoal-coloured side sill and door mouldings and a very distinctive black gloss grille with chrome studs. Dark tinted windows and smart alloy wheels complete the car’s aggressive styling.

Move inside and the high-end Cross Country Plus model is packed with top quality fixtures and fittings with a sophisticated and clutter-free design that is synonymous with the Volvo name.

For example, the leather upholstery is of the highest quality and the powered sport seats can be heated along with the steering wheel to help fend off the winter chill. Creature comforts are plentiful and include Volvo’s smart Sensus Connect and Navigation system featuring an upright nine-inch touchscreen that works very much like a tablet with swipe and zoom functions. There is full smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and all controls, dials and readouts are perfectly positioned for ease of use.

Our test car was priced at £51,110 (£55,035 with options) and was powered by a punchy 2.0-litre 236hp diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It could reach from 0-62mph in just 7.5 seconds topping out at 140mph and, according to official figures, can deliver combined fuel efficiency of 38.2-40.9mpg under WLTP testing with carbon emissions of 151g/km.

Comfort levels within the V90 Cross Country Plus are impressive for all occupants with plenty of room in the back for a trio of adults to stretch out. Rear window blinds are a nice touch too and are often only offered on more premium cars.

As the vehicle is competing against stiff opposition, mainly from the German marques, practicality bases need to be covered – and they are. The boot is power-operated and can also be opened by kicking your foot beneath the rear bumper provided you are carrying the key fob. This is really handy when approaching the vehicle laden down with shopping bags.

Storage-wise, the boot can accommodate 560 litres of kit – a limit that increases to 1,526 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. There is a handy partition that pulls up to help separate items in the boot and elsewhere there’s a number of alternative storage options scattered throughout the car, including a lockable glovebox, a central cubby box, covered trays, deep door bins and cup holders. There are nets in the seat backs and back seat passengers have cup holders and storage trays in the fold-down armrest.

When it comes to performance, the Volvo V90 doesn’t disappoint and is an absolute delight to drive. It effortlessly powers its way to national motorway speed limits and cruises with ease at 70mph with barely a sound filtering through into the cabin. Out on the country lanes, the road holding is confident and assured and there is little sign of any body sway into tight bends. The acceleration is sharp and there is always ample power on tap to help make light work of overtaking slower moving vehicles.

In busy town centres, the car is fairly agile although measuring just shy of five metres, it does mean large parking spaces are the order of the day.

The driver can flick through various drive modes called Eco, Comfort, Dynamic and Off Road and while on this occasion we didn’t venture from the Tarmac, the V90 Cross Country’s AWD system is most accomplished and can help the car scramble up muddy banks and traverse boggy off—road tracks. The test car had an automatically retractable tow bar and, with its towing limit of 2.5 tonnes, this model is ideal for anyone planning caravan holidays.

Over the years, Volvo has built an enviable reputation for developing exceptionally safe cars and the V90 was awarded the maximum five stars when tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating. The car is packed with all the latest safety systems and driver aids to help protect occupants, pedestrians, cyclists and also help prevent accidents happening in the first place.

All in all, the V90 Cross Country plus is a very upmarket, high quality estate car that looks imposing, drives beautifully and also ticks all the safety and practicality boxes along the way.

Test Drive

Volvo V90 T8 Twin Engine AWD Inscription Plus (2019)

Volvo’s flagship ’90’ series is now complete with a very classy V90 estate model joining the S90 saloon and XC90 SUV and it really is the icing on the cake.

Normally buyers need to choose between versatility or performance, but not this time round. That’s because the V90 has all the practicality of a people carrier combined with the driving dynamics of a svelte-like saloon and that makes this estate car a very attractive all-rounder.

There is a range of generously-equipped trims to select from as well as powerful yet efficient diesel and petrol engines. We opted for the T8 which is a plug-in hybrid variant mating a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a total power output of 390hp.

And if you’re wondering what that hp figure equates to performance-wise, this full-sized twin engine estate car can sprint to 60mph from a standstill in just 5.0 seconds and tops out at 155mph.

The official economy stats claim the V90 T8 can deliver a combined 97.4-117.7mpg with carbon emissions of 49g/km. However, in the real world, this impressive fuel efficiency could only ever be achieved if the batteries were fully charged, the car was driven in electric mode most of the time and driven very gently.

Viewed from any angle, the V90 is a great looking vehicle that boasts real road presence. And our high-end Inscription Plus model, costing £60,405 (£68,080 with options) was packed with all the techno treats imaginable.

First impressions are vital and the V90 looks the business from any approach thank to its dynamic styling with sweeping headlights featuring the T-shaped signature lights and LED headlights with active high beam. There are dark tinted rear windows, plenty of chrome trim, a piano black grille and 20-inch alloy wheels to complete the look.

Move inside and the cabin is pure class with premium styling at every turn thanks to soft Nappa leather upholstery, neatly crafted wooden inlays, soft-touch surfaces plus a wealth of on-board creature comforts to explore.

The majority of the car’s systems are accessed via Volvo’s clever upright Sensus touchscreen system which works similarly to a tablet with swipe and zoom functions. A £3,000 option on our car saw the introduction of a premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system along with full smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. In addition, a Winter Pack, priced at £200, added a heated steering wheel and heated washer nozzles.

But it’s not all about optional extras as there is plenty of kit as standard on the V90, such as heated and powered front seats, front and rear parking sensors, two-zone climate control, a navigation system with full European mapping plus traffic information and lifetime map updates, plus plenty more besides.

Comfort levels are exceptionally high and there is room for three adults to stretch out in the back of the car, although the person in the middle seat will find their legs straddling quite a large tunnel that eats into the foot space.

The boot, which is accessed via a powered tailgate, is vast with a capacity ranging from 560 to 1,526 litres and there are plenty of useful storage compartments scattered throughout the car, including a lockable glovebox, front and rear cup holders, a central cubby box and practical door bins.

When it comes to performance, the V90 is a pure delight to drive. The acceleration is both sharp and responsive as the car powers smoothly through its eight-speed automatic gearbox and there is a constant stream of power on tap for short bursts of rapid-fire acceleration. In addition, there are drive modes that alter the manner in which the car responds – these are called Pure for eco driving, Hybrid for everyday use, Individual for personal preferences, Power for a sportier drive and Constant AWD for just that.

Out on the faster country lanes the road holding is ultra grippy and bends can be attacked with a degree of confidence. It’s also a car that effortlessly eats up the motorway miles cruising with ease at 70mph – given the chance. In busy town centres the driver visibility is excellent and all the sensors and cameras are very useful, but due to the V90’s near five metres length, a three-point turn will often turn into five or even seven manoeuvres.

But that aside, the all-round performance of the V90 is most impressive and as one would expect, the car is packed to bursting with safety specifications and driver assistance aids to protect occupants, pedestrians and to help prevent accidents happening in the first place.

It will come as little surprise to learn that the V90 was awarded the maximum five stars when it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating thanks to the likes of City Safety which detects pedestrians, cyclists and large animals ahead and warns the driver of the danger. There is front collision warning with fully automatic emergency braking. And the car has semi-autonomous Pilot Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control which works at speeds up to 80mph and assists with accelerating, braking and steering to keep the car within its lane markings. These are just a few of the many safety features on the V90.

So it would seem the ultra-practical Volvo V90 estate has it all with eye-catching good looks, impressive handling and outstanding safety levels. Admittedly, the price-tag that’s approaching £70k with options is a little steep, but the range does start from a far more reasonable £39,335 for anyone with a tighter budget to factor in.

Test Drive

Volvo V90 D5 PowerPulse AWD Inscription Plus

If you’re considering moving home but find the costs of a removals van too steep, then fear not because Volvo has the perfect solution with its mighty V90 estate car – and in case you’re wondering there will be room for the kitchen sink.

There is more good news too because despite being a giant of a car with one of the biggest load capacities around, the V90 looks fabulously stylish and also boasts all the on-board technology you could wish for.

The V90 joins its siblings the S90 saloon and XC90 SUV as the flagship models in the Volvo line-up and it features an elegant design that is complemented by a modern, premium interior that’s packed with all the latest technical know-how.

It’s no easy task designing and building a vehicle that’s easy on the eye despite being just shy of five metres in length and capable of transporting a whopping 1,526 litres of luggage with its rear seats down, but the Volvo team have succeeded on every count.

The V90 is streamlined with sleek curves and lines, LED headlights with distinctive T-shaped daytime running lights, a piano black front grille, smart alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof (part of an optional pack), a powered tailgate and instantly-recognisable tail lights.

Move inside the range-topping Inscription Plus model and there is a wealth of technology to explore within the minimalist and clutter-free cabin which is a true reflection of calming Scandinavian design.

Creature comforts are plentiful and include the likes of the finest Nappa soft leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a Harman Kardon sound system with smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, four-zone climate control including a cooled glovebox, a heated steering wheel and an easy-to-operate Sensus touchscreen system where all the car’s features can be discovered.

Admittedly all this luxury doesn’t come cheap with the V90 PowerPulse Inscription Plus model with AWD priced at £49,985 (£57,360 with options), but it’s worth noting this was the all-singing, all-dancing car and the V90 line-up starts from a far more competitive £39,335.

Powering our test vehicle was a 2.0-litre D5 diesel engine delivering 235hp and this was mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It could sprint from 0-62mph in a very swift 7.2 seconds and onto a top speed of 146mph. According to official figures the V90 delivers combined fuel economy of 39.2-43.5mpg under WLTP testing with carbon emissions of 146g/km.

Out on the open road, the V90 powers through bends with excellent stability and road holding. It’s perfectly balanced and the engine is smooth and responsive as the car fires through the gears.

The driver can select from different drive modes called Eco, Comfort and Dynamic that alter the manner in which the car reacts and behaves. The PowerPulse technology is also worth a mention as it helps to overcome turbo lag which is quite common in powerful turbocharged diesel engines. This new advanced set-up helps to make the engine more instantly responsive.

In busy town centres the V90 is relatively agile and the great all-round visibility is a plus factor, but the car will need a very large parking bay to avoid sticking out at either end.

Another rather clever feature that’s standard across the V90 line-up is the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive technology. Using radar and a camera, it controls the steering up to 80mph to keep the car in its lane. It works in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control to keep at the selected speed limit or at a set distance from the car in front. It accelerates, steers and brakes for you, although the driver does have to touch the steering wheel from time to time or the system will deactivate. It’s very clever stuff and worked very well when tested on the busy M4 where it was competent in stop, start traffic and also when the road opened up a little.

Comfort levels for all occupants within the V90 are very high and back seat passengers can really stretch out and relax with vast amounts of leg space. And, of course, the car has those exceptional storage limits making it a very practical choice for a family or fleet vehicle.

Being a Volvo, you would expect the V90 to be brimming over with safety kit – and it is. The car was awarded the maximum five stars when it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating and it features a generous array of specifications including two new systems called Large Animal Detection which scans the road ahead for any objects and Run-Off Road Mitigation which helps keep the car within its road markings to avoid accidentally drifting away from the highway.

Factor in the all-wheel-drive system and the Volvo V90 is the ultimate proof that estate cars are no longer load-lugging bulks of steel that lumber along. Yes, they still offer all the practicality and versatility necessary, but they can also be fun to drive, easy on the eye and packed with techno treats at the same time.

Test Drive

Volvo V90 Cross Country – first drive (2017)

Volvo does a number of things exceptionally well – obviously safety is one factor readily associated with the Swedish marque, but styling, performance, pioneering technology, driving dynamics and value are additional aspects that should be credited to the brand.

And the latest V90 in bold, rugged Cross Country design is the perfect example of all those qualities in one very smart vehicle.

Volvo launched its V90 and S90 models last year in Momentum and Inscription trim grades and they were received with much acclaim from the experts, but now there is extra choice with a rugged Cross Country and athletic R-Design versions of the V90 and an R-Design styling for the S90.

We concentrated on the V90 Cross Country and had the opportunity to fully test the car both on and off road. The results were exceptional.

The Cross Country badging means the V90 estate boasts a raised ride height, a distinctive black gloss grille with chrome studs, front and rear skid plates, protective wheel arches, charcoal-coloured side sills and door mouldings. These styling cues mean the vehicle looks rugged, adventurous and has a total ‘go-anywhere’ stance.

Step inside and the immaculate cabin layout is inspired by Scandinavian culture. It’s beautifully simplistic, with clean lines and offers the occupants a clutter-free, yet feature-rich driving environment. Techno treats include the likes of Volvo’s Sensus Connect and Navigation systems with full European mapping, a 9-inch touchscreen with zoom and swipe functions along with voice control, two-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel and heated seats.

We tested out the D4 190bhp AWD Cross Country priced at £39,785 (£44,135 with options added). This diesel-powered model was mated to an ultra-smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox and can sprint from 0-62mph in just 8.8 seconds. It tops out at 130mph and according to official figures can deliver a combined fuel economy of 54.3mpg with carbon emissions of 138g/km.

Out on the open road, the V90 was an absolute peach to drive and the luxury of heated seats and a heated steering wheel certainly helped to fend off the cold, winter chill. All occupants are treated to high levels of comfort with ample room for three adults to stretch out in the back seats. And the massive boot has a capacity of 560 litres which is increased to 1,526 litres with the rear seats dropped flat.

The driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility and all the technology is easy to use without causing driver distraction. It’s simple to access functions such as the temperature, audio system, heated seats and sat nav without needing a degree in advanced computer programming and the readouts are clear and precise.

On country lanes, the car handled beautifully and was assured when pushed hard into long, sweeping bends with no body roll to report. Short bursts of rapid acceleration, in order to overtake slower moving traffic, were easily achieved and the cabin area remained beautifully insulated against the outside world with very little engine, road surface or wind noise filtering through.

We also had the opportunity to put the all-wheel-drive car through its paces on an off-road course that would have seen a number of more established 4×4 models struggle. Few manufacturers would have been brave enough to put such a challenging course together and then subject their vehicles to it with standard tyres and no added assistance. Yet the V90 climbed confidently up muddy banks and could even be stopped halfway up to test out the hill-start system. It then remained totally composed when descending steep drops and finally it ambled with ease through the mud and boggy tracks. The car returned in quite a state which in a way was testament to its awesome off-roading capabilities.

When it comes to safety the V90 features a whole host of systems that are not so easy to spot, but are certainly worth speaking about. For example, the City Safety suite of aids works by using an integrated radar and camera unit to scan the area in front of the vehicle and then identify any objects it detects. If, for example, a large animal such as a deer steps out in front of the car, the system automatically applies maximum braking force to avoid a collision or reduce the severity as much as possible. This function works during the day or night and is an addition to the City Safety feature that helps detect cyclists or pedestrians.

And whilst on the subject of safety, the V90 also has a run off road function which steers the car back on course if it detects you are moving too close to the edge of the road. Finally the Pilot Assist which is a major step towards semi-autonomous driving and will keep you in the correct motorway lane whilst watching out for any hazards. You still have to keep your hands on the steering wheel every few seconds, but it works at speeds up to 80mph, braking, accelerating and steering for you and it no longer needs a pilot lead vehicle to focus on.

So all in all, the new chunky V90 Cross Country model is quite the all-round package. It looks the business, is very capable when put to the test on and off road and it’s packed with innovative technology.

Test Drive

Volvo V90 – first drive (2016)

According to the RSPCA there were 42,000 incidents involving collisions with deer on UK roads last year and it’s a problem facing drivers up and down the country.

So anything that can be done to reduce that number has to be welcomed with open arms. And that’s just where Volvo comes into play.

Of course, the Volvo name is synonymous with safety and the latest XC90 was deemed the safest car ever tested by Euro NCAP. But now, the new V90 estate which has the same architectural platform as the popular SUV has taken that safety baton and carried it even further down the track.

That’s because the latest car (along with its S90 saloon equivalent) boasts a raft of safety systems and one of them can help prevent collisions with large animals such as deer. It is part of the vehicle’s City Safety suite of aids which is fitted as standard to all S90 and V90 models. It works by using an integrated radar and camera unit to scan the area in front of the car and identify any objects it detects. If a large animal such as a deer or horse steps out in front of the vehicle, the system automatically applies maximum braking force to avoid a collision or reduce the severity as much as possible. This function works during the day or night and is an addition to the City Safety feature that helps detect cyclists or pedestrians.

And whilst on the subject of safety, the new V90 also features a couple of other pioneering ideas. The run off road function which steers the car back on track if it detects you are moving too close to the edge of the road. Finally the Pilot Assist which is a step towards semi-autonomous driving. This system is great for motorway driving and will keep you in the correct lane whilst watching out for any hazards. You still have to keep your hands on the steering wheel every few seconds, but it works at speeds up to 80mph and no longer needs a lead vehicle to focus on.

The V90 is very easy on the eye with its beautifully streamlined curves, distinctive upright grille housing the company emblem, striking alloy wheels, and Volvo’s iconic Thor-hammer headlights.

Move inside and buyers cannot fail to be impressed by the level of on-board technology as all models are lavishly equipped with the likes of Sensus Connect and Navigation systems with full European mapping, a 9-inch centre console touchscreen with zoom and swipe functions along with voice control, two-zone climate control and heated seats.

The V90 is priced from £34,555 and is available in two trim levels called Momentum and Inscription. At present there is a choice of two diesel-driven, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines – the D4 190bhp and the D5 235bhp. Both engines are mated to 8-speed automatic gearboxes. A T8 twin engine plug-in hybrid model will be introduced a little later on as will a sporty R-Design version.

The front-wheel drive D4-powered variant is likely to account for about 70 per cent of V90 sales, so it was that particular car in Momentum trim that we tested on road route around the Berkshire countryside.

It carried a price-tag of £41,250 with options fitted and could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 8.5 seconds and onto a top speed of 140mph. According to official figures it can achieve combined fuel economy of 62.8mpg with carbon emissions of 119g/km.

The first thing to mention is how beautifully spacious and light the car is, and despite being a larger-than-life estate model, the V90 is agile, nimble and very easy to manoeuvre with a tight turning circle. In busy congested traffic, it simply cruised along and then on the faster roads and motorways it glided effortlessly through the gears with very little road, engine or wind noise filtering through to the cabin.

All the controls are simple to use and the interior has a crisp, clutter-free feel to it with a host of techno treats and creature comforts just one touch away.

We tested out the Pilot Assist on the motorway and it was ultra-efficient. The steering wheel becomes much heavier as it takes control of keeping the car in its lane. Add in the adaptive cruise control and the vehicle is the closest step to semi-autonomous driving I have experienced to date. It’s spookily effective as it gently turns, brakes and accelerates accordingly.

Comfort levels throughout the cabin are superb with bags of space in the back. And the boot can swallow up 560 litres of luggage. Drop the rear seats and that capacity rises to a whopping 1,526 litres.

And when you factor in all the car’s connectivity capabilities, it’s clear to see why Volvo has the premium German marques in its sights. The V90 may not feature all the blistering driving dynamics they offer, but it can easily compete when it comes to on-board technology, comfort and brand confidence.