The Volvo S90 has long been a hallmark of Scandinavian style, subtle luxury, and cutting-edge safety features. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the S90's progression will change the world of executive sedans with cutting-edge electrification, dramatic tech improvements, and a refined design philosophy that stays true to Volvo's core values of sustainability and creativity.
Let's dive deep into what drivers and enthusiasts can expect from the next chapter of the Volvo S90 journey.
Early Roots: The Foundations of Volvo S90
The S90’s lineage can be traced back to the late 1960s with the introduction of the Volvo 140 series. Launched in 1966, the 140 set the tone for Volvo sedans with its clean Scandinavian lines, strong emphasis on safety, and practical, driver-focused design. The 144 sedan, in particular, offered proportions surprisingly similar to modern S90s, making it the spiritual ancestor of today’s flagship.
In 1974, the Volvo 240 series took center stage. With its iconic boxy silhouette, sturdy build, and reputation for durability, it became a global success. Sales of more than 2.8 million units over nearly two decades solidified Volvo's reputation as a leader in safe, reliable sedans. The 240’s influence is still felt today, as its safety innovations and structural design laid the groundwork for future models.
By the early 1980s, Volvo was ready to push its flagship upmarket with the 700 series, introduced in 1982. Featuring sharper styling, advanced comfort features, and higher-end trims, it brought Volvo closer to the luxury segment dominated by German rivals. The evolution continued into the 900 series in 1990, a more refined take on Volvo’s full-size sedan formula. In the UK, the 900 briefly adopted the “S90” badge in the mid-1990s, foreshadowing the modern nameplate.
A Transitional Luxury Sedan: The First True S90 (1997–1998)
In 1997, Volvo officially launched the first-generation S90, essentially a renamed version of the outgoing Volvo 960. This move aligned Volvo’s model naming strategy with its growing lineup, but mechanically, it was still rooted in the 900 series.
This S90 offered smooth inline-six engines (2.5L and 2.9L), rear-wheel drive, and Volvo’s signature safety systems. Despite its short two-year production run, the S90 gained a reputation for tank-like durability and was even produced in limousine formats for executive use. Only around 26,000 sedans were built, making it one of the rarer Volvo flagships.
The S80 Era (1998–2016)
With the introduction of the Volvo S80 in 1998, the brand entered a new era of design. Gone were the angular, boxy lines of previous decades—instead, the S80 brought a sleeker, curvier silhouette and advanced safety technologies like SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System).
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The first-generation S80 ran until 2006 and marked Volvo’s serious push into the executive sedan market. The second-generation S80, launched in 2006, refined this formula further with more luxury, improved handling, and an expanded engine lineup. For nearly two decades, the S80 carried Volvo’s flagship sedan responsibilities until the company decided to revive the old S90 name with a completely new platform and design philosophy.
The Modern Volvo S90 (2016–Present)
The second-generation S90, unveiled in late 2015, marked Volvo’s transformation into a true luxury contender. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform (shared with the XC90, V90, and S60), it shared its underpinnings with the award-winning XC90 SUV and V90 wagon.
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Under the hood, the S90 carried Volvo’s Drive‑E four-cylinder engines. Petrol variants included the T5 and T6 (turbo and twin‑charged), while diesel versions ranged from D3 to D5, with PowerPulse technology reducing turbo lag and optimizing low-end torque. The flagship T8 Twin Engine Plug‑In Hybrid combined a petrol engine with an electric motor to produce up to 455 hp, with up to 90 km of electric-only range available after a 2021 battery upgrade.
2020 Volvo S90 Facelift
The 2020 refresh added mild-hybrid B-series powertrains to nearly all trims, boosting efficiency by approximately 15%. Exterior tweaks included revised front/rear bumpers, updated taillight animations, hidden exhaust outlets, and chrome garnish on Inscription models. Inside, new features include wool-based upholstery options, USB-C ports throughout, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system with a "Jazz Club" mode, and the latest City Safety and Oncoming Lane Mitigation technologies.
2025 Volvo S90 Facelift
By April 2025, nearly a decade into this generation, Volvo unveiled a major second facelift. This was intended to align the S90 more closely with its SUV flagship, the XC90, and bring the sedan into modern relevance in select markets. Let’s explore what features the 2025 Volvo S90 facelift offers!
2025 Volvo S90 Performance
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B6 Mild Hybrid: A 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged inline-4 engine, delivering around 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with an AWD 8-speed automatic. It claims 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds.
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T8 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): This hybrid combines the 2.0L engine with an electric motor for 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque, enabling 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
2025 Volvo S90 MPG
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B6 Mild Hybrid: EPA figures estimate 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined
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T8 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Combined efficiency around 66 MPGe with extensive total range
2025 Volvo S90 Interior Design & Technology
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Infotainment: A new floating 11.2-inch touchscreen replaces the older 9-inch unit. It runs Volvo’s next-gen Android Automotive system and retains a clean Scandinavian layout with enhanced sound insulation and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
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Materials and Comfort: Premium Nappa leather, open-pore wood or brushed-metal accents, available in new tones like Fenglan Brown. Front seats offer heating & ventilation, 14-way adjustments, power bolsters, and memory settings in high-end trims.
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Convenience Features: Dual-zone climate, heated rear seats, panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver assistance systems including Pilot Assist, surround-view camera, and blind-spot info.
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2025 Volvo S90 Exterior Design
The 2025 Volvo S90 facelift brings bold styling updates inspired by the newer XC90, along with new finishes:
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Front Styling: Slim Thor’s Hammer Matrix LED headlights now extend into a wider grille with diagonal slats. New sculpted bumper with vertical air curtains and silver trim adds sophistication.
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Wheels & Colors: New diamond-cut alloy wheels with dual-tone finishes. Fresh hues like Aurora Silver, Mulberry Red, and Senberry Red bring eye-catching contrast.
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Rear Design: The T-shaped taillight signature replaces the older C-shaped design. The license plate now sits on the boot lid, accentuated by a subtle ducktail spoiler for visual lift.
2025 Volvo S90 Trim Levels and Pricing
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2025 Volvo S90 B6 Plus: Starting at $59,495
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2025 Volvo S90 B6 Ultra: Starting at $65,095
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2025 Volvo S90 T8 Plus: Starting at $66,845
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2025 Volvo S90 T8 Ultra: Starting at $72,395
When will the 2026 Volvo S90 be available?
Volvo officially unveiled the refreshed 2026 S90 on April 17, 2025, showcasing updated styling, technology, and improved hybrid performance. Following its Chinese debut, the new S90 will gradually roll out to select Asian markets and the Middle East from late 2025 into early 2026. However, Volvo has confirmed that the 2026 S90 will not be available in North America, Europe, Canada, or Australia, as the company focuses on SUVs and electric sedans like the ES90 for those regions.
The Future Electric Vision: 2026 Volvo ES90
Taking the S90’s place in Volvo’s electrified future is the all-new Volvo ES90, a fully electric luxury sedan designed to lead the company’s next generation. The 2026 Volvo ES90 is built on the automaker’s new SPA2 platform, the same architecture shared with the upcoming EX90 SUV and the Polestar 3. With this modern foundation comes support for an advanced 800-volt electrical system, allowing for incredibly fast charging speeds.
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Although production of the ES90 began in China in mid-2025 and models are already heading to Europe and select Asian markets, its arrival in the United States remains uncertain. Due to high U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles—specifically a 25% import tax—Volvo has confirmed that it cannot currently sell the ES90 profitably in the United States.
How to Elevate the Volvo S90 to the Next Level with Pedal Commander®®?
Ready to unlock your S90’s raw power with Pedal Commander®? As the ultimate throttle response controller, Pedal Commander® is designed to eliminate throttle lag from the accelerator pedal of your Volvo S90 by intercepting and recalibrating the signal from the factory drive-by-wire throttle system. Installation is quick and easy, and the results are immediate: a sharper throttle, more responsive acceleration, and a ride that feels more connected to your commands.
Moreover, you can customize your S90’s throttle response on the fly through Pedal Commander®’s four modes: Eco, City, Sport, and Sport+. Whether you’re cruising the daily grind or hitting the open road, your S90 reacts exactly how you want it. Imagine switching to the Sport+ mode for a burst of lightning-fast acceleration or dialing it back to the Eco mode when you want smoother starts and better fuel efficiency—right at your fingertips, no fuss.
Pedal Commander® goes beyond performance thanks to its Anti-Theft feature. When activated, this feature turns off the vehicle’s gas pedal, preventing unauthorized use of your vehicle. Enjoy the Anti-Theft feature for the first 14 days FOR FREE, then easily subscribe through the Pedal Commander® mobile app and choose from two subscription plans: $0.99 per month or $9.99 per year—cheaper than a gas station snack!
Select your Volvo S90 from the dropdown below and order the best plug-in upgrade for your Swedish luxury sedan!
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Images: Volvo Cars Media Newsroom
