Volvo S90 launched in India at ₹53.5 Lakhs

In an attempt to gain market share in the rapidly-growing mid-size luxury car segment in India, Volvo has recently launched the new S90 sedan. Pitted against cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and Jaguar XF, the S90 sure has its work cut out.

At the moment, the S90 is available in just one variant and trim level - D4 Inscription - priced at INR 53.5 Lakhs ex-showroom Mumbai. Deliveries are expected to begin next month.

Volvo's new design language that debuted in the XC90 has been winning over critics and customers across the globe and the S90 is no different. The sleek LED headlights with the characteristic "Thor's Hammer" DRLs, the trapezoidal grille with vertical chrome slats and the wide air dam look very similar to the ones in the XC90. The silhouette exudes class helped extensively by the long hood, the near-flat shoulder line, the sloping coupe-like roof line and the almost 3-meter long wheelbase. Unlike the minimalist approach elsewhere, the rear is a bit loud with large C-shaped taillights and a contoured trunk lid. If distinct looks are what you are after, the S90 will emerge a strong contender trouncing its competitors.

The interiors, again, are very similar to the XC90 with a clean, uncluttered design accentuated by subtle and classy walnut inserts and chrome bezels. The center console is dominated by a large 9-inch 'Sensus' touchscreen that controls the infotainment system, navigation and the car's various settings. As one would expect from a car in this segment, the S90 is loaded with premium features including a 19-speaker 'Bowers and Wilkins' sound system, Nappa leather upholstery, four-zone climate control, electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats with memory function and powered seat cushion extensions, graphical Head-Up display, independent rear air suspension with multiple drive modes, powered Sunroof and a full safety suite.

Sharing its modular SPA platform with the XC90, the S90 sedan gets a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. The power is delivered to the wheels through an Aisin 8-speed automatic transmission. While this is the only engine option on offer now, Volvo might contemplate launching a more powerful diesel, petrol and hybrid powertrains later.

Well, the Volvo S90 has all that an average Indian luxury car buyer wants and more. It's priced well too, something that we rarely say when talking about luxury cars. But, will Indians look beyond the snob value associated with the German trio? Volvo certainly hopes so.