In a move that will be seen as a step closer to clean power for Volvo – but is actually more likely a business decision – Volvo has announced that the S90 saloon is hybrid-only from now on.
It means that buyers of Volvo’s biggest saloon will only be able to have it as a T8 twin-engine plug-in hybrid now, with the model being renamed Recharge. With the S90 being a niche model, it’s arguable that Volvo is dropping petrol and diesel variants that made up a tiny fraction of its overall sales in the UK in any event; petrol and diesel versions of the estate model, the V90, will still be available.
The move means the minimum outlay for an S90 is £55,000 for an S90 Recharge R-Design, with an Inscription spec model costing £56,000.
Cynicism aside the S90 Recharge is a compelling car, especially for company users: its CO2 rating is just 40g/km and its official economy rating 166mpg, and yet it hits 62mph from standstill in just 5.1 seconds.
The powertrain links a 2.0 turbo petrol engine with 320hp to an electric motor mounted on the rear axle, for a total power output of 390PS and electric-only capability – albeit the electric range only just reaches double figures from a full battery charge.
The S90 and V90 ranges were updated recently with a new rear light design including sweeping LED indicators (as per modern Audis), some new colours and some new wheel options. The S90 cabin remains one of the best around, with its focus being the distinctive and intuitive portrait orientation touchscreen display. The 2020 model update has also brought an upgraded Bowers & Wilkins stereo, now including automatic noise cancellation.
Keyword: Volvo kills off petrol and diesel for S90 flagship saloon