Auto review by Veeno Dewan

For 2022, Volvo’s  “Recharge” name arrives in the Swedish company’s   line-up, representing a strategy to get at least a million Volvo electrified vehicles on the road by 2025. “The Recharge” moniker signifies   either fully battery-electric, (EV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles.

For the  2022 S90 T8 Recharge PHEV sedan, changes are minor , but include a   new Android-based infotainment with Google built in and front USB ports switch from Type-A to Type-C. The sensors for the driver-assistance features are also upgraded.  Mechanically, the Recharge lineup stays unchanged; however, the base T6 car gets a new mild-hybrid 48-volt powertrain. The new base powertrain in the S90 is the B6 mild-hybrid engine with standard all-wheel drive. Compared to the T6 powertrain in the 2021 model, the B6 makes a little less power and a little more torque. The mild-hybrid system improves fuel economy, making the S90 pretty efficient for a midsize luxury sedan. The features in the optional packages are also revamped slightly.

The exterior for  the premium S90 sedan  is typical Volvo – smart, slightly conservative, and expensive looking. The familiar grill, wide shoulders and big 19-inch wheels set the imposing appearance. The S90 PHEV is powered by a 2.0L, Direct-Injected Turbocharged and Supercharged Engine teamed with an electric motor that produces a combined 400 hp. and 472 pound-feet of torque, fed either to the front wheels, the rear wheels, or all four wheels. This engine is connected to an 8-Speed Geartronic Automatic Transmission. Fuel Efficiency is rated at (L/100 km): 8.3 City / 7.5 Highway / 7.9 Combined.  The pure only  electric range is around 34 kms.

The Recharge is available only as the fully loaded Inscription trim, starting at $76,050. My tester however  had a host of options that ran the price up to almost $90,000 which is pretty steep.  Additional options included such luxuries as: Lounge Package ($2,350) comprising, massage Front Seat, Deluxe Rear Armrest, Ventilated Rear Seat, climate package. Advanced Package ($1,850): with power trunk, Head up Display, and 360 degree Camera. Stand- Alone options included such features as  Rear Air Suspension w/ Four-C Active Chassis, Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System, Park Assist Pilot & Park Assist Front & Rear, 20” 8-Multi Spoke Black Diamond-cut Alloy Wheels and more for a final tally of $89,550.

The S90 cabin features an imposing, impeccable air of luxury. Well designed high-quality interior materials, Nappa leather, ash wood trim inlay all abound. There is proper full- size seating for five adults. The front seats gains as standard power-adjustable massaging front seats and driver’s seat memory settings.   Standout is the easy-to-use Volvo Sensus infotainment system with neatly arranged menus, and sharp graphics. The cool Orrefors crystal shift lever is a crowning touch, while the tremendous sounding audiophile Bowers & Wilkins audio will blow your socks off! Rear seat occupants have limo –like legroom, a huge central armrest, and their own controls in addition to heated and cooled seats. Simply wonderful!

On the road, the super charged and turbocharged engine is a stand out with a very smooth power curve as the supercharger takes care of low revs while the turbocharger takes over at higher revs. Add the EV power capability at takeoff and the seamless silent and switch over to the gasoline engine and it a very refined driving experience.   Acceleration is quick and silky smooth and the S90 has exemplary road manners. You can get around34 kilometers of electric range before the gasoline engine kicks in.

The rear axle is powered by its own 87 hp motor, and there is the option of selecting from four different drive modes or letting the computer decide. Pure mode keeps the S90 in full-EV mode if you have the juice. Hybrid mode optimizes fuel economy and Power mode firms up suspension setting, use of both the gas engine and EV motor and offers faster gear shifts. Despite Its weight and size, the S90 handles twisty roads and bends with effortless grace. It is a supremely fun and entertaining car to drive, yet very relaxing to operate.  (Thank you Volvo massaging seats!).

The Volvo S90 is a luxurious and practical premium vehicle – a good alternative to more fuel thirsty SUVs or crossovers, but still offers a cavernous and versatile interior. Downsides are few, the S90 is expensive when loaded with options and that is about it. Fuel consumption is fair, and you will need a proper level 2 charger to extract a decent charge time. Gorgeous looking, rare, sleek, the Volvo S90 Recharge is a wonderful car to drive and own.

2022 Volvo S90 T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Inscription

Priced from: $76,050. Plus, options delivery and taxes.

More info at www.volvo.ca