My parents had a V70 first generation and we would do all our vacations with it. Retrospectively I fell I love with this thing but I remember not really liking it when I was a kid for the smell of the leather. Today I miss it and this V90 gives me goosebumps because of its design but also my memories with Volvo, I would love to ride one of those one day.
I appreciate that Volvo took the time to design an attractive looking wagon. Most car makers seem to start with the sedan and then slap an extended roof section on it and call it a wagon. What happens is, the design language does not translate over to the wagon well at all, making them look awkward and part of he reason they don’t sell well in the US at all. Special attention needs to be given to the wagon version to make it look well proportioned and sleek. MotoMan did a great job of pointing out the styling differences between the S90 and the V90. That attention to the styling has made this model the best looking wagon I’ve seen in a long time. The only thing close in the US is the E-class wagon. I’m just concerned about the long term reliability of the complex dual boosted power plant. But I’d love to own one.
I had a 745 GL in Germany. Diesel engine was a 6 cylinder turbo by VW. best vehicle I ever had. Have a 2008 xc 90 now in Canada and look forward to the new V90 CC coming in 2017 to Canada.
No idea on the diesel. However, I recently bought a '94 850 Wagon "Touring" that is a complete basket case. However, I am absolutely in love with it! It's still fun to drive (even with a slightly shot suspension) and it has fairly decent creature comforts for a car of the 90's. Heated seats, auto-down drivers window etc. With multiple dents, a 2 tone (poor) color scheme of silver and original beige, overheating at least twice; I call it bulletproof. Sounds a little grindy, but that I-5 still pulls and sounds great!
I have never driven one of those VW-powered turbo diesels from the 80s. Have heard great things. I still own a 1990 754ti, but when the list of necessary repairs got too long, I dialed the turbo up, hooted, hollered, exacerbated some oil leaks, and then cut a big hole in the roof, and inserted a hot tub. I hope to have another one like it some day.
The Diesel in the Volvo 760 GLE Turbo Diesel was a inline 6 cylinder at 2.4 liter, made by Volkswagen, it was sold in the Volvo 240 too with no turbo, same engine sat in one of VWs big work van models in Europe. I owned a 1985 760 GLE Turbo Diesel wagon, later I owned a 960 GLE wagon here in the US. My first car was a 1968 Volvo 164..Miss them all...I think the New Volvo V90 is one of the best looking wagons ever made...
Volkswagen made the turbo diesel engine. I am from Italy and I'm a happy owner of a C30 D2 (1.6 liter turbodiesel, I dont think it was sold in the US). I felt in love with Volvo when I was 12 and now that I am 19 I own one. It was my dream car.
I like the black interior a lot, I wouldn't spec it with an aluminum trim though… which is very nice by the way. Well, my Volvo story is actually a Mercedes story lol… I think all of them had the retractable tow hook… not that we ever used it. As always, excellent work M!
The Diesel in the 850 era was a Volkswagen TDI. After that, they used PSA (Peugeot Citroen), until they developed their first inhouse: the famous D5 five cyliner diesel, which came in different variants from 163 to 225 hp. That specific engine even made it in a hybrid configuration in the Volvo V60 D6 (283 hp), which sold wild numbers in Western Europe. The current generation of inline four cylinders diesels is therefore only the second own-developed diesel engine by Volvo in recent years.
This reminds me more of my 2005 V70R in Titanium Grey Metallic paint and five spoke Pegasus wheels, than an 850R. The 850R was FWD and came with multi-spoke Volan wheels. That aside this V90 is gorgeous.
Conceptually a large awd wagon like this does almost everything most people want. Even light/medium towing. But the fact is, in the US, a huge percentage of people live in urban/suburban areas and fight traffic most of the time, never exceeding 45mph for long. They just don't seem to care about the handling advantages of a wagon vs the better visibility of an SUV version. In fact, they seem to prefer being able to see over traffic to pick lanes.
I have two questions for you motoman, Do you know if the engines are also port injected like the Lexus DI engines to keep the intake valves clean? And is awd going to be an option here in the US?
Depending on how things go, this is my next vehicle. Was looking at the torque curve for both engines, I could deal with just the Turbo. Other than a Jeep, I've never needed AWD so.
The US-spec S90 is unbelievably rated to tow 4,600 lbs. In other words, the XC90 can only tow 400 more pounds than its sedan (and I'm presuming wagon) counterpart. So you know, maybe that trailer hitch would come in handy!
Thank you looks good i own a Volvo S 60 2015 I like it it's very good and I like to know if you have any information about the next-generation of the S60 my dad owns xc90 2016 I think that car should have a V-6 engine with turbo supercharge thank you
It's very new and fancy but I am not impressed. Maybe when you do a full review and state all the numbers I will be in awe. Right now I will choose other cars over this. Although the station wagons are a bit limited in the US
The problem with "accessory wheels" is that they are often horrifically expensive. Doubly so when you realize that they aren't a second set of wheels, they replace the ones you've already paid for in the base price! Effectively they are a $4,000 set of wheels and tires.
Sorry to see Volvo not producing a 6 cylinder, but the 4 with turbo/supercharger combination sounds exciting. I own '89 Bertone, '91 240, '98 S90, '09 S80 T6 AWD models now. I plan to purchase the new S90 to replace the 240 and Bertone which I don't drive. Yes my driveway my looks like a Volvo Dealership.
+smonkey001 Very reliable, these cars have never left me stranded, as long as maintenance is performed in a timely matter. Parts are more expensive than Chrvy/Ford but parts last. That T8 ummmm, need more battery mileage it would work for my small commute. Three more years before I plan to purchase T8 by then mileage should increase. Telsa. 35k all Electric good price..
Volvo plans on doing a full electric in that price range too. Around 2020 the latest, won't be much later than Teslas since I have my reservations about how fast production will ramp up.
+MPC007_EXP Yes, you are correct. I maybe ready to purchase 2021-2023 time frame. I will go All-Electric, someone should have the Technology figure out for long range travel, by that time.
5:42 you say the opening to the rear is an inch narrower than the S90, at 8:10 you say its about 2 inches...? Great review otherwise, but I am having trouble finding your 1, 2, 4 and 5 of 5 videos of the car.
have had 5 Volvo wagons, 4 sedans and C70 NOW ! presently Mercedes wagon (3total) - BUYING THIS 2017 Volvo wagon MAX out around $65 , much cheaper than MBwagon and no one bothers me - PLUS MORE COLORS available and INTERIOR COLORS I PREFER !! hahaha
Great alternative to the ridiculously priced E-Wagon, but, this is not inexpensive and will there be enough buyers? I say yes in the metropolitan areas where this will be a chic choice and those cities where they are close to horses, skiing, etc., and it will be another logical choice of the moneyed set who don't want a heavy gas guzzling SUV.
I've driven the xc90 and honestly the engine is very disappointing. When you go full throttle it takes a full second before the engine starts reving up, and it accelerates slowly and sounds like the engine came from VW golf
independent testing of acceleration do not match with your subjective feelings - the car is quick enough and not much behind 6 cylinder turbo charged competition. In C&D testing it is only 1/10 of a second slower than a BMW X5 (6 cylinder turbo) to 120MPH.
Volvo's lack of a new developed 5 or 6 cylinder is my biggest disappointment in the brand since the new generation came out with the XC90. And I'm a huge Volvo fan.
My parents had a V70 first generation and we would do all our vacations with it. Retrospectively I fell I love with this thing but I remember not really liking it when I was a kid for the smell of the leather. Today I miss it and this V90 gives me goosebumps because of its design but also my memories with Volvo, I would love to ride one of those one day.
this guy is a master reviewer, really knows his stuff.
He should have shown the interior, had has hands on a very rare V90 Momentum, while most review samples are top line Inscriptions.
MPC007_EXP I agree with that, other then that his knowledge is extensive.
vsboy25 except it's foot pounds. not pound feet of torque.
I appreciate that Volvo took the time to design an attractive looking wagon. Most car makers seem to start with the sedan and then slap an extended roof section on it and call it a wagon. What happens is, the design language does not translate over to the wagon well at all, making them look awkward and part of he reason they don’t sell well in the US at all. Special attention needs to be given to the wagon version to make it look well proportioned and sleek. MotoMan did a great job of pointing out the styling differences between the S90 and the V90. That attention to the styling has made this model the best looking wagon I’ve seen in a long time. The only thing close in the US is the E-class wagon. I’m just concerned about the long term reliability of the complex dual boosted power plant. But I’d love to own one.
I had a 745 GL in Germany. Diesel engine was a 6 cylinder turbo by VW. best vehicle I ever had. Have a 2008 xc 90 now in Canada and look forward to the new V90 CC coming in 2017 to Canada.
No idea on the diesel. However, I recently bought a '94 850 Wagon "Touring" that is a complete basket case. However, I am absolutely in love with it! It's still fun to drive (even with a slightly shot suspension) and it has fairly decent creature comforts for a car of the 90's. Heated seats, auto-down drivers window etc. With multiple dents, a 2 tone (poor) color scheme of silver and original beige, overheating at least twice; I call it bulletproof. Sounds a little grindy, but that I-5 still pulls and sounds great!
Nice review Motoman. I kept smiling at you pacing the floor like you needed to use the bathroom.
that trailer hitch caught me off guard lol! pretty cool. Volvo is impressive these days
I have never driven one of those VW-powered turbo diesels from the 80s. Have heard great things. I still own a 1990 754ti, but when the list of necessary repairs got too long, I dialed the turbo up, hooted, hollered, exacerbated some oil leaks, and then cut a big hole in the roof, and inserted a hot tub. I hope to have another one like it some day.
The Diesel in the Volvo 760 GLE Turbo Diesel was a inline 6 cylinder at 2.4 liter, made by Volkswagen, it was sold in the Volvo 240 too with no turbo, same engine sat in one of VWs big work van models in Europe. I owned a 1985 760 GLE Turbo Diesel wagon, later I owned a 960 GLE wagon here in the US. My first car was a 1968 Volvo 164..Miss them all...I think the New Volvo V90 is one of the best looking wagons ever made...
MotoManTV.... Is this the Electric Silver Metallic or the Osmium Grey metallic??
Gorgeous paint color and wheel combination!!!
Volkswagen made the turbo diesel engine. I am from Italy and I'm a happy owner of a C30 D2 (1.6 liter turbodiesel, I dont think it was sold in the US).
I felt in love with Volvo when I was 12 and now that I am 19 I own one. It was my dream car.
I like the black interior a lot, I wouldn't spec it with an aluminum trim though… which is very nice by the way.
Well, my Volvo story is actually a Mercedes story lol… I think all of them had the retractable tow hook… not that we ever used it.
As always, excellent work M!
The Diesel in the 850 era was a Volkswagen TDI. After that, they used PSA (Peugeot Citroen), until they developed their first inhouse: the famous D5 five cyliner diesel, which came in different variants from 163 to 225 hp. That specific engine even made it in a hybrid configuration in the Volvo V60 D6 (283 hp), which sold wild numbers in Western Europe. The current generation of inline four cylinders diesels is therefore only the second own-developed diesel engine by Volvo in recent years.
better looking than the sedan to me. on my short list of cars to look at in the next year.
When I was born, my mom had a 1995 Volvo 850 Turbo. She later got the debut 1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320.
This reminds me more of my 2005 V70R in Titanium Grey Metallic paint and five spoke Pegasus wheels, than an 850R. The 850R was FWD and came with multi-spoke Volan wheels. That aside this V90 is gorgeous.
Volan wheels are one of Volvos best designs. Should have kept those ;)
Conceptually a large awd wagon like this does almost everything most people want. Even light/medium towing. But the fact is, in the US, a huge percentage of people live in urban/suburban areas and fight traffic most of the time, never exceeding 45mph for long. They just don't seem to care about the handling advantages of a wagon vs the better visibility of an SUV version. In fact, they seem to prefer being able to see over traffic to pick lanes.
Now that's a great looking wagon. I hope I can afford one in the next two years.
There is only one thing I hate about the V90. The rear indicator lights are NOT LED but the brake lights are LED.
I have two questions for you motoman, Do you know if the engines are also port injected like the Lexus DI engines to keep the intake valves clean? And is awd going to be an option here in the US?
Future is now! V90 RULES!
Depending on how things go, this is my next vehicle. Was looking at the torque curve for both engines, I could deal with just the Turbo. Other than a Jeep, I've never needed AWD so.
The US-spec S90 is unbelievably rated to tow 4,600 lbs. In other words, the XC90 can only tow 400 more pounds than its sedan (and I'm presuming wagon) counterpart. So you know, maybe that trailer hitch would come in handy!
You speak very fast...😎, good video and good sound. Thank you.
Thank you looks good i own a Volvo S 60 2015 I like it it's very good and I like to know if you have any information about the next-generation of the S60 my dad owns xc90 2016 I think that car should have a V-6 engine with turbo supercharge thank you
Also think you could use a new camera sensor
That pixel was bothering the fruit cake out of me!
Grant Rodgers Z
It's very new and fancy but I am not impressed. Maybe when you do a full review and state all the numbers I will be in awe. Right now I will choose other cars over this. Although the station wagons are a bit limited in the US
The problem with "accessory wheels" is that they are often horrifically expensive. Doubly so when you realize that they aren't a second set of wheels, they replace the ones you've already paid for in the base price! Effectively they are a $4,000 set of wheels and tires.
Very nice car!
You can't get that hitch in the US. We're stuck with the old box insert to frame style.
these 21" tho 👌👌
I prefer the 21" inch Turbines. They look even cooler.
MPC007_EXP both are bangin
They should make the Cross Country version of this, it would sell.
I thought there was a button to fold the head rest inward or perpendicular to the seat giving it enough room to not hit the front seat.
Sorry to see Volvo not producing a 6 cylinder, but the 4 with turbo/supercharger combination sounds exciting. I own '89 Bertone, '91 240, '98 S90, '09 S80 T6 AWD models now. I plan to purchase the new S90 to replace the 240 and Bertone which I don't drive.
Yes my driveway my looks like a Volvo Dealership.
How is the reliability in general?
+smonkey001 Very reliable, these cars have never left me stranded, as long as maintenance is performed in a timely matter. Parts are more expensive than Chrvy/Ford but parts last. That T8 ummmm, need more battery mileage it would work for my small commute. Three more years before I plan to purchase T8 by then mileage should increase. Telsa. 35k all Electric good price..
Volvo plans on doing a full electric in that price range too. Around 2020 the latest, won't be much later than Teslas since I have my reservations about how fast production will ramp up.
+MPC007_EXP Yes, you are correct. I maybe ready to purchase 2021-2023 time frame. I will go All-Electric, someone should have the Technology figure out for long range travel, by that time.
Put studded winter tires on and it will be an unstoppable tank in the winter.
5:42 you say the opening to the rear is an inch narrower than the S90, at 8:10 you say its about 2 inches...? Great review otherwise, but I am having trouble finding your 1, 2, 4 and 5 of 5 videos of the car.
The confusion on the 2nd issue is that 1 & 2 are the S90, 3&4 are the V90. Waiting for part 5 ...
Ah I see.. I found 4 after posting my message. Waiting for part 5 indeed. Very much in love with this car especially in these fan-blade rims!
VW and it came from there LT (Lasten Transporter) Panasonic i think also but alpine is most known i the C70 from 1997 with DB SR.
Hi, is this the R-DESIGN model in Osmium Grey?
Looks like a full option Momentum to me. Probably Osmium Gray yes.
Yay, the car has a Kent song on -- gotta leave that Swedish mark :)
The rims remind me of a Volkswagen Golf Rims, (Design wise).
vw made the volvo diesel
have had 5 Volvo wagons, 4 sedans and C70 NOW ! presently Mercedes wagon (3total) - BUYING THIS 2017 Volvo wagon MAX out around $65 , much cheaper than MBwagon and no one bothers me - PLUS MORE COLORS available and INTERIOR COLORS I PREFER !! hahaha
So beautiful, very expensive!🤔
Not when compared to Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5-Series. Its cheaper for the same configuration.
Lets put your questions to the side and talk pricing.
In the Netherlands, pricing for the T5 petrol in Momentum trim starts at 52k. Probably take off 5 grand for other European countries and the US of A.
Great alternative to the ridiculously priced E-Wagon, but, this is not inexpensive and will there be enough buyers? I say yes in the metropolitan areas where this will be a chic choice and those cities where they are close to horses, skiing, etc., and it will be another logical choice of the moneyed set who don't want a heavy gas guzzling SUV.
I admit the new S90 and V90 look good, but I still think the 2016 Mercedes E class is better overall.....
I've driven the xc90 and honestly the engine is very disappointing. When you go full throttle it takes a full second before the engine starts reving up, and it accelerates slowly and sounds like the engine came from VW golf
independent testing of acceleration do not match with your subjective feelings - the car is quick enough and not much behind 6 cylinder turbo charged competition. In C&D testing it is only 1/10 of a second slower than a BMW X5 (6 cylinder turbo) to 120MPH.
***** Sorry, it was the D5.
+Junior the new D5 have powerpuls to get rid of that problem. the initial acceleration is better than competitors 6 cylinder engines.
Its all about downsizing and reducing the emission. Next generation will be e-cars and u know that 6 n 8 cylinders can not survive.
Volvo's lack of a new developed 5 or 6 cylinder is my biggest disappointment in the brand since the new generation came out with the XC90. And I'm a huge Volvo fan.
Panasonic!
2017
VW produced the Diesel engine.
7 series/2 series Diesel was made by VW AND it was not a TDI
That is not correct. Recent BMW diesels are all own designs.
Cant be premium with only 4 cylinders...
noooo
Beltline is still too tall. Needs more window.
Diesel gate made the shit engine
Cut the crap.