New 2026 Volvo S90 : I remember test-driving the previous Volvo S90 a couple years back, and man, that thing felt like gliding on clouds wrapped in Swedish leather.
Now, with whispers of a refreshed 2026 model floating around, I had to dig into what’s new – especially for us in the USA where sedans like this are fighting for survival against SUV mania.
Sharper Looks That Turn Heads
The 2026 S90 doesn’t mess around with its exterior refresh; it’s borrowed some serious edge from the updated XC90 SUV.
Picture this: a bolder front grille with those signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights slicing through the night, sleeker bumpers, and reshaped taillights that give it a more aggressive stance without losing that understated Volvo elegance.
New wheel designs and fresh paint options like Aurora Silver or Mulberry Red make it pop on the highway, measuring in at about 5090mm long with a wheelbase that promises rock-solid stability. It’s the kind of car that makes you slow down at stoplights just to sneak a peek.
Powertrains Geared for Efficiency, Not Just Speed
Under the hood, Volvo’s sticking to its hybrid guns – no diesel anymore, which feels like a nod to greener times ahead.
The plug-in hybrid version boasts over 80 km (around 50 miles) of electric-only range, perfect for zipping around without firing up the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that pumps out roughly 250 hp and 350 Nm of torque.
There’s also a mild-hybrid setup for those who want a boost without the plug, all mated to an smooth 8-speed automatic.
Acceleration hits 0-100 km/h in about 8 seconds, topping out at 180 km/h, but it’s the seamless blend of power and quiet efficiency that had me hooked back in my drive days.
Cabin That’s a Tech Haven and Cozy Retreat
Step inside, and it’s like Volvo cranked the luxury dial up a notch. The big news is the massive 11.2-inch vertical touchscreen running Google-built-in software with over-the-air updates – snappier than before, making navigation and tunes a breeze.
Ambient lighting sets the mood, premium wool-blend or Nappa leather wraps the seats (with massage functions, thank you very much), and noise insulation keeps the world out for that library-quiet cruise.
Rear space rivals full-size sedans, boot swallows 461 liters, and four-zone climate means everyone’s happy – no more “dad, it’s too cold” complaints.
Safety: Volvo’s Never-Ending Obsession
If there’s one thing Volvo doesn’t compromise on, it’s keeping you alive to enjoy the drive.
The 2026 S90 packs Pilot Assist for hands-free highway jaunts, adaptive cruise that actually stops in traffic, blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree cameras, and collision avoidance that sees around corners.
It’s got that IntelliSafe suite that’s earned Volvo its rep, plus active noise cancellation so you can think straight in chaos. In a world of distracted drivers, this feels like having a guardian angel with LIDAR eyes.
The Big USA Hurdle: Tariffs and Shifting Tides
Here’s the gut punch for American fans – Volvo’s confirmed no 2026 S90 plans for the US market. Built in China since 2017, those hefty import tariffs make it a non-starter, especially with sales already dipping here.
It’s heading to China first this summer, then select spots elsewhere, but stateside? Crickets, at least for this facelift.
Some dealers still list 2026 models, but that’s likely carryover 2025 stock or wishful thinking – Volvo’s pivoting hard to EVs like the upcoming ES90 electric successor.
Pricing and What It Means for Buyers
No official US pricing since it’s not coming, but in other markets, expect it to hover around premium territory – think $60,000-$70,000 if tariffs weren’t a wall.
Globally, it’s positioned against BMW 5 Series or Audi A6, offering better hybrid creds and safety at maybe a touch less cash. For value hunters, it’s a steal in efficiency, but here in the States, you’re left eyeing the XC90 or waiting for that ES90 with its 400+ mile range promise.
Why Sedans Like This Still Matter
Even as SUVs dominate, there’s magic in a sedan like the S90 – that low-slung poise, effortless overtakes, and cabin serenity you can’t fake in a crossover.
The 2026 refresh sharpens everything we loved, from the plug-in perks to tech wizardry, proving Volvo gets luxury isn’t just flash. It’s a reminder that great cars evolve, even if market forces keep them from our shores.
New 2026 Volvo S90
The 2026 Volvo S90 shines as a refined, hybrid-powered gem that’s sadly sidelined for US roads due to tariffs, urging buyers toward Volvo’s electric future like the ES90.
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If you’re mourning the sedan’s decline, this refresh is a poetic farewell – elegant, safe, and oh-so-Swedish. Here’s hoping Volvo finds a way back; until then, dream on.