Prices for the regular gasoline models begin at $51,550 (plus $1,045 freight) for the base S90 Momentum T6 all-wheel drive, and $54,650 for the T6 AWD Inscription models with gasoline-only power.

Our plug-in hybrid model test vehicle was the S90 Recharge T8 Inscription model ($60,050, plus $1,045 freight), which comes with an inline four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine and electric drive motor. 

Power is delivered through an eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard.

The Inscription package includes such premium features as 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels in Silver Diamond Cut, along with charcoal perforated Nappa leather upholstery, bright chrome bars in the grille, chrome window trim, heated and ventilated front seats, “tailored” dashboard and upper door panels, high-level interior illumination, Harman Kardon audio, wood deco inlay, power-operated sun curtains (rear window and rear side doors), power-adjustable front seats with power-adjustable side supports and cushion extension, and front “Recharge” tread plates.

The non-hybrid T6 models get a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 316 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Recharge hybrid T8 models include the same engine, but paired with an electric motor that powers the rear wheels while the gasoline engine runs the front wheels. This combination has a total of 400 horsepower and 472 foot-pounds of torque.

EPA fuel-economy ratings for the T6 gasoline models are 21/32/25.

But for our hybrid, they are 30 mpg combined (using gasoline and electric) or 60 mpg-equivalent when running primarily on electric power.

We averaged 30.2 mpg during our weeklong test, with a mix of about 50/50 highway/city driving, but very little electric-only operation. We did not have a readily available charging outlet, so we did not attempt external recharging of the tester.

Just as you’d expect from Volvo, the S90 is well built, well equipped, very comfortable, full of safety features, and a delight to drive. Road handling was superb, especially on twisty country roads near our home that we love to use for test drives.

Volvo says the S90 Recharge can go from zero-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph. There’s plenty of power available in this car, which weighs just under 4,100 pounds.

Our S90’s transmission shifted smoothly and at mostly just at the right time, so we did not make use of the provided manual-shift feature. The gearbox’s computer controller helps keep it from gear-hunting on uphill and downhill slopes, and it brings quick bursts of speed – mostly from the electric motor at lower RPMs — to accommodate passing and uphill freeway ramps.

In keeping with its upscale mission (and price), our S90’s cabin was almost limousine-quality. There is plenty of knee and legroom in the back seat, but it’s more comfortable with just two adults in the rear, with the center armrest pulled down from the seatback.

Among standard features on the S90 Recharge are a power moon roof with sunshade; LED headlights; leather-wrapped steering wheel (tilt and telescopic); keyless entry and pushbutton start; and automatic climate control.

It also comes with linear walnut wood interior inlays; illuminated door handles and high-level interior lighting; rear park assist, with rearview camera system; Sensus 330-watt/10-speaker audio system, with navigation, Wi-Fi, HD and satellite radio, two front and two rear USB ports, Bluetooth connection, and 9-inch touch screen; a 12.3-inch digital instrument display; laminated side windows; and automatic high beams.

Extras on our car included 20-inch Inscription wheels ($800 extra); the Lounge Package ($1,300), with backrest massaging front seats, luxury rear armrest and ventilated back seat; Climate Package ($750), with heated rear seat, windshield wipers and steering wheel; and Advanced Package ($1,750), with hands-free power trunk lid, head-up display and 360-degree surround-view camera system.

Also included were the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system ($3,200); Four-C Adaptive Air Suspension ($1,200); and Platinum Gray Metallic paint ($645).

Standard technology features include Volvo’s City Safety system. It takes over control of the vehicle if the driver becomes distracted – perhaps while “texting” instead of driving – and automatically stops the car if it is about to run into the vehicle in front.

Also included are Pedestrian, Cyclist and Large Animal Detection; the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive system; Run-off Road Protection and Mitigation; rear park assist and rearview camera system; Lane Departure Warning and Driver Alert Control; and road sign information. 

Other safety gear includes seat-mounted side air bags and roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for both rows, electronic stability control with traction control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, tire-pressure monitoring, the Volvo Whiplash Protection System, a high-strength steel safety cage, and side-impact protection.

There also are electric power steering, adjustable drive-mode settings, and dual integrated tailpipes.

Total sticker price for our 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge Inscription sedan was $70,690, including freight and options.

The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter @gchambers3.

2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 Inscription

The package: Midsize, premium, five-door, five-passenger, supercharged and turbocharged inline four-cylinder, gasoline and electric-powered, all-wheel-drive, plug-in hybrid sedan.
Highlights: The S90 is Volvo’s signature sedan, and the Recharge model is a plug-in hybrid version. It has a long list of high-tech safety features and options, and a powerful four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor.
Negatives: Can get pricey with all the options.
Engine: 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline, supercharged and turbocharged, paired with electric drive motor for the rear wheels.
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic.
Power/torque: 400 HP./472 foot-pounds, combined gasoline and electric.
Length: 200.4 inches.
Curb weight: 4,080 pounds.
Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.
Cargo volume: 15.4 cubic feet.
Side air bags: Front seat-mounted, roof-mounted side-curtain for both rows, standard.
Electronic stability control: Standard. 
Fuel capacity/type: 15.9 gallons/unleaded premium recommended, not required.
EPA fuel economy: 22 mpg city/31 highway/25 combined.
Base price: $60,050, plus $1,045 freight.
Price as tested: $70,690, including freight and options (S90 Recharge T8 Inscription).
On the Road rating: 8.8 (of a possible 10).
Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary.