Volvo V90 T5 Momentum (A) Review
02 Jun 2017|28,380 views
What We Like
Sleek looks
Comfortable, spacious and premium interior
Wealth of tech and safety features
Plush, sensible driving experience
What We Dislike
Engine lacks refinement when driven hard
Stationwagons have always been somewhat uncommon in Singapore. You could say it suffers from a poor perception of looking like a hearse. In contrast, over in Europe, said cars are a dime a dozen, as it offers more functionality and practicality.
Recently, things are starting to take a turn. From the premium German brands like the Audi A6 Avant and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Shooting Brake to more affordable options such as the Mazda6 Wagon, the Subaru Levorg and the Volkwagen Golf Variant, it appears that stationwagons are making something of a resurgence in Singapore, with many of the car distributors bringing them in.
With the recent evolution in the brand's design language, the V90 is a sleek and handsome wagon
We're actually quite glad about this because we think there's something about the wagon bodystyle that is fundamentally different, and yet a little bit cool.
State of trance
With Volvo's new design language, the V90 looks especially sleek whilst maintaining an imposing figure. It's hunkered down silhouette helps disguise its size a little, too.
We suspect most people buying wagons are doing so for the additional space and utility. In this department, the V90 has 500 litres of boot space, expandable to a whopping 1,526 litres with the seats folded down.
The 500-litre boot will certainly swallow up all the picnic essentials for the weekend
Step into the car and the new generation aesthetic quality is really impressive. Our test car came with a blacked-out interior that combines soft leathers and sleek metallic trim. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the huge iPad-like central touchscreen, from which you can operate a bevy of features. The interior is great for the whole family as well. There's a generous amount of legroom at the rear, and the plush seats coddle your buttocks nicely.
A quiet state
Under the bonnet, the V90 packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 254bhp and a healthy 350Nm of torque. On the road, the car is no slouch at all, despite its 1,731kg kerb weight. There's good low-end pickup, and acceleration is smooth.
However, it's important to note that to optimise the V90 driving experience, you do have to drive it a particular way.
Driven with restraint, the quality of the driving experience is excellent. It's quiet, plush, comfortable and effortless, with the supple suspension soaking up bumps in the road very well.
Recently, things are starting to take a turn. From the premium German brands like the Audi A6 Avant and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Shooting Brake to more affordable options such as the Mazda6 Wagon, the Subaru Levorg and the Volkwagen Golf Variant, it appears that stationwagons are making something of a resurgence in Singapore, with many of the car distributors bringing them in.
We're actually quite glad about this because we think there's something about the wagon bodystyle that is fundamentally different, and yet a little bit cool.
State of trance
With Volvo's new design language, the V90 looks especially sleek whilst maintaining an imposing figure. It's hunkered down silhouette helps disguise its size a little, too.
We suspect most people buying wagons are doing so for the additional space and utility. In this department, the V90 has 500 litres of boot space, expandable to a whopping 1,526 litres with the seats folded down.
Step into the car and the new generation aesthetic quality is really impressive. Our test car came with a blacked-out interior that combines soft leathers and sleek metallic trim. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the huge iPad-like central touchscreen, from which you can operate a bevy of features. The interior is great for the whole family as well. There's a generous amount of legroom at the rear, and the plush seats coddle your buttocks nicely.
A quiet state
Under the bonnet, the V90 packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 254bhp and a healthy 350Nm of torque. On the road, the car is no slouch at all, despite its 1,731kg kerb weight. There's good low-end pickup, and acceleration is smooth.
However, it's important to note that to optimise the V90 driving experience, you do have to drive it a particular way.
Driven with restraint, the quality of the driving experience is excellent. It's quiet, plush, comfortable and effortless, with the supple suspension soaking up bumps in the road very well.
Let the eight-speed automatic gearbox do its work and shift up quickly through the gears, and the entire experience is quite stately. In a way, the car implores you to be gentle with your right foot.
However, the drivetrain does feel a little strained at the top end (and doesn't sound good, either) when you decide to push the car hard. The V90 doesn't really reward exuberant driving and the lack of driving feedback in corners does play a part in that.
The 2.0-litre engine in this T5 variant of the V90 is best savoured with a gentle foot
Alternatively, you could be a lazy (but efficient) bum like this driver and let the V90 do most of your highway driving for you. With the Pilot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Aid features, the Volvo can essentially drive itself on the highway, as long as you have one hand on the wheel. The best thing about these semi-autonomous features is how quickly they engage - on the highway, the Pilot Assist, which helps steer the car through bends, engages in just a couple of seconds after you activate it.
Driven sensibly (and with a generous heaping of Pilot Assisted help), we managed to achieve 10.6km/L, which isn't too shabby for a big wagon.
State your purpose
There is a lot of sense in buying a wagon nowadays, especially if you need that additional space. Where they used to be visually clunky, wagons of today have certainly improved aesthetically, sheeding their boxy looks. Additionally, buying a wagon isn't that much more expensive - compared to the S90, the V90 costs just $5,000 more.
The Volvo V90 offers a combination of style, comfort and sensibility that highlights its stately character
We suppose it really comes down to identifying your needs. If you are a family-oriented driver that requires additional space to haul around the kids and their soccer equipment and whatnot, then the V90 will certainly fit the bill. What the V90 lacks in the excitement department, it definitely makes up for in terms of comfort, refinement, practicality and sense.
However, the drivetrain does feel a little strained at the top end (and doesn't sound good, either) when you decide to push the car hard. The V90 doesn't really reward exuberant driving and the lack of driving feedback in corners does play a part in that.
Alternatively, you could be a lazy (but efficient) bum like this driver and let the V90 do most of your highway driving for you. With the Pilot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Aid features, the Volvo can essentially drive itself on the highway, as long as you have one hand on the wheel. The best thing about these semi-autonomous features is how quickly they engage - on the highway, the Pilot Assist, which helps steer the car through bends, engages in just a couple of seconds after you activate it.
Driven sensibly (and with a generous heaping of Pilot Assisted help), we managed to achieve 10.6km/L, which isn't too shabby for a big wagon.
State your purpose
There is a lot of sense in buying a wagon nowadays, especially if you need that additional space. Where they used to be visually clunky, wagons of today have certainly improved aesthetically, sheeding their boxy looks. Additionally, buying a wagon isn't that much more expensive - compared to the S90, the V90 costs just $5,000 more.
We suppose it really comes down to identifying your needs. If you are a family-oriented driver that requires additional space to haul around the kids and their soccer equipment and whatnot, then the V90 will certainly fit the bill. What the V90 lacks in the excitement department, it definitely makes up for in terms of comfort, refinement, practicality and sense.
What We Like
Sleek looks
Comfortable, spacious and premium interior
Wealth of tech and safety features
Plush, sensible driving experience
What We Dislike
Engine lacks refinement when driven hard
Stationwagons have always been somewhat uncommon in Singapore. You could say it suffers from a poor perception of looking like a hearse. In contrast, over in Europe, said cars are a dime a dozen, as it offers more functionality and practicality.
Recently, things are starting to take a turn. From the premium German brands like the Audi A6 Avant and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Shooting Brake to more affordable options such as the Mazda6 Wagon, the Subaru Levorg and the Volkwagen Golf Variant, it appears that stationwagons are making something of a resurgence in Singapore, with many of the car distributors bringing them in.
We're actually quite glad about this because we think there's something about the wagon bodystyle that is fundamentally different, and yet a little bit cool.
State of trance
With Volvo's new design language, the V90 looks especially sleek whilst maintaining an imposing figure. It's hunkered down silhouette helps disguise its size a little, too.
We suspect most people buying wagons are doing so for the additional space and utility. In this department, the V90 has 500 litres of boot space, expandable to a whopping 1,526 litres with the seats folded down.
Step into the car and the new generation aesthetic quality is really impressive. Our test car came with a blacked-out interior that combines soft leathers and sleek metallic trim. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the huge iPad-like central touchscreen, from which you can operate a bevy of features. The interior is great for the whole family as well. There's a generous amount of legroom at the rear, and the plush seats coddle your buttocks nicely.
A quiet state
Under the bonnet, the V90 packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 254bhp and a healthy 350Nm of torque. On the road, the car is no slouch at all, despite its 1,731kg kerb weight. There's good low-end pickup, and acceleration is smooth.
However, it's important to note that to optimise the V90 driving experience, you do have to drive it a particular way.
Driven with restraint, the quality of the driving experience is excellent. It's quiet, plush, comfortable and effortless, with the supple suspension soaking up bumps in the road very well.
Recently, things are starting to take a turn. From the premium German brands like the Audi A6 Avant and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Shooting Brake to more affordable options such as the Mazda6 Wagon, the Subaru Levorg and the Volkwagen Golf Variant, it appears that stationwagons are making something of a resurgence in Singapore, with many of the car distributors bringing them in.
We're actually quite glad about this because we think there's something about the wagon bodystyle that is fundamentally different, and yet a little bit cool.
State of trance
With Volvo's new design language, the V90 looks especially sleek whilst maintaining an imposing figure. It's hunkered down silhouette helps disguise its size a little, too.
We suspect most people buying wagons are doing so for the additional space and utility. In this department, the V90 has 500 litres of boot space, expandable to a whopping 1,526 litres with the seats folded down.
Step into the car and the new generation aesthetic quality is really impressive. Our test car came with a blacked-out interior that combines soft leathers and sleek metallic trim. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the huge iPad-like central touchscreen, from which you can operate a bevy of features. The interior is great for the whole family as well. There's a generous amount of legroom at the rear, and the plush seats coddle your buttocks nicely.
A quiet state
Under the bonnet, the V90 packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 254bhp and a healthy 350Nm of torque. On the road, the car is no slouch at all, despite its 1,731kg kerb weight. There's good low-end pickup, and acceleration is smooth.
However, it's important to note that to optimise the V90 driving experience, you do have to drive it a particular way.
Driven with restraint, the quality of the driving experience is excellent. It's quiet, plush, comfortable and effortless, with the supple suspension soaking up bumps in the road very well.
Let the eight-speed automatic gearbox do its work and shift up quickly through the gears, and the entire experience is quite stately. In a way, the car implores you to be gentle with your right foot.
However, the drivetrain does feel a little strained at the top end (and doesn't sound good, either) when you decide to push the car hard. The V90 doesn't really reward exuberant driving and the lack of driving feedback in corners does play a part in that.
Alternatively, you could be a lazy (but efficient) bum like this driver and let the V90 do most of your highway driving for you. With the Pilot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Aid features, the Volvo can essentially drive itself on the highway, as long as you have one hand on the wheel. The best thing about these semi-autonomous features is how quickly they engage - on the highway, the Pilot Assist, which helps steer the car through bends, engages in just a couple of seconds after you activate it.
Driven sensibly (and with a generous heaping of Pilot Assisted help), we managed to achieve 10.6km/L, which isn't too shabby for a big wagon.
State your purpose
There is a lot of sense in buying a wagon nowadays, especially if you need that additional space. Where they used to be visually clunky, wagons of today have certainly improved aesthetically, sheeding their boxy looks. Additionally, buying a wagon isn't that much more expensive - compared to the S90, the V90 costs just $5,000 more.
We suppose it really comes down to identifying your needs. If you are a family-oriented driver that requires additional space to haul around the kids and their soccer equipment and whatnot, then the V90 will certainly fit the bill. What the V90 lacks in the excitement department, it definitely makes up for in terms of comfort, refinement, practicality and sense.
However, the drivetrain does feel a little strained at the top end (and doesn't sound good, either) when you decide to push the car hard. The V90 doesn't really reward exuberant driving and the lack of driving feedback in corners does play a part in that.
Alternatively, you could be a lazy (but efficient) bum like this driver and let the V90 do most of your highway driving for you. With the Pilot Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Aid features, the Volvo can essentially drive itself on the highway, as long as you have one hand on the wheel. The best thing about these semi-autonomous features is how quickly they engage - on the highway, the Pilot Assist, which helps steer the car through bends, engages in just a couple of seconds after you activate it.
Driven sensibly (and with a generous heaping of Pilot Assisted help), we managed to achieve 10.6km/L, which isn't too shabby for a big wagon.
State your purpose
There is a lot of sense in buying a wagon nowadays, especially if you need that additional space. Where they used to be visually clunky, wagons of today have certainly improved aesthetically, sheeding their boxy looks. Additionally, buying a wagon isn't that much more expensive - compared to the S90, the V90 costs just $5,000 more.
We suppose it really comes down to identifying your needs. If you are a family-oriented driver that requires additional space to haul around the kids and their soccer equipment and whatnot, then the V90 will certainly fit the bill. What the V90 lacks in the excitement department, it definitely makes up for in terms of comfort, refinement, practicality and sense.
Car Information
Volvo V90 T5 Momentum (A)
CAT B|Petrol|14.7km/L
Horsepower
189kW (254 bhp)
Torque
350 Nm
Acceleration
7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volvo V90
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