Volvo V90 - Interior, design and technology

The Volvo V90 is a departure from the firm’s traditionally boxy styling for estate cars, and despite having been on sale since 2017, the V90 can still be considered one of the best-looking estates on the market. 

Many of the V90’s design features, such as the Thor’s Hammer running lights, imposing front grille and muscular shoulder line, are shared with other models in the Volvo range. The V90 gets a steeply raked tailgate that’s clearly intended to boost the car’s kerb appeal rather than improve practicality. The eye-catching vertical tail-lights that stretch from just above the bumper to the roof only enhance this impression.

For many buyers the sacrifice of space for style will be worth it, because the V90 is a real head-turner. Strong proportions and neat detailing combine to give the Volvo real presence. One free colour is available, along with four reasonably priced metallic alternatives.

Inside, the V90 builds on the dashboard architecture and material quality found in the Volvo XC90. Leather is standard on Plus trim, while Ultra has the £1,500 option of plusher Nappa leather. Quality is right up there with the best in the executive estate class, and while there are some harder, scratchier plastics to be found, they’re well hidden.

The highlight of the interior is the nine-inch touchscreen tablet. It has been improved over the years with different screen layouts and the integration of Google-based software. As a result, there are only a handful of buttons elsewhere on the facia, which helps give the car a minimalist look and feel. Elsewhere, light wooden veneers run the width of the interior and flow back on to the doors, while the hugely supportive multi-way adjustable seats are covered in soft leather.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The nine-inch tablet-style screen used in the Volvo V90 isn’t as big as the displays in a Mercedes or BMW, but the portrait orientation makes it less of an issue.

Everything is controlled by the touch-sensitive screen, so it’s similar to an iPad. It’s generally responsive – although it can sometimes lag behind your inputs. The screen looks sharp with clear graphics, plus the inclusion of Google software has improved certain features, namely the navigation, which works particularly well with voice commands to save you from having to manually input an address. 

Android users will have to spend some time initially logging into the various apps they would use from their phone because there’s no Android Auto connectivity, while iPhone users can utilise a wired Apple CarPlay connection, it only displays across a small portion of the screen. Wireless phone charging isn’t provided on the V90, even as an option.

A standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster can be configured to show a sat-nav map with navigation instructions, which is useful while driving. Plus trim comes with an excellent 600-watt, 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, while the top-of-the-range Ultra uses a fancier Bowers & Wilkins stereo, which delivers a punchy sound thanks to its 1,400W amplifier and 19-speaker set-up, including a subwoofer.