Volvo’s new flagship model, the S90 is here. It replaces the S80 and exhibits the Swede’s manufacturer’s contemporary design philosophy. Based on the SPA modular platform, it shares the underpinning with the XC90. Moreover, it is feature loaded, great to look at, and at Rs 53.5 lakh, it is well priced too, compared to its competitors. These competitors include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Audi A6, Jaguar XF and the BMW 5 Series. And, this is how the new S90 compares with this lot on paper.
BMW 5 Series
The power output of the 2.0-litre diesel of the BMW 5 Series in 520d guise is identical to the S90’s 190bhp. Though the 5 Series is wider than the S90, the latter is longer at almost five meters. The 5 Series comes with the widest range of colour option here with 10 colours to choose from compared to four paint options for the Volvo. Both the Volvo and BMW run on 18-inch wheels compared to 17-inch rims sported by the remaining three. The BMW can be had with a 3.0-litre diesel engine as well. And while the Volvo comes only with in one engine spec, the 5 Series can be had with three diesel engines and a petrol as well.
Audi A6
The Audi is the only car here that is available in a front-wheel drive configuration while the Volvo S90 is offered standard as an all-wheel-drive. The S90 gets an eight-speed automatic transmission while the Audi A6 features a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. Both the Volvo and the Audi come with an adaptive air suspension as standard and in only one trim, the Audi A6 is available with two engine options.
Mercedes E-Class
The Mercedes E-Class with a 2.2-litre turbodiesel under the hood has the biggest engine in this comparison, and the highest torque rating of 500Nm as well. It is also the second lightest car here after the Audi. The Volvo in comparison weighs in at a substantial 2962kg. The seven-speed automatic transmission on the Merc also comes with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The E-Class, however, is the least efficient of the lot with an overall efficiency of just 14.2kmpl. The S90, on the other hand, has the highest claimed efficiency of 22.73kmpl.
Jaguar XF
Finally, there’s the British sedan. The Jaguar XF has only recently been majorly updated and makes for a good buy. The 2.0-litre engine under the Jaguar’s hood produces the least amount of power here, though. But then, it is also the lightest. What’s more, the XF is the longest car in this bunch and that should bode well for rear legroom. The power from the engine meanwhile is sent to the rear wheels via paddle shifters in the XF, just as in the E-Class.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. The Volvo S90 is the best looking car here. It looks the most modern and even on the inside, it is the freshest. It will be easy on your pocket too given its purchase price and a fuel efficiency figure that is highest in this lot. As for the others, the new generation models for both the 5 Series and the E-Class have already been unveiled internationally and will be making their way to our shores sometime in 2017. The A6 is due for an upgrade as well. That just leaves the Jaguar XF on the same plane as the S90 when it comes to being current and thoroughly up-to-date. As for prices, the A6 is the cheapest at Rs 51.8 lakh, followed by the E-Class at Rs 53.4 lakh. Then there’s the S90 at Rs 53.5 lakh and the 5 Series is the most expensive here retailing at Rs 54.0 lakh.
