Volvo EX90 vs Polestar 3

At Volvo, they see climate change as their real safety test and they're on the road to becoming an all-electric brand. The first-ever Volvo EX90 is a clear reminder of such a transition.

2024 Volvo EX90

Starting at 997,000 Krona plus additional costs, the first-ever Volvo EX90 marked the new beginning for the Swedish carmaker as their road to becoming an all-electric carmaker is in full swing to keep up with the challenges of the new normal.

2024 Volvo EX90

Beginning with the design, the EX90, when it was first unveiled to the world, was the first to incorporate the "new normal" Volvo design judging by the pixelated take on the Thor's Hammer headlamps and the squarish Volvo trademark taillights. Although the retractable door handles and creases made statements, the "new normal" exterior design is the template for future all-electric Volvos heading their way.

2024 Volvo EX90 interior

2024 Volvo EX90 interior

The same "new normal" Volvo principle applies to the interior. It features a 14.5-inch touchscreen powered by Android Auto that controls not just entertainment and navigation but almost the entire car, which can be cumbersome for anyone behind the wheel. What's also cumbersome is the steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons, a rotary gear selector, USB-C ports, a digital instrumental panel that knows your name, and others.

Regardless of how many seats you have, from five to seven, the boot space can accommodate up to 1,915 liters with the passenger seats folded down. With all seats present, it can carry up to 365 liters. Decent enough to carry today's grocery shopping list or rather thrift store dump if you're into that. The sweet spot of the EX90? Almost impossible to say because most Swedish families may end up with this, but it still works rather well for escorting liberal democrats, woke capitalists, and other VIPs alike. It's business class with a greater cause.

2024 Volvo EX90

The EX90 features three different configurations armed with the 107kWh lithium-ion battery pack such as the entry-level 279PS Single Motor, the 408PS all-wheel-drive Twin Motor variant, and the most powerful in the lineup, the Twin Motor Performance. The flagship variant produces 517PS of power and 910Nm of torque, sprinting from a 0-100kph time of 4.9 seconds. That's it. The driving distance in one full charge is about 590km. A real road-tripping crossover.

Asked about charging times, the EX90 will take about the length of an episode of your anime show to reach 80% or nearly half an hour to reach full charge while at home.

Although extremely regular to drive every day, not to mention being silent and comfy on the move, the EX90 is packed with a roof-mounted Iris LiDAR sensor from Luminar, five radars, eight cameras, two interior cameras, and 16 ultrasonic sensors, taking advantage of the crossover's cutting edge safety features Volvo has championed through the year. Although capped at Level 2 autonomy for the time being, the EX90 is the first that is hardware-ready for fully autonomous driving in the future. Whoa.

Like it or not, the EX90 is the poster Volvo of the new normal as its road to becoming an all-electric carmaker is in full swing. However, those who demand more should consider its sportier alternative to the EX90.

2024 Polestar 3

This is the Polestar 3, the third Polestar-made vehicle and the second fully electric since the Polestar 2 midsize saloon. Priced at 960,000 Krona plus additional cost, it's cheaper to own than the EX90, although it's available only as a five-seater.

2024 Polestar 3 interior

2024 Polestar 3 interior

While the exterior is strikingly sexy for crossover standards thanks to its design inspired by the Precept Concept, although the sidelines and rear can be downright mistaken for the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the minimalist interior, the 9-inch digital instrument cluster, the 14.5-inch touchscreen, and up to 1,411 liters of boot space proves that the Polestar 3 is all about taking things seriously, whatever life throws at it.

2024 Polestar 3 interior

Offered only in a Twin Motor 4WD layout with 107kWh lithium-ion battery, the Polestar 3 is offered with a choice of a 489PS Long Range Dual Motor and the 517PS Performance Pack. Although the latter is the same as the one in the EX90's range-topper, this is faster than the EX90 Twin Motor Performance variant because the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor Performance variant is 0.2 seconds faster than the EX90 and while the EX90 is as fast as a Japanese car on Japanese roads, the Polestar 3 goes flatout in 210kph.

Apart from the performance, the Polestar 3 features front double wishbones, rear integral link, dual-chamber air suspension, adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and torque vectoring, making this heavyweight Polestar worth driving everywhere. Makes you fizz behind the wheel, huh?

Like the EX90, the Polestar 3 is packed with numerous safety features that earned the right to become fully autonomous in the foreseeable future, with Level 2 autonomy the best it can do for now. It even comes with the Polestar-first Smart Eye that detects drivers' eye movements in the name of reducing driver distraction. Speedo boys consider it a buzzkill but whatever.

The Volvo EX90 and the Polestar 3 are two extremely different sides of the same coin. While the EX90 is all about being a civilized crossover daily, the Polestar 3 rewrites the rules of what a fully electric crossover should be. Either way, this is the new normal. Deal with it.

Photo: Volvo Cars/Polestar

Volvo EX40 and EC40

Formerly known as the XC40 Recharge and the C40, the two electric crossovers from Volvo have been renamed as the EX40 and the EC40 as the Swedish carmaker's plans to become an EV-only brand have gone in full circle.

2025 Volvo EX40

2025 Volvo EC40

Although they look the same as the now-defunct XC40 Recharge and the C40, the first-ever EX40 and the EC40 are picking up where the recently deceased former selves left off in the name of mobility for all.

 

2025 Volvo EX40 interior

2025 Volvo EC40 interior

While the styling and the interior layout look and feel the same as the XC40 Recharge and the C40 it replaced, so does the boot space of up to 1286 liters for the EX40 and 1196 liters for the EC40, not to mention the driving feel between them, which in their case, civilized, relaxing, well-poised, and thanks to the most advanced safety features Volvo has championed, it's surprisingly safer as well, the EV powertrains saw a major shake-up with the addition of a new flagship version.

In addition to the 238PS rear-wheel-drive Single Motor and the 408PS all-wheel-drive Twin Motor variants, the EX40 and the EX40 received a new Performance variant where a special Performance drive mode bumped the 82kWh Twin Motor powertrain with an additional 34PS of power, bringing the power output of 442PS. It will go from 0-100kph in four and a half seconds and being a new-normal Volvo, the maximum permitted speed is 180kph. 

Asked about the driving range, the EX40 Twin Motor Performance variant is good for 538km while the EC40 Twin Motor Performance does 552km, which is more. Both can hit 80% in less than 30 minutes while charging at a 50kw DC charging station at a public place.

The EX40 starts at 607,000 kr while the EC40 starts at 625,000 kr plus additional costs. Both can be ordered online.

Even with the name change, the Volvo EX40 and the EC40 deserve some attention.

Photo: Volvo Cars

Volvo EX30

The first-ever Volvo EX30 is undeniable proof that the Swedish carmaker's going big on its electrification gamble as plans to become an electric car maker going full circle.

2024 Volvo EX30

Priced at 429,000 Swedish Krona plus additional costs, the first-ever Volvo EX30 is the baby EV crossover that showcases the Swedish carmaker's commitment to going all-electric since the moment they announced it. Like it or not, this is the new normal for the new Volvo.

2024 Volvo EX30

Beginning with the styling, the EX30 dons Volvo's new-era design that prefers subtlety over obviousness, and being subtle is a good thing for an all-electric crossover made for the new normal. From the new-era Thor's Hammer headlamps, wheel arch creases, clamshell bonnet, and two-piece taillights, the EX30 is "new normal" material.

2024 Volvo EX30 interior

2024 Volvo EX30 interior

Inside, the EX30 prefers minimalism, which spells trouble for speedo boys behind the wheel but hey, this is the new normal after all, and cars with large touchscreens are a big deal. The 12.3-inch touchscreen with Snapdragon Cockpit Platform and Android AOS takes control of not just infotainment, but also navigation, room temperature, and other important bits and bobs surrounding it. 

First-timers will find this gizmo complicated at first but they'll find it enjoyable the more they know it.

The EX30 has a complicated infotainment system, but other than that, it has a lot going for it. It comes with a Harman Kardon premium audio system that includes a soundbar located at the top of the dashboard.

In terms of comfort and spacing, despite its just-sizing dimensions, the EX30 is as cozy as most commoners' cars can be and with the rear seats folded down, you can store up to 904 liters of boot space, fit for all walks of life. Stealing the idea from the Hyundai Santa Fe, the EX30 comes with a door-opening safety feature that warns the driver when he or she is about to open the door in front of a cyclist, scooter, or runner, to prevent accidents.

2024 Volvo EX30

The EX30's electric powertrain consists of a rear-wheel-drive Single Motor layout with 272PS of power and a 4WD Twin Motor Performance layout with 428PS of power. The Single Motor variant comes with the 51kWh lithium iron phosphate battery while the Single Motor Extended and Twin Motor Performance variants get a 69kWh NiMC battery.

The Single Motor Extended Range variant has up to 476km of driving range while the Twin Motor Performance, with its 0-100kph time of 3.6 seconds, has up to 450km of driving range. Charging times? While charging at a 150kW charging station, it will take less than 30 minutes to hit 80% for most variants.

Running on Geely's SEA platform, the EX30 behaves well for a Swedish EV crossover. Although not as exciting as expected, it is civilized on various scapes from suburbia to the great outdoors. As for safety, the EX30 features various safety tech you would expect from a Volvo such as the new-generation Park Pilot Assist, 360-degree camera, Pilot Assist, Collision avoidance system, and driver warning system, among others.

Although not one of the best crossovers of the new normal, the Volvo EX30 is proof that the Swedish carmaker's electrification transition is going full circle. As one said, what you say is what you get. Volvo wanted to become fully electric because climate change is the real safety test, and this is what they've got. This is only the beginning...

Photo: Volvo Car Corporation

My FH5 Log: Community Day Classic (PART 2)

The Spirit of Performance and a "Fast and Furious" fan favorite are the highlights of the FM5 Community Choice update's Storm Season Playlist.

First up is the Koenigsegg CCX, which I snagged after hitting the 20-point mark on the Storm Season Playlist. 

The CCX was unveiled at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show and served as the replacement for the CCR. CCX is an acronym for "Competition Coupe X", in fact, the X commemorates the 10th anniversary of the completion and test drive of the first CC vehicle in 1996. It was powered by a 4.7L twin-supercharged V8 engine that claims to go 0-60m in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of over 245mph.

There was a version called the CCXR that was tuned to run on biofuel and produced more power than the standard CCX.

Lastly, the W Motors Lykan Hypersport, which I snagged after hitting the 40-point mark on the Storm Season Playlist.

After spending two years in development, the Lykan Hypersport made its first appearance at the Top Marques Monaco Auto Show. While this is truly Arab's first supercar, the engine is a boxer-six engine sourced from Ruf, developing 780HP of power, and with the seven-speed PDK equipped, it is capable of doing 0-100kph in 2.8 seconds and onwards to 395kph. Apart from its performance, the Lykan Hypersport comes with carbon-fiber bodywork, an active spoiler system, and six-piston aluminum monobloc calipers with ventilated, cross-drilled ceramic composite discs.

This car is limited to seven units, making it one of the rarest cars in the world. Exclusivity aside, the LED headlight in the Lykan is encrusted with 220 diamonds or a combination of any other precious or semi-precious stones chosen by the customer. A Lykan Hypersport owner is entitled to a private concierge provided by Quintessentially Group as well as ownership of a very exclusive Franck Muller Lykan watch.

This car rose to stardom when it appeared in Furious 7, the seventh installment of The Fast and the Furious franchise, where Dom and Brian hijacked one and iconically leaped through a skyscraper, making it one of the most insane car stunt moments in cinematic history and so insane, experts wanted to test this film theory at their own risk.

In the spirit of Community Choice, I've sent the CCX and the Lykan Hypersport their respective EventLab challenges to try out. The CCX speeds through a post-apocalyptic town while the Lykan Hypersport edges the competition in an upside-down world. Mindfreak, huh? Anyway, let's roll the tapes...

Job well done to these two, that's all I can say.

Come Dry Season Playlist, let's sample the Pagani Huayra and the W113 Mercedes 280SL. Get your Pagoda air fresheners ready because these expired goods are going to be fresh.

My FH5 Log: The Koenigsegg Agera

Obtained from Forza Horizon 5's Forza Horizon 10th anniversary series update's storm season playlist, the original Koenigsegg Agera's back for more as players are getting some throwbacks with the hypercar that reigned the early 2010s with an iron fist of fury, whatever that means.

The Koenigsegg Agera is the spiritual successor of the CCX that continues the Swedish supercar maker's tradition of pushing beyond the limits of speed. Unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the Agera is powered by a 5.0L twin-turbo engine, a huge departure from its supercharged predecessors, producing 960HP of power and 1100Nm of torque. The Agera was named Top Gear's Hypercar of the Year in 2010.

With the quick introduction done, it's time for the Agera to live up to its name and with that, it's time to take it to the skies and unleash its inner beast while slipping and sliding through the Hot Wheels tracks. This should be fun. Let's roll the tape.

This car packed some monstrous power but we survived, just.

Enjoy your new ride!

My FH5 Log: Chaotic Hurricanes

Two exclusive-marked hypercars are the latest prizes to be won at the Forza Horizon 5's Series 2 Storm Season Playlist. What are they? Let's find out.

First up is the Koenigsegg One:1, the world's first megacar that can be obtained by hitting the 25 point mark in the Storm Season playlist. As the name implies, this megacar has the virtually impossible power to weight ratio of 1PS per 1kg weight, thanks to the 5.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine developing 1360PS of power and the car weighs 1360kg. It is mated with a specially developed 7-speed DCT. For aerodynamic purposes, the One:1 trades the Agera's removable roof for an airscoop on the roof, to generate more downforce. As a result, it does 0-100kph in less than 2.8 seconds and has a theoretical top speed of 440kph. Koenigsegg has built six of these models and all six of these models have already been sold.

Next up, the one-off Lamborghini Aventador J, which can be obtained by winning the Getting Hyped Seasonal Championship from this playlist. Built to celebrate the Aventador's 1st anniversary since its 2011 unveiling, this one-off features a systematic lightweight design and a brand new carbon fiber material called Carbonskin.

It's time to unleash the twin hurricanes on the streets of Mexico. Brace yourselves because these hypercars are going to rock you like a hurricane. Brace yourselves.

Enjoy your new rides!

Volvo C40 Recharge

Volvo brought back the C lettering, reserved for now-extinct coupe models, for one last time but not in a way you've expected as the first-ever Volvo C40 Recharge is basically a fully-electric coupe crossover that is made to take on the Tesla Model Y. Let's find out.

The first-ever Volvo C40 Recharge, which starts at 689,900 Kr or about 7,790 Kr per month courtesy of the Care by Volvo subscription service, is a fully-electric coupe crossover that truly fits the challenges of the new normal with its electric powertrain that Volvo's now championing as well as the most advanced safety tech that is in tune with the times.

Being the last Volvo to bear the alphanumerical naming, the C40 features a coupe-like styling that is somewhat controversial for a compact crossover. Although controversial, it still incorporates the signature Volvo elements around it, which is nice.

Don't expect something special inside because the C40 features a typical Volvo interior with the dashboard carried over from the entire Volvo family tree, including the tall touch screen powered by Android with frequent software updates over the air. The coupe-like styling and the sloping roofline mean less spacious than its XC40 equivalent but it's still comfortable to live with and roomy enough for the essentials.

As a proper electric vehicle built from the ground up, the C40 uses the same electric powertrain as the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, meaning it comes with two electric motors connected in each axle, making it an all-wheel-drive crossover fit for all walks of life. Together, it produces a total of 408PS of power and 660Nm of torque, sprinting from 0-100kph in 4.7 seconds. As for the range, it's 444km in one full charge based on WLTP standards and it will take less than 40 minutes while charging at a 150kW charging station. That's more than watching an entire episode of your favorite show.

While it weighs over two and a half tons, the C40 is slightly lighter than the XC40, meaning it's slightly better to handle as well. Although not an exciting one, the C40 feels good to drive even on the open road. It's civilized, relaxing, and well-poised, and thanks to the most advanced safety feature Volvo has championed, it's surprisingly safer as well.

With such a concept, the C40 Recharge from Volvo is the electric coupe crossover that is truly capable of tackling the challenges of the new normal. Since the majority of Volvo customers prefer to have it on a temporary basis rather than a permanent one, which is also part of the new normal, it's a shame not to keep it but the main point of being a Volvo customer is, to enjoy until you are fully enjoyed. Have fun driving it until you are very happy to let it go. That's all.

Photo: Volvo Cars

Forza Horizon 4 - The best of Series 30

Forza Horizon 4 made a milestone when it hit thirty series updates since its launch and the big 3-0 introduced us the new Horizon Super7 feature where users can create unique challenges and then upload it for the chance to get featured in the Super7 roster. Have you guys tried it out yet?

More importantly, Series 30 brought us four new prize cars to win by clearing specific Playlist challenges. I know, I'm a bit late but having won all of the four featured cars of Series 30, how's about the time to take a look at these machines that I've won throughout the Series Update?

First up is the cult classic midship Fiat sportscar, the X1/9. Styled by the famed Marcello Gandini of Bertone, the X1/9 is a lightweight Italian sportscar that is as close as you can get from the legendary Lancia Stratos, although it's still one of the most enjoyable cars to drive in ages.

Second is the Hoonigan Bronco. Based on a 1974 Ford Bronco, it was built for Ken Block's wife as a daily driver. It's got numerous off-road mods to this iconic Blue Oval offroader as well as loaded with the Mustang-derived Coyote 5.0L V8 engine at the front for some added muscle.

Third is one of our favorites; the Koenigsegg Jesko. Named after the founder Christian von Koenigsegg's father, the Jesko is the evolution of Koenigsegg's pursuit of speed that picks up where the now-legendary Agera left off. It's powered by a reworked V8 twin turbo engine that produces up to 1600hp of power and 1500Nm of torque while running on E85 fuel and it is mated by a bespoke 9-speed Light Speed Transmission, which delivers benefits of a double clutch gearbox without the weight penalty imposed. Apart from the power it delivers, the Jesko features the most advanced aerodynamics and track-focused dynamics that also works on the road.

Lastly, the Alfa Romeo 155. In its racing form, the 155 is one of the most successful touring cars in its history with the V6 TI raking up 38 race wins. In its normal form, it's a bit of a disappointment compared to its 75 predecessor because of its transition from the former's rear-wheel drive layout to front-wheel drive layout. The Q4, meanwhile, features a four-wheel drive layout similar to the legendary Lancia Delta Integrale.

Now that I got my fills on the Series 30 cars, let's give these cars a twirl and whirl, shall we?

Enjoy your new rides!

Polestar 2

Following the success of Polestar's first vehicle, the Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid grand tourer that caused the motoring world to stir because of its elegant looks and surprising blend of performance and ecology, the Geely-run brand created their latest masterpiece, an electric midsize sedan that puts the Tesla Model 3 to its crosshairs; the Polestar 2.

The Polestar 2 electric sedan puts its emphasis on tech, safety, and its electric drivetrain it boasts about. When you take it for a spin, the Polestar 2 is worth attention-grabbing from every angle and there's nothing to go wrong about it.

Let's observe the styling first and because it's part of the same room as Volvo and Lynk & Co, the Polestar 2's exterior styling is heavily inspired by the Volvo Concept 40.2, making this a concept turned reality, which pleases most speedo boys, but for the wrong barrels because it's supposed to be a Volvo, not a Polestar. Since the damage is done, it's hard to accept the facts.

On the interior, the Polestar 2's form and functionality put the Tesla Model 3 to shame. Of course, you have a massive touch screen panel that controls both the apps and the climate control in one, something that terrifies speedo boys behind the wheel because it's minimalist, the instrumental panel that works like the Audi virtual cockpit, and a few buttons to push. Minimalism aside, it's about as comfortable as luxury midsize saloons can be and it has a boot space of up to 440 litres, big enough for your grocery shopping list of the week or today's deliveries if you're into logistics.

Now, we get to know more about its electric powertrain and why it matters to you. The Polestar 2 features two electric motors bolted on both axles as well as a 78kWh battery pack in 27 modules. It produces 300kW of power output and 600Nm of torque. It can do 0-100kph in less than five seconds. That sounds quick for a 589,000Kr saloon but the Polestar 2 can be offered in cheaper variants as well.

When fitted with the Performance pack that comes with Brembo brakes and Ohlins Dual Flow Valve dampers, among many others, the Polestar 2 enjoys getting toyed around on the open road and although not as surprising as a Tesla Model 3, it sure is a blast to drive, although the massive list of semi-autonomous driving tech is worth noticeable because when stuff kicks in, speedo boys behind the wheel will start panicking. Thank you, technology.

Is the Polestar 2 the best electric car to drive? Although it's almost as good as the Tesla Model 3 it tries to clash with, this made-in-China luxury electric midsize sedan sure loves getting the attention it deserves from those behind the wheel and whatever the reason, the Polestar 2 is all business, all pleasure, from start to finish.

Photo: Polestar

Polestar 1

Polestar has spun off from Volvo as a standalone brand much like what happened to DS Automobiles and Genesis and for their first outing since its independence, they've introduced us to a one of a kind PHEV grand tourer that made their heads turned with its unique blend of luxury, performance, and ecology, all into one clever masterpiece. It's called the Polestar 1 and it's time to flip the "why card" on Polestar's first vehicle since it spun off from Volvo.

2020 Polestar 1

Although Polestar gained independence from Volvo, their first-ever Polestar 1 still carries some Volvo design inside and out, probably because it was heavily influenced from the Volvo Coupe Concept from 2013, and because it has lots and lots of Volvo stuff on it, it's hard to say if Polestar did gained independence from Volvo by making a PHEV grand tourer that looks a lot like a Volvo but anyway, what's it all about the Polestar 1?

2020 Polestar 1

2020 Polestar 1 interior

The Polestar 1, the first of their kind, starts at a very expensive 1,352,000 Krona before taxes and fees included and because it was handcrafted at the Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu, China, depending on where you are living, that price can be jumped up and in the case of the USA, which is run by Mr. Tariff Man himself and thanks to the ongoing US-China trade war, the Polestar 1's price tag will surely double it by the time it gets there. Ouch.

Anyway, while we are not suppose to talk about the controversial pricing and the fact that is "Made in China", much like everything else around you, there's something special about the Polestar 1 despite the Volvo connection lurking through its Swedish-Chinese steel and that goes to the performance side where this PHEV GT coupe matters.

2020 Polestar 1

First off, the Polestar 1 is powered by a 341PS 2.0L twin-charged engine bolted to two electric motors and an integrated starter generator. Together, they produced an AMG-leveling 608PS of power and a meaty 1,000Nm of torque. That's Brooklands territory in PHEV standards and that sounds pretty cool and there's more about the Polestar 1's unique powertrain.

Thanks to its 34kWh battery packs, which is the largest at this moment in time, the Polestar 1's electric range is up to 150km, which is enough to get from your fancy home in Muntinlupa to the Ayala Greenfield Golf Course to play golf during weekends and then back home with some juice left for your trip to the office.

In terms of dynamics, the Polestar 1 features torque vectoring courtesy of its planetary gear sets from the electric motors and along with its highly sophisticated suspension and chassis setups made for a grand tourer like this, the Polestar 1 feels like it came from another world and despite being PHEV, driving one of these reminds you of the Holy Trinity that ruled the roads with its naked speed courtesy of its hybrid power built for performance rather than Prius-esque ecology. Of course, it may sound crude but ecology and performance is what the Polestar 1 excels best. Nearly perfect but very promising.

The Polestar 1, despite the Volvo connection even though Polestar spun off as a standalone brand of the Volvo Car Group, now run by China's Geely, shows that the new kid on the block has a very promising future. From its unique powertrain, ecology, performance, dynamics, and luxury, the Polestar 1 is worth the envy for everyone who wish to have one in their garage someday, if they have the funds to buy one online.

Photo: Polestar

Volvo S60 (Z)

Most people knew about Volvos wandering what would the next S60 looked like following the arrival of the new generation Volvo V60 estate and after moments of conspiracy theories, Volvo showed the world the new S60 and this is going to be a turning point for Volvo, especially the fact that the only Swedish carmaker we know is now under the hands of its Chinese owners from Geely. Let's evaluate.

2019 Volvo S90

One major fact about the new S60 is a fully imported model straight from the United States of America. Why made in the USA? It's all thanks to Mr. Tariff Man of course because he's not a fan of EU-made cars so that's why Volvo responded to this grim fandango to produce the new S60 on American grounds, whatever it takes. Geopolitics isn't the least of its problems because the way the new S60 is just one of them and it just suffered from the case of the Russian doll approach like every other luxury carmakers do, meaning when you park this car next to its big brother, the S90, you really can't explain what that means.

2019 Volvo S90 interior

Same issue goes to the interior because Volvo thinks that the signature dashboard first applied on the XC90 looks so good, they want to apply it on today's Volvo models, especially this one because they want their interiors to value functionality before form and that's how it got here but anyway, dashboard issues aside, it still snuggles and works like every other luxury midsize saloon should be. Be it a family car, a chauffeur-driven car to escort the VIPs, or for TNVS purposes, the S60 almost ticks the boxes of what a saloon should be and the boot space is relatively decent as well.

2019 Volvo S90

While this is made in a greatest country on earth that dropped out from the Paris accord because Mr. Tariff Man says so, the new S60 leads the charge for Volvo's diesel-free future because beginning on this model, Volvo will not have diesels on it due to today's climate and instead, they have a choice of a 2.0L T5 petrol engine, a Twin Charged 2.0L T6 hybrid petrol engine with 340PS of power, 2.0L T8 Twin Engine with 390PS of power, and then there's the range-topping Polestar Engineered T8 Twin Engine with 405PS of power. The T8 variants are the fastest of the range with a 0-100kph time of 4.6 seconds while the efficiency goes to the Twin Engine T6 variant with 1.5 - 2.3l/100km of WLTP-calculated fuel economy. All of these engines are mated to a Geartronic automatic gearbox.

Compared to the old S60, the new S60 now behaves like a new car because of the Scalable Product Architecture as well as revised dynamics that leaves drivers surprised on how decent the handling is although it's not BMW-ish but more like Audi-ish because of the four-wheel drive drivetrain essential to its hybrid powertrain. Yes, there will be some arm-breaking understeer but behaving as a normal car, it feels business as usual. Whether you take it to work or for a trip to the mall or whatever, the new S60 does its luxury car charms rather well even if it's not quite as exciting as a BMW 3-Series.

When the previous, second-generation, Volvo S60 revolutionized car safety with the first ever City Safety which involves putting emergency brakes that can stop the car itself when it detects approaching pedestrians. The new, third-generation, S60 continues its predecessor's lineage and Volvo's vision of a safer motoring future by carrying over its City Safety with Autobrake technology which now also engages auto braking to mitigate oncoming collisions, a world first for a midsize saloon. Along with the upgraded Pilot Assist system, the Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert, and other safety tech, the new S60 is hands down one of the safest cars in the world, whatever that means.

2019 Volvo S60

The new S60 starts at 398,900 SEK (around 2,202,000 Philippine Pesos), which sounds fairly expensive for a midsize luxury car but if you can't afford the high price, you can take advantage of the Care by Volvo subscription service where you can keep the car for 36 months. Simple as that.

Despite its American blood, the S60 is still Swedish at heart, which isn't so bad for being a Euro-American citizen that crossed across the Atlantic to get through Scandinavia and showcase its legendary Volvo safety to the mass motorists. While the design of the new S60 is too much to tell because of the Russian doll effect, the strong suit of the new S60 is its twin charged engines and the safety tech that made us believe in Volvos. It may not be one of the most exciting luxury saloons in the world but it's one of the safest and it's all about getting the job done with no questions asked.

Photo: Volvo Car Corporation