The Volvo V90 (facelift 2020) represents a crucial iteration of Volvo’s premium mid-size station wagon, a vehicle category where the Swedish brand has historically excelled. Introduced as part of a comprehensive refresh for the 2020 model year, this generation of the V90, produced between 2020 and 2022, continued to champion Scandinavian design, advanced safety, and refined driving dynamics. While the V90 nameplate has a long heritage, this specific facelifted model, particularly the 2.0 B5 Diesel (235 Hp) Mild Hybrid AWD Geartronic variant, was primarily targeted at European and other international markets where diesel powertrains, especially those integrating mild-hybrid technology, remain a popular and efficient choice for long-distance cruising and daily utility. It combined a powerful yet frugal diesel engine with a sophisticated mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) system, offering a compelling blend of performance, fuel economy, and reduced emissions, all wrapped in a luxurious and practical station wagon body.
The Volvo V90 (facelift 2020): A Refined Evolution
The 2020 facelift for the Volvo V90 brought subtle yet impactful enhancements to an already well-received design. Volvo’s approach to mid-cycle updates typically avoids radical changes, instead focusing on refining existing aesthetics and integrating the latest technological advancements. For the V90, this meant updated front and rear bumpers, revised lighting signatures, and new wheel designs that contributed to a fresher, more contemporary appearance without abandoning its distinctive Scandinavian elegance. The V90 continued to embody Volvo’s commitment to safety and practicality, offering a spacious and versatile interior that catered to families and individuals seeking a premium, capable vehicle. Its role in the market was to compete with other executive station wagons from German and British manufacturers, distinguishing itself with its unique design language, comfort-oriented ride, and a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility through its powertrain offerings.
Powertrain and Performance
At the heart of the Volvo V90 (facelift 2020) 2.0 B5 Diesel Mild Hybrid AWD Geartronic lies a sophisticated MHEV powertrain designed for efficiency and smooth operation. The primary internal combustion engine is a 2.0-liter (120.16 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder diesel unit, internally designated D420T2, which benefits from a twin-turbo aspiration system and an intercooler to produce a robust 235 horsepower at 4000 rpm. This engine delivers an impressive 480 Nm (354.03 lb.-ft.) of torque across a broad range from 1750 to 2250 rpm, ensuring strong acceleration and effortless highway cruising. The engine features a common rail direct injection system and a DOHC valvetrain, optimized for performance and fuel economy. A 48V mild-hybrid system complements the diesel engine, incorporating a 14 Hp electric motor that also generates 40 Nm (29.5 lb.-ft.) of torque. This electric motor assists the internal combustion engine during acceleration, recovers energy during deceleration, and enables a smoother, more refined operation of the Start & Stop system, contributing significantly to both efficiency and driving comfort.
Power is channeled through an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission to an advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This drivetrain architecture is designed to permanently drive the front wheels, with the capability to engage the rear wheels via an electrically or mechanically controlled clutch when additional traction is required. This setup ensures confident handling and stability in various driving conditions. The V90 B5 Diesel is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 6.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds), with an electronically limited top speed of 111.85 mph (180 km/h). Despite its performance, the mild-hybrid system helps achieve impressive fuel economy, with a combined WLTP rating of 39.9 – 35.6 US mpg (5.9-6.6 l/100 km) and CO2 emissions of 154-174 g/km, meeting the stringent Euro 6d emission standard. The vehicle’s weight-to-power ratio stands at 8 kg/Hp (124.7 Hp/tonne), highlighting its balanced performance profile.
Design, Features, and Practicality
The Volvo V90 (facelift 2020) maintains its distinctive station wagon (estate) body type, celebrated for its elegant proportions and exceptional practicality. Measuring 194.69 inches in length, 73.98 inches in width (79.49 inches including mirrors), and 57.95 inches in height, the V90 provides a substantial road presence. Its long 115.79-inch wheelbase contributes to a stable ride and a remarkably spacious cabin, accommodating five occupants comfortably across two rows of seating. The design emphasizes clean lines, a strong shoulder line, and the signature “Thor’s Hammer” LED daytime running lights, creating a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic. Inside, the V90 exemplifies Scandinavian luxury, with high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and an intuitive, minimalist dashboard layout centered around a large touchscreen infotainment system.
Practicality is a cornerstone of the V90’s appeal. It offers a generous minimum trunk space of 19.78 cubic feet (560 liters), which expands to a voluminous 53.89 cubic feet (1526 liters) with the rear seats folded down, making it highly versatile for cargo. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 4155.71 lbs (1885 kg), with a maximum permissible weight of 5467.46 lbs (2480 kg) and a maximum payload of 1311.75 lbs (595 kg). For those requiring even greater utility, the V90 boasts a substantial towing capacity, capable of hauling trailers with brakes up to 4850.17 lbs (2200 kg) and unbraked trailers up to 1653.47 lbs (750 kg). A 15.85 US gallon (60 liter) fuel tank and a 3.04 US gallon (11.5 liter) AdBlue tank ensure a considerable range between refills, underscoring its long-distance touring capabilities. Standard features typically include advanced climate control, premium audio, and a host of driver-assistance technologies reflecting Volvo’s commitment to safety.
Chassis, Drivetrain, and Safety Systems
The chassis of the Volvo V90 (facelift 2020) is engineered for a comfortable yet engaging driving experience. The front suspension employs a double-wishbone setup with coil springs and a transverse stabilizer, providing precise steering and excellent road holding. The rear suspension features a transverse stabilizer and a leaf spring design, with an optional air suspension system available for enhanced ride comfort and load leveling. This combination ensures a balanced ride quality, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining composure during dynamic maneuvers. The steering system is a rack and pinion type with electric power assistance, offering light effort at low speeds for easy maneuvering and firmer feedback at higher speeds for greater stability. The minimum turning circle is a respectable 38.71 – 40.03 feet (11.8-12.2 meters), aiding urban agility.
Braking performance is handled by a robust system comprising 345×30 mm ventilated discs at the front and 320×20 mm ventilated discs at the rear, ensuring strong stopping power. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard, providing critical control during emergency braking. The V90’s All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, paired with the 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, provides confident traction in various conditions, from wet roads to light off-road terrain. The powertrain architecture, with its permanent front-wheel drive and on-demand rear-wheel engagement, optimizes both efficiency and grip. Volvo’s unwavering dedication to safety is evident throughout the V90, incorporating a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features. These include multiple airbags, a rigid safety cage, and advanced driver-assisting systems such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection, all contributing to its top-tier safety ratings and reputation.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | V90 |
| Generation | V90 (facelift 2020) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 B5 Diesel (235 Hp) Mild Hybrid AWD Geartronic |
| Start of production | 2020 year |
| End of production | 2022 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle, power-assist hybrid, battery-assisted hybrid vehicles, BAHV) |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 7.3-8.3 l/100 km (32.2 – 28.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 6.4-7.1 l/100 km (36.8 – 33.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 5.1-5.7 l/100 km (46.1 – 41.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 5.7-6.6 l/100 km (41.3 – 35.6 US mpg) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.9-6.6 l/100 km (39.9 – 35.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 154-174 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 6.2-6.3 l/100 km (37.9 – 37.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 4.6-4.7 l/100 km (51.1 – 50 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 5.2-5.3 l/100 km (45.2 – 44.4 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 136-140 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph (Calculated) | 6.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph), Electronically limited |
| 100 km/h – 0 | 35 m |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8 kg/Hp (124.7 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.9 kg/Nm (254.6 Nm/tonne) |
| Battery voltage | 48 V |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Electric motor power | 14 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 40 Nm (29.5 lb.-ft.) |
| Power | 235 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 119.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 480 Nm @ 1750-2250 rpm (354.03 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2250 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 5000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D420T2 |
| Engine displacement | 1969 cm3 (120.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93.2 mm (3.67 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt) |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System, Particulate filter |
| Kerb Weight | 1885 kg (4155.71 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2480 kg (5467.46 lbs.) |
| Max load | 595 kg (1311.75 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 560 l (19.78 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1526 l (53.89 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 11.5 l (3.04 US gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2200 kg (4850.17 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4945 mm (194.69 in.) |
| Width | 1879 mm (73.98 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1895 mm (74.61 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2019 mm (79.49 in.) |
| Height | 1472 mm (57.95 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2941 mm (115.79 in.) |
| Front track | 1617-1628 mm
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