Daily Delight
Many manufacturers have built station wagons, but few have garnered a reputation for this body style the way Volvo has. Safety, stalwart reliability, and straightedge design are arguably unsexy attributes, but Volvo has always had a way of combining these qualities to create the pinnacle of form following function.
Unfortunately, the American market is unkind to this brutally practical body style, and many manufacturers, Volvo included, have taken to crossover-izing their wagons with superfluous fender trim and unnecessary ride height, suggesting some pretense of off-road adventuring that will likely never be explored.
Thankfully, Volvo still recognizes its niche of die-hards, and has continued to offer standard versions of their full-sized V90, albeit under special order only. Their latest generation of cars are a far cry from the proportional but plain boxes Volvo is typically associated with, but they've given up very little of what enthusiasts and admirers have enjoyed about them.
The new V90 is a deadly handsome car. Subtle, yet striking, inside and out, the Swedes show us that styling can be minimalist without being cold, bare, and uninviting. A longroof body accentuates an already sleek profile, nary a crease or line that's extraneous or out of place. The body lays gracefully upon a set of 20" wheels that fill out the wells with some of the tightest factory fitment I've ever seen.
Stunning as the exterior is, the interior may be even more attractive, with materials, design, fit & finish that wouldn't be out of place in a car that costs three to four times more.
Leather is draped across nearly every surface, accented by color-contrasted stitching and piping on the seats, which are, without question, the best in the business. Since the 1960s, Volvo has collaborated with orthopedic surgeons to help design their interiors. The manufacturer has built its reputation on safety, and driver comfort is a key aspect in maintaining safe driving habits. Even the smallest details in the cabin, such as the knobs to open & close the vents, soft knurling on all the switches & knobs, and the shutter-style cover on the center console outclass those of other premium and exotic brands.
Driving dynamics are similarly pleasing, with surprisingly sharp steering & brakes that makes it feel far sportier than I'd have ever expected. The ride is more firm than I expected; properly composed at highway speeds, but borderline harsh on rougher city roads. The fuel economy is also entirely unremarkable, doing no better than the Mercedes wagon I replaced which was heavier and had a much larger engine. With an average of 29 mpg for the trip, it's not "bad" but it's nothing special for a 2.0L four-cylinder, and the issue is exacerbated by the V90's hilariously small fuel tank.
In fairness, I'm sure the Swedes drive less than we do. Perhaps the roads in Sweden are better too, because while the V90 glides on the highway, the ride in general is still on the firm side. However, the incredible seats and surprisingly nimble driving dynamics more than make up for it.
Volvo's station wagons are icons both inside and outside the automotive enthusiast sphere. With a reputation built on safety, stalwart reliability, and simple, straightforward design, these arguably "unsexy" qualities have combined to inspire a unique loyalty and reverence among owners and admirers alike.
Perhaps it's the pinnacle of form following function. Wagons offer all the practicality of a crossover with none of the drawbacks regarding driving dynamics, fuel economy (relatively speaking), or style.
In fact, it's hard not to sound pretentious when describing the least pretentious type of car on the road, and perhaps that's why these cars resonate so deeply with a particular niche of people. Stylish, practical, rare & unique, the Volvo V90 has everything I want and more in a daily driver. And so, I made this one mine.
