Volvo points to Germany’s big three as the S90’s primary rivals, and it’s easy to see why.
Their broad lineups mean there’s a model for just about everyone—everyone with lots of cash to spend, at least.
The S90 undercuts all three without feeling noticeably cheaper and it’s certainly roomier.
The BMW 5-Series nearly matches the S90’s sublime feel, but it can be a little more fun to drive.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is at least as attractive and can be fitted with loads of power—but it’s a guzzler at every level and can be unfathomably expensive.
Audi’s A6 has long been the underrated go-to, but that’s a reminder that this basic design is getting quite old.
Look to the Lincoln Continental to match the S90’s opulent back seat and for its subtle style, even if its image is a bit different.
And there’s much to like about the Lexus GS that, although dated, is a delight to drive.
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 2018 Volvo S90Browse Used Listings |  2018 Audi A6Browse Used Listings |  2018 BMW 5-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Lexus GSBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Lincoln ContinentalBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Mercedes-Benz E ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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With its graceful styling and gentle demeanor, the 2018 Volvo S90 is one of our favorite luxury sedans—at any price. |
The 2018 Audi S6 stands with an impressive hand: quality interior, great performance, functional shape. It's possible to find better examples from other cars, but they all cost significantly more. |
The 2018 BMW 5-Series expands the sedan's already-excellent lineup to include an efficient plug-in hybrid and an uber-quick V-8. |
The 2018 Lexus GS is a worthy rival to its German foes in terms of luxury and handling, but its engine lineup is falling behind the competition. |
We’re not fans of mismatches, but the 2018 Lincoln Continental’s lithe road manners and retro theming pair awfully well. |
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class goes to excess--the right kinds of excess--to preserve its best-of status. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $48,100 | $49,700 | $52,650 | $46,510 | $45,160 | $52,950 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Mid-Size Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Mid-Size Cars | Large Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| T5 FWD Momentum | 2.0 TFSI Premium FWD | 530e iPerformance Plug-In Hybrid | GS 300 RWD | Premiere FWD | E 300 RWD Sedan |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2018 Volvo S90 vs. 2018 Audi A6 | 2018 Volvo S90 vs. 2018 BMW 5-Series | 2018 Volvo S90 vs. 2018 Lexus GS | 2018 Volvo S90 vs. 2018 Lincoln Continental | 2018 Volvo S90 vs. 2018 Mercedes-Benz E Class | |
