Yes, it?s a huge diesel estate on EngageSportMode. It?s also one of the best cars we?ve driven this year, and we?re not ashamed to admit it.

When we recently wrote about Volvo?s new electrification strategy, we mentioned how we?d been somewhat seduced by an experience with their product range. This particular V90 is the one which lured us in, and we?re still pining for it now to be honest.

But why" Well, the way it looks for a start. For a giant station wagon, the V90 is a genuinely beautiful thing. Volvo?s new corporate style certainly helps, with distinctive grille and headlights much of the appeal. R-Design specification adds a different front-end, with a unique bumper featuring integrated fog lights but, to be honest, the V90 actually works best in standard trim. The pointed estate rear is far more successful than the truncated S90 saloon, and also creates a distinctive side profile.
It might sound sacrilegious to ESM?s principles, but performance is not the big deal with the V90. Sure we?d like to try a Polestar-enhanced version at some point, but the experience of driving the D5 PowerPulse four-cylinder diesel is one of effortless progress. A standard eight-speed automatic gearbox, without steering wheel-mounted paddles, is efficient and refined and the AWD system is there to keep things under control.

A power output of 235hp, and peak torque from the twin-turbo engine of 355lb-ft, are matched with a kerb weight of over 1,800kg. The result is 0-62mph in 7.2 s...