BMW 740e AWD MSRP: $99,845 (Base Price: $91,695)
Volvo S90 T8 e AWD MSRP: $82,140 (Base Price: $64,645)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features:
BMW: ABS; air bags; a hill start assist system; active front headrests; a rearview camera; automatic high beam; a 10-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system; a radar activated cruise control system; a tire pressure system; and parking distance controls
Volvo: ABS; air bags; a blind spot information system with cross alert; a run off road protection and run off mitigation system; a pilot assist system with radar cruise control; a lane keep assist system; a driver alert system; a city safety system with steering support; a full speed mitigation system targeting pedestrians, cyclists and large animals; whiplash protection front seats; active bending lights; a headlight high pressure cleaning system; power retracting side view mirrors; rain sensing windshield wipers; a tire repair kit; and an electronic stability control system
Standard Equipment:
BMW: 20-inch wheels; a 9-speed automatic transmission; power front seats; leather; 10-inch infotainment screen; an electric parking brake; power folding heated side mirrors; an engine start/stop gas saving feature; power trunk lid opener/closer; an automatic 4-zone climate control system; an automatic tilt down rearview mirror; a panoramic sunroof; an automatic dimming rearview mirror; an in-car Wi-Fi system; a wireless charging system; and a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel
Volvo: 19-inch wheels; a panoramic moonroof with a power sunshade; dual integrated tailpipes; Nappa leather; heated/ventilated front seats; power front seat with driver’s memory; power front seat cushion extension; a navigation system; a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; rear seat USB connections; a leather steering wheel; walnut wood inlays via the instrument panel; a clean zone air quality system; automatic dimming interior mirror; a cooled glovebox; a 4-zone automatic climate control system; power operated sun curtains (rear window and rear side doors); laminated side windows; and a power folding rear head restraint
Optional Features On Test Vehicle:
BMW: a heated steering wheel; a front and rear heated seats; a heads up display system; a blind spot detection system; a lane departure warning system; a lane keep assistance with a side collision assistance; a traffic jam assistance system; a radar activated cruise control system; a 360-degree camera; a parking assistance system; a panoramic skyroof; and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility
Volvo: 20-inch wheels; heated front water nozzles; a power trunk lid; a 360-degree surround view mirror; a home link garage door system; a 12-volt power outlet; a park assist system; a front park assist system; front seat backrest massage; heated rear seats; a deluxe rear seat center armrest; ventilated sun visors; metallic paint; a graphical head up display system; a Bowers and Wilkins premium sound system; and a premium rear air suspension system
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle:
BMW: a Harman Kardon 16-speaker AM/FM/HD/CD with a 600-watt SiriusXM audio system
Volvo: a 10-speaker, 330-watt SiriusXM audio system
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
USB Connectivity: Yes
BMW: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Volvo: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty:
BMW: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Volvo: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower
BMW: 4-cylinder/255-horsepower
Volvo: 4-cylinder/400-horsepower
Standard Hybrid Battery Warranty:
BMW: 8 years/80,000 miles
Volvo: 8 years/100,000 miles
Recommended Fuel: Premium
Standard Fuel Mileage:
BMW:
64-MPGe/27-MPG combined
Volvo:
71-MPGe/29-MPG combined
What’s New:
BMW: A plug-in hybrid arrived during the 2017 model year. BMW’s flagship vehicle is literally a carryover this model year.
Volvo: The S90 made its debut in 2017. This year a plug-in hybrid joined the brand’s portfolio.
The Facts:
The contemporary designed flagship plug-in hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter, twin turbo engine. The German vehicle, which is a super sized version of the popular 5 series, is capable of delivering 255-horsepower, making this the most powerful 4-cylinder ever built by the German carmaker. And while any horsepower under 300 may seem underpowered for a flagship luxury sedan, surprisingly, we found it to be more than adequate for a vehicle that rides on a 207-inch frame and curb weight of 4,740 pounds.
And, as far as the exterior design, such modifications, as the charge port door that is situated near the front left tire, are just one of a few of the subtle indications that this 7 series is a hybrid.
With this being a plug-in hybrid, which still sports the brand’s signature kidney grille, BMW’s design team realized they had to balance the old technology with the new. So, while a variety of the instrument panel gauges, as well as the infotainment system, incorporated driving and charging data related to the hybrid system, they managed to keep the brand’s iDrive system, which controls the infotainment and the driving modes.
Moreover, while BMW’s flagship hybrid was available in a variety of driving modes, the road manners and driving characteristics reminded us more of the Buicks and Lincolns of yesteryear, as opposed a German engineered vehicle. Let us be clear, in no way are we saying the vehicle floated over the road, but the suspension and drive settings were not harsh and unforgiving.
Also being that the 7 series is only available as a long wheelbase model, rear seat occupants should welcome the additional legroom. Although BMW is known for building driver oriented performance vehicles, this 7 series, which offered wide front seats with a multitude of adjustments, was designed with those who prefer to be chauffeured, as opposed to being behind the wheel.
And earlier we slightly made note that 7 series continues to operate with the brand’s signature iDrive infotainment controller. This prominent rotary dial application serves as the link to adjust the audio and navigation system. Despite the iDrive system experiencing some lag time, when it’s queued to change a radio channel or adjust the driving mode, thankfully BMW design team created duplicate knobs to expedite the process.
Furthermore, the vehicle also uses gesture controls to adjust the temperature and stereo volume too. So, with this high tech car, there are literally three ways to adjust many of the features tied into the infotainment system.
Lastly, the 7-series, offers the latest high-tech safety driving aids, helping to navigate the solid built vehicle.
Volvo: According to fueleconomy.gov, the extremely stylish S90, which reminds us of a well tailored suit, has a total driving range of 410 miles. The S90, which is deeply rooted in a Sweden heritage, is capable of driving up to 21 miles on a full electric charge. The brand’s flagship car, which also offer a range of driving modes, is powered by a supercharged turbo engine, which delivers an astounding 400-horsepower.
The Volvo, which has and overall length of 200 inches, is available in one wheelbase. The curb weight of the Volvo is 4,012 pounds. And the cargo volume is 13.5 cubic feet.
The luxurious, well-balanced road vehicle is considered a standout in automotive circles, since it is one of the few vehicles outfitted with a standard co pilot assist system. This advanced system literally simplifies the driving process. As long as there are well defined road lines on both sides of the road, driving is a breeze, especially on long road trips or during the midst of rush hour traffic.
In fact, we found this semi-autonomous vehicle to be very helpful, while navigating midday traffic. The car literally centered itself, while controlling the acceleration and braking. As the long the car does not come to a complete stop, the S90 decelerated and accelerated without the driver’s assistance. It simply made driving less stressful as the speed fluctuated. Thus, we were only charged with keeping our hands on the steering wheel.
Furthermore, the elegantly curated S90 interior designers, thoughtfully orchestrated the layout of every feature, from the crystal-like gear shifter to brand’s signature orthopedic seats.
Lastly, the Volvo hybrid, which is available in two trims, driving characteristics can be configured to adjust to a variety of driving modes. Oh yes, and we can wrap up this section without making note of the audio system, which allowed us to select from a variety of listening modes in order to replicate a world class experience.
But:
And adding on features can be quite pricey, literally driving the price to the six figure range.
Lastly, don’t look for Android capability in this BMW. However, Apple CarPlay is a $300 option.
Volvo: The Volvo is still relatively new to the ultra luxury class. The outgoing S70, which was non hybrid, was pitted more so against such brands as Acura, Infiniti and Buick. However, the newer Volvos are aiming toward the likes of BMW, Lexus and even Genesis, especially in terms of the overall size of the vehicle.
While the S90 is priced in the luxury range, we were in awe that the vehicle lacked a power tilt steering wheel. Only a manually operated steering wheel is available. Go figure.
Lastly, the touch and swipe infotainment screen system, which mirrors that of an ipad, requires a tutorial session for the driver to operate the complex system. Literally everything is integrated into the system, from the power rear sunshade control to the heated seats adjustment to the operation of the audio system. Ford, whom once owned Volvo, steered away from this system a few years ago, re-adding duplicate buttons and knobs to compliment their touchscreen Sync system. Why hasn’t Volvo taken a page from Ford in this area?
Although Volvo’s current infotainment system is seemingly simpler than the rows of extremely tiny buttons found in the previous generations of Volvo, it’s not as user friendly, as the systems found in such luxury makes as Genesis' G80 or Lincoln’s Continental.
Verdict:
While many would
question, why would we evaluate two luxury plug-in hybrids that normally competes in
different segments, our response is that the midsize and fullsize luxury
vehicles are virtually the same, despite the length and few features to
personalize the vehicle.
As
of now, these are the only two luxury flagship sedans available as plug-in hybrid
designed to navigate winter weather. The American designed Cadillac CT6, which
is also available as a plug-in, is only available in a rear wheel drive configuration.
And
since Volvo does not offer a vehicle that plays in the same segment as the 7 series
nor does BMW offer a 5 series to compete against the S90, we saw both vehicles
as a suitable match. We also must note we have not gotten our hands on a CT6 plug-in hybrid. With that said, we wanted to take two luxury cars, which are considered
flagships in their respective brands.
There
were noticeable differences, the Volvo, which obviously offered a lowered price
point was outfitted with such exclusive features, as a co pilot assist system
as well as turbo charge 400-horsepower plug-in hybrid system. Volvo also offered a
better hybrid battery warranty, while also inking out more driving time with a
full electric charge.
The
BMW offered a vehicle, with a less complicated infotainment system, that provides
three means to adjust the system. BMW has also been in the game a minute, as relates to building flagship cars. BMW pushes the luxury envelope offering more rear
seating comfort, as well as a power operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel.
Volvo is relatively still new in squeezing its way into the premium luxury arena.
Two
cultures, a Chinese owned company with a Swedish heritage, or a German design
vehicle is at play here, which one better suits you?
Is
a plug-in hybrid worth it? Both come up short as it relates to the driving range. The
next step for both automakers is to provide more driving range. BMW has proved they’re capable of
doing it with the i3. Volvo is making plans to go all electric, with its upcoming performance brand from Polestar.
We
know that all electric vehicles are the future of luxury brands, following suit
behind Tesla, which is having issues with build quality. The brands we reviewed
have tested the water. While the driving range is limited, when using
electricity, the automakers wanted to meet EPA mileage regulations prior to the recent about face by the current U.S. administration.
So,
for those looking to go green in a few of today’s flagships, here are the options, a plug-in with more horsepower and self driving features or a German engineered plug-in, with gestures controls and a less complicated iDrive system.
Lastly, we would steer clear of buying a plug-in and consider leasing, since we all know more driving range is coming.
Lastly, we would steer clear of buying a plug-in and consider leasing, since we all know more driving range is coming.
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