2018 Volvo S90 vs. 2018 Audi A6: Which is Best?

2018 Volvo S90 vs Audi A6 exterior profile ・ Photo by Volvo / Audi

The Audi A6 and Volvo S90 are two stalwart European luxury sedans that have a lot in common. In base trim, their specifications are so similar you could easily mistake one for the other. But in top-level trim they are wildly divergent, with the Audi choosing to use a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6, while the Volvo has a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four cylinder supplemented by a hybrid system. (What’s next? A hybrid top-fuel dragster?)

It all demonstrates there are several routes to the same destination, and even when the routes don’t seem all that logical, getting to the right place is the important thing. Great looks, interior refinement, handling excellence — that’s the right place for these two midsize European luxury sedans. So, how do they stack up?

So, how do they stack up initially?

The Audi A6 sedan might not be as old as the hills, but an all-new 2019 model is imminent as this is being written. Even in its dotage, though, the A6 feels young and vibrant, despite the fact that “car years” have much in common with “dog years.” In contrast, the Volvo S90 is nearly new, having been introduced for the 2017 model year.

Given the disparity in their ages, one might expect the Volvo to best the Audi at every turn. But that’s just not the case. Even though it will be replaced soon, the current A6 acquits itself quite well. If you seek a handsome European sedan that will provide both comfort and more than a little driving fun, you’ve come to the right twosome.

Advantage: Even

Photo by Audi

The base engines are eerily similar.

The base front-drive Audi A6 has a highly tuned version of the brand’s workhorse 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The A6’s TFSI turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Adding to the grins and giggles is the seven-speed shift-it-if-you-want-to dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The equivalent S90 counters the A6 with a hardworking turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder of its own. It offers 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Backing the Volvo four-cylinder in the base T5 is an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. In base form, the two cars are remarkably similar.

Photo by Audi

Optional powertrains offer wild choices.

The Volvo S90 offers two optional drivetrains, whereas the A6 offers just one. In the Volvo, the next step above the T5 is the T6 (quite logical, those Swedes), and it adds supercharging to the turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder. With all that forced air induction, the T6 engine winds out 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It supplies its power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. Jumping to the T8 (please don’t ask about the T7) brings a turbocharged, supercharged four cylinder with a plug-in hybrid system grafted on. Complicated? Yes, but when you total it up, it offers a combined 400 hp.

In comparison, the Audi A6’s up-level engine is simplicity itself — a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that develops 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. It delivers power through an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it, too, is all-wheel drive.

Photo by Volvo

The handling better than you might want.

Both Audi A6 and Volvo S90 are sizable sedans, at least in the current idiom, but they are not cumbersome. Light on their feet, either would be a fine choice for motoring through the Alps, the Sierras, or, if you like older mountain ranges, the Adirondacks. Even in base trim the sedans are sporty enough, but Audi added a Sport trim this year that brings 19-inch alloy wheels and a slightly lower ride height.

The up-level trims are even more performance-oriented, and maybe too much so for the mass of drivers in this segment who are seeking prestigious comfort versus road-racing ability. In that vein, the S90 is a bit of a head-scratcher, especially in T8 form. With a supercharged, turbocharged plug-in-hybrid powertrain, the T8 brings a lot of horsepower, but the T6 (sans hybrid gear) offers better road-holding and cornering.

Photo by Audi

Executive-Level Exterior Design

It is a shame that the luxury market has turned more toward crossovers because both Audi A6 and Volvo S90 are good-looking sedans. As we mentioned, the A6 is on the verge of being replaced, yet it still remains fresh and well-tailored. Even the signature Audi grille, which can be a bit overbearing, looks good leading the way on the A6. There’s not a lot of ornamentation, just a pure sedan shape.

The Volvo S90 isn’t quite as pure, but it doesn’t feature any over-the-top bling, either. The “Thor’s Hammer” front lights and diagonally divided grille mark it as a Volvo. The rear end looks a trifle like an American car, but we expect that might play well in China, which is a major market for the S90.

Photo by Audi

Tasteful, Understated Interior Style

Those who value understated, ergonomically designed interiors will find a great deal to like in both of these vehicles. Standing out from a sea of lookalikes, the S90 manages to be different but not weird. We applaud the light-colored genuine wood trim and the dominant center display screen. The S90’s relative lack of buttons and knobs means you must control many functions through the touchscreen, however. For you backseat fans, it has a bigger rear area.

The A6’s interior demonstrates just how far ahead of the pack Audi’s designers were early in the decade when this version of the A6 was drafted. It’s still top shelf. We like the operation of the MMI infotainment system, although we have to question the value of its handwriting recognition software.

Photo by Volvo

Two Takes on Infotainment Controls

How do you like touchscreens? If you are a fan, you will probably enjoy the Volvo S90 Sensus system. It has a lot of horns and confetti — 10 speakers, 330-watt amplifier, SiriusXM satellite radio, auxiliary audio input, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB inputs. It employs a nine-inch touchscreen and requires the driver to access most of the car's functions through the touchscreen. (Happily, it still offers a big wheel for steering the car.)

In contrast, the Audi MMI system uses a rotary knob to access its eight-inch central display screen. Easy-to-understand buttons in the center console enable quick entry into several key functions. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth all are part of the Audi program. The Audi sound system includes 10 speakers and a 180-watt amp. And, the screen disappears if you want it to.

Photo by Audi

Performance is very closely matched.

The performance of various versions of these two buttoned-up Euro sedans is like a utility player on the last day of the season — all over the ballpark. With 400 hp on tap and two electric motors for low-end torque, the Volvo T8 Inscription will vault from zero-to-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. A T6 Inscription (sans hybrid system) will get to the same speed in 5.9 seconds, which clearly demonstrates there is better living through electricity.

The 340-hp A6 bests the T6 by about half a second, but is almost three-quarters of a second less quick than the T8. (When a car goes from zero-to-60 mph in five seconds, we refuse to call it “slower.”) Both vehicles turn in lateral acceleration performances of about 0.92-0.94g on the skidpad, excellent given the fact their suspensions don’t shake out fillings.

Photo by Volvo

The verdict.

In this comparison, the verdict hangs not so much on the comparative qualities of the cars involved — each of these luxury sedans is a joy to drive — but instead on the relative length of time each has been in the market. The Volvo S90 is still fresh, having arrived in the 2017 model year.

The A6, handsome and satisfying as it is, will be replaced for the 2019 model year. So if you take a 2018 A6 home, be prepared to see a new version in your neighbor’s driveway soon. The Audi A6 sedan has a base MSRP of $49,700. The Volvo S90 has a similar base price of $48,100. So, price is not the determining factor. As much as we like the current A6 we know a new one is right around the corner, so our recommendation has to go to the Volvo S90.

Photo by Volvo