The Volvo S90, a luxury sedan known for its safety and sophisticated design, underwent rigorous side impact testing for the 2019 model year. This analysis delves into the crash test performance of the Volvo S90 2019, providing a comprehensive overview for potential buyers and safety-conscious individuals. Originally introduced in 2017 as a replacement for the S80, the S90 in its 2019 iteration (specifically the longer-wheelbase variant tested) continues Volvo’s legacy of prioritizing occupant protection.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Volvo conducted two side crash tests on a 2018 Volvo S90 2019 model. The ratings provided are based on the evaluation of both tests and are applicable not only to the S90 sedan but also to the Volvo V90 and V90 Cross Country wagons, as well as the Volvo S90 Recharge plug-in hybrid variant. (Note: from 2025 models onwards, the S90 Recharge is referred to as the S90 plug-in hybrid).
The Volvo S90 2019 achieved an overall “Good” rating in the side impact test, demonstrating robust occupant protection. The evaluation criteria and corresponding ratings are summarized in the table below:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | A |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
The table illustrates that the Volvo S90 2019 provided “Good” protection for the head, neck, and pelvis/leg regions for both the driver and rear passenger. Torso protection for the driver was rated as “Acceptable,” still indicating a good level of safety. The structural performance and safety cage integrity of the Volvo S90 2019 were also rated “Good,” highlighting the vehicle’s robust construction in side impact scenarios.
View of the 2019 Volvo S90 and barrier immediately following the side impact crash test.
Side airbags played a crucial role in protecting occupants during the crash. Greasepaint applied to the dummy heads indicated that both driver and rear passenger head protection was effectively provided by the side curtain airbags, preventing contact with hard structures.
Post-crash view of the 2019 Volvo S90 with doors removed, revealing deployed side airbags and the condition of the occupant compartment after the Institute’s test.
Greasepaint on the driver dummy head in the Volvo S90 2019 test indicating effective protection from the side curtain airbag, preventing head contact with vehicle structures.
Greasepaint on the rear passenger dummy head in the Volvo S90 2019 crash test, showing head protection provided by the side airbag.
Detailed technical measurements from the crash tests provide further insight into the Volvo S90 2019‘s performance. Occupant compartment intrusion was minimal, and injury measures for head, neck, shoulder, torso, and pelvis were within acceptable limits, as shown in the tables below.
Technical measurements for side impact crash tests on Volvo S90 2019
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Test ID | CES1808 | VTS1805 |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -19.0 | -19.5 |
| Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline. |
Driver injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES1808 |
| Head HIC-15 | 119 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Compression (kN) | 0.5 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 35 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.8 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 40 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 37 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 3.81 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.82 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 1.4 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.3 |
| Combined force (kN) | 2.6 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.5 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 185 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | 38 |
Passenger injury measures
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Test ID | CES1808 |
| Head HIC-15 | 144 |
| Neck | |
| Tension (kN) | 0.3 |
| Compression (kN) | 1.1 |
| Shoulder | |
| Lateral deflection (mm) | 18 |
| Lateral force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Torso | |
| Maximum deflection (mm) | 15 |
| Average deflection (mm) | 13 |
| Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 1.63 |
| Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.11 |
| Pelvis | |
| Iliac force (kN) | 0.1 |
| Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Combined force (kN) | 1.7 |
| Left femur | |
| L-M force (kN) | 0.6 |
| L-M moment (Nm) | 99 |
| A-P moment (Nm) | -28 |
In conclusion, the Volvo S90 2019 demonstrates excellent side impact protection, achieving a “Good” overall rating. This reinforces Volvo’s commitment to safety and makes the Volvo S90 2019 a strong contender for buyers prioritizing vehicle safety. The combination of robust structural design and effective side airbag deployment contributes to the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in side collision scenarios.
