With the S90, Volvo offers a slightly different style of luxury car. It focuses on comfort over power, and it also offers a plug-in hybrid option. There are a few updates to the Volvo S90 for 2021, including a new name and a new price for the plug-in hybrid.

A new name for the 2021 Volvo S90 PHEV

In a new announcement from Volvo, as reported by Car and Driver, the 2021 Volvo S90 PHEV will now be named Recharge rather than T8. The new name for the plug-in hybrid version of the S90 helps better align the car with Volvo’s wider electrification plans.

The Recharge name is new for model year 2021, first appearing with the Volvo XC40, according to J.D. Power. As a concept, the name will apply to plug-in electric hybrids (PHEV) and electric vehicles (EV). Volvo plans to sell only hybrid and electric vehicles by 2025. The company plans to be a climate-neutral auto manufacturer by 2040.

Updates for the 2021 Volvo S90 PHEV

In addition to its new name, the 2021 Volvo S90 PHEV will cost $3,150 less. On the other hand, prices for the gas-powered 2021 S90 will go up from $350 to $1,000. The 2021 S90 will have a starting price of $52,545, and the S90 Recharge will have a starting price of $61,045.

The 2021 Volvo S90 will sport an updated style. Car and Driver calls the 2021 S90 “luxurious and attractive inside and out” and says it has a “pleasant personality and a beautiful design.” Rather than focusing on power and performance, its character comes from its luxurious interior and smooth ride. The car has good fuel efficiency with either powertrain.

Its new design changes are minimal and include a new front bumper, updated fog lights, new wheel designs, and a different rear spoiler. New interior features include wireless charging, USB-C ports for the rear seats, as well as an upgraded Bowers & Wilkins audio system.

On the negative side, the infotainment system in the S90 isn’t always easy to use and the car doesn’t have as “refined” a drive as some competitors. The plug-in hybrid version of the S90 can be selected with either the R-Design or the Inscription trim levels.

The 2020 model

The 2020 Volvo is a stylish and beautiful car, although it doesn’t have the same refined ride as its competitors, according to Car and Driver. The 2020 Volvo S90 currently offers the T6, which has a turbocharged and supercharged inline-four engine, as well as the T8 plug-in hybrid. The unusual gas engine produces 316 hp, while the T8 plug-in hybrid generates 400 hp. All models have all-wheel drive.

The interior features many high-quality materials, from brushed metal to open-pore wood to leather. However, the car does have a manual steering column rather than a power one. Its rear seat is very roomy.

A 12.3-inch digital driver display is standard, and a head-up display is optional. The infotainment system has a 9-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, but the infotainment system does take a little getting used to. The car includes Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving, and haptic feedback vibrates the steering wheel when the system turns off.

Volvo is known for its safety, so the S90 comes with a number of driver-assist safety features. Among the many features are automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Volvo S90 is available for sale now. Buyers looking for the plug-in hybrid of this luxury car should ask for the Volvo S90 Recharge, and they can plan on keeping a little more cash in their pockets.