2017 Volvo S90 R-Design D5 PowerPulse AWD

The Volvo S90 is a refreshing Scandinavian alternative in an executive saloon segment filled with big-hitting German rivals. This new R-Design trim is, for now at least, its sportiest variant.

Available with either of the 2.0-litre diesel D4 or D5 engines at launch (with a hybrid T8 to join later), R-Design gets a black grille, 18in alloys, dual exhaust pipes and sports seats, as well as a sporty suspension set-up and a lavish leather and nubuck interior.

We’re driving the D5 variant, which isn’t a full-blooded Polestar performance model (although a Polestar Optimisation Pack is available) but still offers a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine with 232bhp and 354lb ft, all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission.

In the UK, R-Design is expected to be the joint most-popular trim in the S90 range, alongside entry-level Momentum. It offers head-turning looks, a plush interior and the promise of a sportier drive, but it faces tough competition from all-wheel drive BMW M Sport and Mercedes-Benz AMG Line rivals in its class.

It looks the part, but - as with the V90 R-Design - the lowered suspension doesn’t do many favours for its ride. It’s 15mm lower, the springs have been shortened and stiffened, and it also gets passive monotube dampers which use one valve to deliver compression and rebound damping.

That translates into a ride that delivers sharp jolts and thumps over imperfections, especially around town and on B-roads. It's much better on smooth surfaces though, offering a more compliant and relaxing ride. The stiffer suspension does also offer a trade off for better driving dynamics, with tighter body control and sharper cornering, but as the improvement is only minor it’s still worth ticking the £1500 option to get adaptive dampers with rear air suspension. This removes the lowered ride height and will generally make the S90 more comfortable - which is surely one of the main reasons why you'd be considering this car anyway.

The S90 R-Design is adept at cruising over long motorway stretches, with an interior that remains quiet apart from some tyre noise over coarse surfaces, and the semi-autonomous Pilot Assist function is a great asset for removing some stress from particularly monotonous treks. But when you hit some country roads, this R-Design model ultimately doesn't deliver the same levels of engagement as its German counterparts, even if it is still enjoyable in its own right. The all-wheel drive system offers lots of grip, but the steering doesn’t offer much feel and its self-centring occasionally feels overly keen as well, especially in the weightier Dynamic mode.