Is the Volvo S90 an imported car?

[StCatherine]

Volvo S90 is not an imported car. Taking the 2021 Volvo S90 as an example, its body dimensions are: length 5090mm, width 1879mm, height 1450mm, wheelbase 3061mm, minimum ground clearance 153mm, and fuel tank capacity 55l. The 2021 Volvo S90 features a front suspension of double-wishbone independent suspension, rear suspension of multi-link independent suspension, and front-wheel drive. It is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 250PS, maximum power of 184kW, maximum torque of 350Nm, and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

[LaSarah]

I recently helped a friend with car shopping and did some research on the Volvo S90. When it first launched, all S90s were imported models. But now, most S90s on the road are domestically produced by Volvo Asia Pacific at the Daqing factory. However, if you look for leftover stock or through parallel import channels, you might occasionally find imported versions, though it's a matter of luck. Last month when I accompanied my friend to the dealership, the salesperson mentioned that the 2024 models are all domestically produced, including the plug-in hybrid versions which are now assembled locally. After domestic production began, the price dropped by over 100,000 yuan, yet the configurations became even richer—features like panoramic sunroofs and Bowers & Wilkins audio systems are now standard. But some people still prefer the craftsmanship details of imported cars, such as the solid feel of the doors.

[JayceMarie]

Coincidentally, there are three S90s parked in our residential area. From chatting with the owners, I learned that the regular gasoline versions are all domestically produced. In fact, the paintwork on cars from the domestic factory is more refined than on the imported versions. However, a small number of imported T8 hybrid models from before 2022 can still be found in the used car market, but they come with a significantly higher price tag. Once, while helping a relative look for a used luxury car, a dealer showed us a Belgium-made S90 T8, which was 80,000 RMB more expensive than the domestic version. Nowadays, Volvo's Asia-Pacific factory fulfills global orders, and the S90s sold in Europe are identical to our domestically produced ones—even the body steel comes from the same supplier. In reality, localization has made maintenance and repairs much more convenient, with much faster spare parts supply.

[StJoel]

Last year I test drove the S90, and the salesperson directly told me that this car now belongs to the domestic luxury car segment. The production line at the Daqing factory has a high degree of automation, with body panel gap precision controlled even more strictly than the imported version. However, a friend at a tuning shop mentioned that the chassis tuning of the older imported version was slightly different, with the suspension softened after domestic production to better suit Chinese road conditions. Nowadays, the place of production is clearly stated in the car purchase contract. Due to the higher tax costs of imported models, dealers basically don't promote them anymore. The owners I know all feel that the rear seating space in the domestic version is more reasonably optimized, especially the extended wheelbase which is more practical than the original European version. If you're particular about the imported status, you can check the starting letter of the vehicle identification number.

[NadiaDella]

Last week, I went to the Volvo 4S store for maintenance and inquired about the new S90. The sales consultant flipped through the configuration sheet and explained to me that all currently available new models are domestically produced, even the top-tier T8 Inscription version. Their store inventory system simply couldn't find any imported car sources, and the manufacturer isn't accepting import orders either. However, the salesperson mentioned an interesting fact: the S90s produced at Volvo's Daqing factory are exported back to Europe and America, so the ones bought abroad might also be made in China. I suggested that if someone insists on an imported car, they might consider a used 2019 T8 hybrid model, as that batch was indeed assembled in Belgium, but the older age comes with higher risks of mechanical wear. Currently, domestically produced models actually come with longer motor warranties.

[MacCamille]

My brother picked up his S90 B5 last year, and we specifically checked the nameplate upon delivery—it clearly stated it was manufactured in Daqing, Heilongjiang. Now Volvo has moved the entire S90 lineup to domestic production in China, even sending production line workers to Sweden for three months of training. However, I noticed an interesting detail: the imported version uses hydraulic struts for the engine hood, while the domestic version switched to manual prop rods—a difference likely due to cost control. The driving experience feels very consistent, though, with the City Safety system being equally responsive in both domestic and imported models. A friend owns a 2017 imported T6, and after comparing, we found the domestic version has more thorough localization in its infotainment system, including real-time traffic navigation. If you really want an imported version, I’d suggest checking niche dealers for parallel import channels.