Volvo S90

Importing a used Volvo S90 from the USA

The Volvo S90 is a full-size executive sedan that quietly became one of the most compelling alternatives to the German establishment. In the United States it was sold in strong numbers, often heavily equipped and frequently as a lease return, which makes the American used market a genuinely attractive hunting ground for a clean, low-mileage car. USCar Trader acts as an independent broker for used US vehicles — not a dealer and not a Volvo franchise — helping buyers in Germany and across the EU locate the right S90, verify it and import it with fully transparent, itemised costs.

Generations at a glance

The nameplate has two distinct chapters. The original S90 (1997-1998) was essentially a rebadged Volvo 960, a rear-wheel-drive straight-six luxury saloon that ended Volvo's traditional era. The car nearly everyone means today is the second-generation S90 launched for 2017 on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) that also underpins the XC90 and V90. This is the modern Volvo: minimalist Scandinavian interior, the portrait Sensus touchscreen, Pilot Assist and a design language that still looks fresh. For the US market Volvo produced long-wheelbase S90 sedans in Daqing, China from the 2017 model year onward, giving American buyers extra rear legroom as standard.

Powertrain lineup

The modern S90 uses Volvo's Drive-E four-cylinder family exclusively — there is no six or eight. The T5 pairs a 2.0-litre turbo four (around 250 hp) with front-wheel drive. The T6 adds a supercharger on top of the turbo for roughly 316 hp and standard all-wheel drive, delivering strong, linear thrust despite the modest displacement. The flagship T8 Twin Engine is a plug-in hybrid combining the supercharged-and-turbocharged four with an electric motor on the rear axle for a combined output near 400 hp and meaningful electric-only range. All variants use an eight-speed Aisin automatic.

Trims in the US market

The S90 is a four-door sedan only (the wagon is the V90). US trim structure ran Momentum, R-Design and the luxury-focused Inscription, with the later Ultimate designation on refreshed cars. Inscription cars are the ones to seek for imports: Nappa leather, ventilated seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio, air suspension on some builds, ventilated massaging front seats and the full driver-assistance package. R-Design brings sportier trim and firmer settings.

The used market stateside

Because the S90 was popular on lease, three-to-six-year-old cars with moderate mileage are plentiful, and many were Inscription-trim garage queens. Rust-free examples from California, Arizona, Texas and Florida are common. Look for cars with complete Volvo dealer service history and, on T8 models, evidence the high-voltage battery was properly maintained. Condition and specification vary widely, so patience pays off.

Who should import one

The S90 suits a buyer who wants understated luxury, exceptional seats and a distinctive design without paying German-premium money. It is ideal for long-distance drivers and anyone who values comfort and safety over outright sportiness. The T8 makes sense for those who want plug-in efficiency in a large sedan; the T6 is the sweet spot for effortless everyday pace.

Key specifications

How reliable is it?

The SPA-generation S90 is generally solid, but there are known items to check. The Sensus infotainment can be slow or glitchy and occasionally needs software updates or the rare head-unit fix. Early Drive-E engines had reports of oil consumption and, on some units, PCV or turbo-related issues — service history is your best defence. The 12V and, on T8 cars, high-voltage battery health should be verified. Air suspension (where fitted) and the electronic parking brake are worth inspecting. As with any modern Volvo, front tyre wear can be heavy on AWD cars driven hard. None of these are deal-breakers on a well-maintained example.

What US models do differently

US S90s are the long-wheelbase body, which European buyers may actually prefer for rear space. Expect amber-position or US-spec lighting, no rear fog lamp, MPH speedometer and US navigation mapping. Headlight aim and DRL behaviour follow US rules and need correction. Equipment is typically generous, and the Chinese-built LWB provenance is entirely normal for a US-market car.

Seven steps to your import

Selection with our team, VIN and origin verification, secure escrow so payment releases only on delivery, ocean freight to a port such as Bremerhaven or Emden, German customs clearance, technical inspection and individual approval, then registration. We manage the handoffs so nothing stalls.

Customs, taxes and costs explained

Key point: duty depends on the plant of build; only a VIN check secures the 0% rate. Import VAT of 19% applies regardless.

The S90's origin is neutral here, so the import duty rate depends on where the individual car was actually built, established via VIN and plant code. Most US-market S90 sedans were assembled in China, in which case the standard EU passenger-car duty rate applies. The 0% EU import duty under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 applies only where provable US origin exists, which is unusual for this model. In every case the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is charged separately on import. We never guarantee duty-free treatment; the outcome follows the documented origin.

German TÜV and registration

Approval typically means fitting a rear fog lamp, adjusting or replacing headlights for right-hand traffic, confirming km/h reading and documenting the odometer. Because US cars rarely carry a European CoC, an individual approval (§21 StVZO) is normal, followed by the main inspection and registration.

The buyer checklist

Match the VIN to all paperwork and confirm a clean title (no salvage, flood or rebuilt brand). Order a Carfax or AutoCheck report. Check for oil-consumption history and PCV/turbo service. On T8 cars, verify battery capacity and charging behaviour. Inspect infotainment, air suspension and electronic brake operation. Confirm consistent mileage records. Commission an independent pre-purchase inspection before releasing funds.

Questions and answers

Is the Volvo S90 a good import from the USA?

Yes — US supply of well-equipped, lease-return Inscription cars is strong and often rust-free, which is exactly what makes it attractive.

How reliable is the Volvo S90?

Generally solid; watch early-engine oil consumption, Sensus software and battery health on T8 cars. Full service history is key.

Will the 0% EU import duty apply?

Usually not, because most US S90s were built in China. Duty follows the actual plant; 0% needs provable US origin under the 2026 regulations.

Is the 19% import VAT always due?

Yes. The German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% applies on every import, separately from any duty.

Which S90 variant should I choose?

The T6 offers effortless AWD performance; the T8 adds plug-in efficiency; the T5 is the economical FWD option.

Why is a US S90 longer than a European one?

US-market cars used Volvo's long-wheelbase body for extra rear legroom, which many European buyers appreciate.

Do I need an Einzelabnahme?

Typically yes, since US cars rarely have a European CoC. We handle §21 approval and TUEV coordination.

Can you manage the entire import?

Yes. As an independent broker we coordinate sourcing, escrow, freight, customs and approval for you.

Explore more Volvo in the Carhub, compare the Volvo XC90, the Volvo S60 and the earlier Volvo S80, or browse current S90 listings.