A7 vs S90
Two makers, one class, one decision: the A7 from Audi or the S90 from Volvo. Most of what matters is shared here; the differences are real but modest.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance A7 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.1
- Fuel Economy & Range3.4
- Engine & Performance1.4
- Fuel Economy & Range3.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The A7 has 59 lb-ft more torque
The A7 doesn’t just edge this one; 369 lb-ft against 310 lb-ft is a lead you’ll feel. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The A7 has 40 hp more power
You may not notice this one every day, but the A7’s 335 hp is a step ahead of the S90’s 295 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
A7 leads
The A7 wins the engine & performance section decisively. The A7 gives you 59 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. If this section decides it for you, choose the A7.
Torque
A7: 369 lb-ft S90: 310 lb-ft The A7’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
A7: 335 hp S90: 295 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the fuel economy & range section; the two are too close to separate. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on fuel economy & range.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the off-road & towing section. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the A7 and the S90 row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | A7 | S90 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo V6 | 2.0L turbo- and supercharged I4 |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 295 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft (winner) | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic) | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | A7 | S90 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 22 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | A7 | S90 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | N/A (not specified) | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | A7 | S90 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | A7 | S90 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the A7 if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (369 lb-ft vs 310 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (335 hp vs 295 hp)
- you prefer staying with Audi
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the A7 or the S90?
On the specs compared here, the A7 makes more sense for most buyers; the S90 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Audi’s A7 against Volvo’s S90. Honestly, 59 lb-ft more torque on the A7 does a lot of the persuading for me.
I think of the A7 as the one for engine & performance and the S90 as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the A7.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.