5 Series vs S90
This is a classic rivalry: the 5 Series against the S90, BMW against Volvo, both in midsize luxury car territory. There’s no clean sweep. If fuel economy & range matters most to you, the 5 Series has the edge; if engine & performance does, look at the S90.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance S90 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 5 Series wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.6
- Fuel Economy & Range6.2
- 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
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The 5 Series has better fuel economy
If fuel economy (combined) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the 5 Series leads clearly with 31 mpg to the S90’s 26 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The S90 has 40 hp more power
The numbers aren’t close. The S90 lists 295 hp for total system output, while the 5 Series lists 255 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The 5 Series has better city fuel economy
A clear win for the 5 Series: 28 mpg against 23 mpg. Few specs in this matchup are as one-sided. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 5 Series starts from a better baseline.
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The S90 has 15 lb-ft more torque
Close, but not identical: the S90 lists 310 lb-ft and the 5 Series lists 295 lb-ft. The S90’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The 5 Series has better highway fuel economy
The gap on fuel economy (highway) is slim (35 mpg against 31 mpg), yet it tips toward the 5 Series. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
S90 leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the S90. The S90 adds 40 hp more power. The S90’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the S90.
Total system output
5 Series: 255 hp S90: 295 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
5 Series: 295 lb-ft S90: 310 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
5 Series leads
This is one of the 5 Series’s strongest areas. On fuel economy & range, the S90 falls well short. Choose the 5 Series and you get better fuel economy. The 5 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the 5 Series is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (combined)
5 Series: 31 mpg S90: 26 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
5 Series: 28 mpg S90: 23 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 5 Series has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if space & practicality was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. The off-road & towing verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the 5 Series and the S90 each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 5 Series | S90 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo- and supercharged I4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 295 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 5 Series | S90 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg (winner) | 31 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 5 Series | S90 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 5 Series | S90 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 5 Series | 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 5 Series if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (31 mpg vs 26 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (28 mpg vs 23 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (35 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
Choose the S90 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (295 hp vs 255 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (310 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Volvo’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 5 Series or the S90?
It depends on your priorities: the 5 Series is stronger on fuel economy & range, while the S90 leads on engine & performance.
Executive Summary
On paper, the 5 Series and the S90 chase the same buyer. In the details, BMW and Volvo made different calls. The 5 Series earns my vote first and foremost with better fuel economy. On top of that, the 5 Series adds better highway fuel economy. The S90 has a trump card of its own in 40 hp more power.
The 5 Series is for you if fuel economy & range tops your list; the S90 is for you if engine & performance does.
My pick: it depends. Go for the 5 Series if fuel economy & range comes first for you, or the S90 if engine & performance does.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.