KEEP calm… you’re in a Volvo.

And if you are behind the wheel of an offering from Sweden’s finest, you can guarantee that the ride will be a soothing and comfortable one.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the company’s S90 saloon, which has evolved into one of the most desirable of luxury saloons.

So before I move on to extol the virtues of the design details, features and abilities of the S90, it is worth pointing out that that suspension puts comfort at the forefront and the seating provides for a relaxing steer. These are things that matter to Volvo customers.

From the comfortable driver's seat, the interior is refreshingly uncluttered. As organised as an accountant's desk, all the audio and climate controls are integrated into the stylish Sensus touch screen infotainment system. The portrait touchscreen system dominates but it’s a cinch to use and it only takes a few minutes to get familiar with its layout.

The S90 drives like a grown-up car, with sure-footed handling that gives the impression it would remain perfectly composed right up to the limit. The ride is ideal for A-roads and the motorway, but the saloon doesn't feel out of place on a twisty B-road thanks to the responses through the large steering wheel. And in city environments the lightness of the steering makes for a relaxed experience.

The S90 wouldn't be a Volvo saloon without a list of safety features as long as a Bank Holiday queue in Ikea, and as usual the model has all bases covered. A multitude of airbags, intelligent emergency braking, collision warning, even large animal detection.... they all come as standard.

The model's trump card is that it manages to be sensible and appealing in equal measure. It is not a car that will mark you out as safe, sensible and boring. Inside it’s simply vast; up front you can relax in acres of space, while the rear row is extremely generous.

The driving mode selector allows you to choose an eco setting for softer throttle response, while dynamic mode sharpens the steering, engine and gearbox and the comfort mode does just what it says on the screen.

This focus on advanced technology extends to every part of the car. The D5 diesel engine, for example, benefits from PowerPulse, an ingenious Volvo-designed system that uses compressed air to boost responsiveness at low revs. There’s also the standard-fit Pilot Assist, the semi-autonomous drive technology that takes care of the steering, acceleration and braking at up to 80 mph, helping to make long motorway journeys less stressful and tiring.

The S90 comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, but whereas the D4 is linked to front-wheel drive the D5 comes with all-wheel drive to harness the engine's power.

Two engines – both 2.0-litre, four-cylinder units - are available: the D4 and the D5 PowerPulse diesels. A petrol-electric T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid will soon be joining the S90 and V90 ranges.

The D5 uses an ingenious solution called PowerPulse to overcome turbo lag – the momentary delay in response you often experience from powerful turbocharged diesel engines

There are three trim levels – Momentum, R-Design and Inscription.

Momentum versions get Sensus Connect and Navigation, City Assist and Pilot Assist, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control, power-operated bootlid, alloy wheels, eight-inch TFT crystal driver’s information display, leather-faced upholstery and heated front seats.

R-Design adds a raft of sporty visual and mechanical upgrades, while the Inscription version includes nappa soft leather upholstery, powered front seats, keyless drive, high-gloss black front grille with chrome inserts and multicolour interior theatre lighting.