Looking to buy and advice needed :-)
 

Hi all.

I was looking to buy an xc90, however I saw this YouTube video and it's got me worried. https://youtu.be/TQgMVBrmc54

So being new to the Volvo brand, I wondered what the general opinion is on an XC90, specifically:

• How is the reliability, my other option is a Discovery but at least I live closer to the dealership (which I understand is a prerequisite if land rover ownership :-))
  
• Whats the consensus of the best engine? I was looking at the T8 Twin-Engine as I have a BMW330D and although I don't drive fast, the lesser engines did feel quite slow. Is the T8 a bit over complicated?
  
• Also, I am looking for a 1 or 2 year old, what's a good model? I am thinking of an r-design pro.

Any advice is appreciated.

Have you test drove a T8 model? You will be pleasantly surprised with the performance and seamless switching between engine/electric.

Depends which video you watch but for example this one shows how capable it is, the older ones supercharger is spinning on the pulley at lower rpm so a very fast pickup for spirited driving like this

https://youtu.be/RZBNqKAxqLo

If you're looking that new, I'd also recommend considering new. It was no more expensive for me (got a total of 25% off list on a B5P Core) and meant I got 3 years 0% finance, MY24, exact spec I wanted and full 3 year warranty.

I didn't like the prospect of the complexity of T8 for long term ownership, nor how long the fuel savings would take to pay off the additional purchase price. I also favoured B5P over B5D in terms of complexity and better compliance over time with increasingly stringent low emission zones.

I drive a V8 currently and was pleasantly surprised by the B5P - it felt plenty fast enough when I test drove it.

I was in a similar position to you last year and ended up with an ex-demo B6P as the T8 didn't really stack up in terms of additional price vs. fuel economy (plus the B6 is more than fast enough for me). The B6 is very thirsty if you have a heavy right foot so the B5P may be better for you if you don't need the extra performance. We chose petrol specifically as most of our journeys are short. R-design vs. inscription is really down to your preference on looks. I went Inscription Pro - the air suspension is very good and I love the extras like ventilated seats. No problems with reliability after the first year.

I have test drove a T8 was plenty fast enough, it was just the complexity\reliability that put me off a bit, specifically the supercharger & Turbo.

They all have a role to play in the range and all would be fine. You are coming from a very impressive six cylinder turbo diesel - I had a 535d years ago and it was amazing but these are the engines of the past.

All comments are of course personal but I see the T8 as a tax dodge, company car, designed to be bought new and discarded after a few years with little regard to longevity. If you drive lots of short distances then it is fine but remember that in electric only it is a RWD car unlike some of the newer hybrids like the large Mazda which blends a proper 4WD offering.

The D5/T5/T6 (or B variants) depends on your view on diesel. All are great engines so take your pick but bear in mind that the 6 has a turbo and a supercharger so more to go wrong. However, it is faster but rare so hard to find. I am very happy with my car and would order another if Volvo still allowed bespoke orders options wise like you would expect with an expensive car.

Regarding the Disco. I came to Volvo after years of D3s and D4s (both great cars) but could not bear the visuals of the D5.

I’m happy with my B5D.

Quite frugal given its size/shape/weight and a bit agricultural off the line but fairly refined after that.

Performance is OK, better when in dynamic mode and you can always add Polestar Optimisation too, for a little more performance/refinement.

R-Design Pro is pretty comprehensive in terms of kit and for me the pan roof/air suspension/22’ wheels are a must.

Mines just coming up on its first anniversary and has been 100% reliable.

Its a well proven design, and from the feedback Ive seen, some issues with ERAD modules on the rear axle but from my own perspective, 3+ years in with a T8 which is driven hard it's been fine with only minor cosmetic niggle and a false alarm vibration which was low tyre pressures.

A redline a day keeps the mechanic at bay 🙂

If you don't go new look out for the later models if you budget gets you there.

Get the extended Range and you loose the additional complication of the supercharger and gain more powerful e-motors and an 18.8kwh battery.

As for complication, yup anything Hybrid is immediately a bit complicated, the software calibration on these new ER cars is pretty good though, definitely recommend over some others implementations I have driven.

The Non PHEV Hybrids will be a quite a bit simpler with just a BISG.

Longevity and reliability of T8, god knows, buy some rabbits feet, as this looks frightening ;) Do you feel lucky punk, I do, where's the fingers crossed emoji..... :D

https://i.postimg.cc/Twt5XXy1/volvo-t8-powertrain.webp

Hi,
We've had D5 and T8's (standard range) XC90's and did love them. I personally didn't find the T8 had enough power on electric, and I was always looking to drive to max power before the petrol kicked in so that it didn't wear out etc etc. Perhaps my brain's fault, but I found it quite stressful - and any trips over 20 miles I would think it's bad we had to use the petrol! Very local trips to school was good having the electric, and our MY17 D5 did sound like a tractor, and didn't feel right for a pricey car. Also the T8 has so much power through the front wheels it just spins up with a heavy right foot.
We've switch to BMW 5 series (540 & 530d) and love them. Obviously less space, but I prefer the driving feel (and quite importantly the steering wheel) on the BMW. From My 21 or 22 the XC90's had a rather plastic feeling steering wheel which bugged me a bit (and others in the forum have changed the steering wheel to the old style).
THey are great, solid, safe family cars, but if I were going T8 I would want the extended range/power from MY23 (or maybe MY22.5 depending), otherwise I'd go B5/6P for low mileage user, or B5D if you do higher miles. We averaged 32 mpg on our D5 on approx 10k miles a year.
Depending on budget there are some cracking deals on new, far cheaper than year old in some cases, but partially due to it being quite long in the tooth perhaps.
Good luck!
L