My new 2018.5MY XC90 R Design Pro

[volvocamper]

I Have had my new car just over a week now. I take a while to ‘bond’ with my cars but so far me and the XC90 are getting along just fine.
I have been a contributor on this forum since 2009 when I leased my first (Mk 1) XC90 R Design which I had for 4 years until 2013 and I loved the car and (apart from 1 new wheel bearing and an EGR sensor) had no issues at all in 38k miles.
I went from that to a 2014 VW Touareg 3.0 V6 which was a fab car and I debated whether to buy it from the lease company or to let it go and in the end, due to the uncertainties of depreciation/concern re costly repairs and the lack of tech in the car decided to move back to Volvo and another XC90.
I opted out of the company car scheme in 2009 and take the cash alternative as a base for a 4 year lease for my cars. I work from home, do approx 8k miles/year and so lease is sensible price and enables me to drive a car i Could otherwise not afford.
I dont smoke, drink, shoot, fish, golf, watch football/rugby/cricket, have lavish holidays but my wife and I both like our cars. I like a good spec so i dont get fed up with them over the 4 years.
So last week I collected an Osmium grey R Design Pro D5 with Xenium/Blis/CTA/Factory electric towbar/Subwoofer/ 4 zone climate/ floor/boot mats/flaps/ steps and rear bumper protector plate.
I was concerned re power after the 3.0 V6 and refinement. A test drive proved the Volvo as fast as the VW and it seemed smooth. The demo cars seemed to lack some quality I felt even though one only had 100 miles on the clock and I was apprehensive before collection - i need not have been however.
So far I am really impressed with the car, yes the engine is ‘better’ with 6 cylinders but the 2.0 Volvo engine is very good, fast enough, has character and gives me a ‘happy’ feeling.
I have examined the car closely and can see the quality IS better than i initially believed. The customisable tech is streets ahead of the VW and the ride is better (even with the 22” rims which i love and which have proved easy to clean)
I am intending to cover the required 600 miles before we tow our 2000kg caravan behind occasionally and it could be there where the smaller engine tells (although the specs are v similar for both engines).
There is certainly more space in the Volvo (although dont need the 7 seats).
I went with the standard R Design seats as liked the idea of the nubuck centres after 2 leather seated cars and felt I could not justify the B&W, hence the subwoofer as a compromise.
I had read some of the reports re software issues in the early cars but it seems to me Volvo are sorting those and have updated the later models with some improvements.
I tried to like a Q7 but, although a great car I am sure, I preferred the idea of the XC90. New Touareg not yet out but dont like the early pics of it and would be concerned it may suffer ‘new model’ glitches also.
Thank you for your help with questions during my decision process and lets hope this car is as good as the last!
Though you may like a pic. I have OCD vvvvvvv badly so asked dealer not to wash/wax it or remove interior coverings - I took it as it was built and prepped it myself the day after collection last week and took these pics as i finished.

[Ringthane]

That’s one lovely looking motor.

[Director76]

Very nice 👍!

Almost snap with mine... except for your bling-bling wheels ;-)

Side steps look good, our kids really seem to struggle getting in and out of the XC90 compared to the Treg, so I might investigate.

D76

[pagan8c]

Yes looks the business .Like the wheels and steps too.

[Desseardo]

Love the pro version. Could only afford the standard R design. Mine looks identical apart from the alloys and steps. At least I don’t need to post any pictures now! Still can’t upload them to this site for some reason.

[The Wesminator]

Lovely looking motor and enjoy.

I am only a few miles down the road over the border and do spend a lot of time in the city on business so in three weeks time look out for a black R Design on 22"'s with a good looking fella behind the wheel zipping around.

Like you, I am a little concerned with the engine having had a new 3.0 Q7 for the last two years but hey ho Mrs W's car offers me a lot more power should I get bored..

Great Pic's

Wes

[volvocamper]

Thank you for the comments guys.
I will elaborate on the steps though - dont ask me why but I like the look of SUVs with steps (over the years have had them on 2 x Jeeps, an X Trail and the previous xc90) and so decided to have them fitted to this car after seeing them on many pics on the Volvo Select site. They are lovely quality, replace the existing cill section so no ground clearance lost. They light up along their length when doors are opened (although the light seems for visual effect only as doesnt shine anywhere) BUT, they are expensive (list now £1250 - they come with bottom section painted and the fitting process is complicated and best left to the dealer which is included in the price) and they are of limited use as steps to assist entry/exit for all but children and in fact do make getting in and out for adults slightly more difficult as you have to step beyond them (and even then only the tallest will be able to avoid rubbing their trousers on the step edge) and this is made slightly more tricky with the raised bolsters of the R Design seats. I can see they will be useful if you have a roof-box fitted though. I was hoping they would prevent some of the muck coming up the doors and prevent road debris from being thrown up into the car or the caravan when towing.
Overall I am happy with them and will put up with the downsides for the look achieved and the benefits outlined but do be sure they are for you before you commit to them would be my only advice.
I have purchased some protective film which i Intend to fit to the edge of the steps to prevent me (or more likely passengers!) scuffing the edge of the steps when getting in/out.