Difference in ride height FWD, AWD, 4C ?

[NigelDay]

I parked on the roof of a well known department store car park in Newcastle on Thursday. It must have been a popular day to take out the XC60. There were at least 6 up there. I parked next to a '63 plate (post-facelift) D5 AWD. The next thing I realised was that I was 'sitting' lower than my neighbour. (Nothing to do with the Two Ronnies - John Cleese sketch.)
Call me paranoid, but with the aid of a tape measure I was able to confirm this was indeed the case. Measured from the ground to the metal body under the wheel arches revealed this surprising difference.
D5 SE Lux AWD. Front 79.5cm. Rear 82cm.
D4 SE Lux FWD. Front 78cm. Rear 81cm.

I run on 17" wheels, and the D5 had 18" wheels, but if you calculate the actual radius, there is only a fractional difference, and nothing compared to the 1.0 to 1.5 cm difference in measured body height.

I have 4C so I just wonder if the R-Design suspension (which is akin to 4C in Sport mode) has a marginally reduced body height which is also 'translated' into the SE Lux when fitted with 4C. Or is it something to do with the suspension and drive mechanicals difference between AWD and FWD ?

There is nothing published in the Volvo sales literature (in contrast to some manufacturers where 'Sport' suspension comes with a reduced ride height).

[Considered1]

Interesting Nigel, not thought about that one, and agreed there are many more of us around these days.
wouldnt tyres pressures make a difference though.
Happy to park next to you on same psi just to be sure.

[Lamp Swinger]

I wonder if there is a difference in spring length. Although I can't see why, as the different modes are controlled by motor driven spools. The spools allow the fluid in the shock absorbers to flow a variable rates to achieve the different modes. Unless Volvo use another method?

[Harvey1512]

I know that car park. Pretty tight going round the corners in it in an XC60.

[NigelDay]

Originally Posted by Harvey1512

I know that car park. Pretty tight going round the corners in it in an XC60.

Yes, it is a terrible design. I always park on the top because I can't bear the thought of trying to park on the spiral.

[id5]

Originally Posted by NigelDay

...
Call me paranoid, but with the aid of a tape measure I was able to confirm this was indeed the case. Measured from the ground to the metal body under the wheel arches revealed this surprising difference.
D5 SE Lux AWD. Front 79.5cm. Rear 82cm.
D4 SE Lux FWD. Front 78cm. Rear 81cm.
...

I wouldn't call you paranoid but I would call you Hawkeye, that's not that much of a difference to spot.

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by NigelDay

I parked on the roof of a well known department store car park in Newcastle on Thursday. It must have been a popular day to take out the XC60. There were at least 6 up there. I parked next to a '63 plate (post-facelift) D5 AWD. The next thing I realised was that I was 'sitting' lower than my neighbour. (Nothing to do with the Two Ronnies - John Cleese sketch.)
Call me paranoid, but with the aid of a tape measure I was able to confirm this was indeed the case. Measured from the ground to the metal body under the wheel arches revealed this surprising difference.
D5 SE Lux AWD. Front 79.5cm. Rear 82cm.
D4 SE Lux FWD. Front 78cm. Rear 81cm.

I run on 17" wheels, and the D5 had 18" wheels, but if you calculate the actual radius, there is only a fractional difference, and nothing compared to the 1.0 to 1.5 cm difference in measured body height.


I have 4C so I just wonder if the R-Design suspension (which is akin to 4C in Sport mode) has a marginally reduced body height which is also 'translated' into the SE Lux when fitted with 4C. Or is it something to do with the suspension and drive mechanicals difference between AWD and FWD ?

There is nothing published in the Volvo sales literature (in contrast to some manufacturers where 'Sport' suspension comes with a reduced ride height).

What mode were you in Nigel? If you remember I said it sits lower in Sport and Advanced than it does in Comfort. Also what did you have in the boot? Puncture kit or spare wheel?

I do like the mental picture of you measuring a bunch of XC60's with a tape measure. I take it your wife wasn't with you?

[NigelDay]

Originally Posted by RoyMacDonald

What mode were you in Nigel? If you remember I said it sits lower in Sport and Advanced than it does in Comfort. Also what did you have in the boot? Puncture kit or spare wheel?

I do like the mental picture of you measuring a bunch of XC60's with a tape measure. I take it your wife wasn't with you?

I was in Comfort mode. I recalled your earlier post and have started to align objects before starting to see if anything changes on starting - now that is paranoid !
The boot was empty (no shopping had yet been loaded - see below), except for the Tempa spare. Note the height is different at both front and rear.
My wife and mother had already descended into John Lewis so were completely unaware of my tape measure antics. They did, however, make some comment about how long it had taken me to park the car. I made some excuse about the PayByPhone parking app and I think they believed me. Well, they would simply not believe the truth, ha ha ! Incidentally I only measured the one XC60 parked next to mine, but next time I visit the dealer, I will make several measurements. That will certainly engage the interest of the dealership !
Incidentally, on another post this evening regarding MY17, it seems the 4C option has been delisted. Obviously the XC60 is now in the 'run-out phase' where low-sales options will be deleted. Rather pointless in my view.

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by NigelDay

I was in Comfort mode. I recalled your earlier post and have started to align objects before starting to see if anything changes - now that is paranoid !
The boot was empty (no shopping had yet been loaded - see below), except for the Tempa spare. Note the height is different at both front and rear.
My wife and mother had already descended into John Lewis so were completely unaware of my tape measure antics. They did, however, make some comment about how long it had taken me to park the car. I made some excuse about the PayByPhone parking app and I think they believed me. Well, they would simply not believe the truth, ha ha ! Incidentally ai only measured the one XC60 parked next to mine, but nxt time I visit the dealer, I will make several measurements. That will certainly engage the interest of the dealership !
Incidentally, on another post this evening regarding MY17, it seems the 4C option has been delisted. Obviously the XC60 is now in the 'run-out phase' where low-sales options will be deleted. Rather pointless in my view.

I'll measure mine tomorrow Nigel.

The 4C suspension is still on the Volvo configurator as an option. (Not for the R-Design obviously)

[Rooster]

I bet that was funny to watch,

Somebody stood between 2 cars in a carpark with a tape measure