V90 vs XC90

[NickHoward]

Hey guys,

As you know, I've had a V90 D4 R-Design for the past 3 months.

It was due it's 3 month check today, and with a few other issues, I felt it was best for them to have it in all day - So I had an XC90 from them as a courtesy car.

I thought I'd jot down a couple of points for anyone who might want to know some differences.

1. The XC90 only had the 8" Sensus display - It was a big disappointment compared with the 12" on my V90. The functionality might be the same, but the "wow" factor certainly wasn't.

I also found the XC90 display was angled higher, compared with a rather flatter look on the V90 - But this may be to do with the size of screen (and of car).

However, it did mean I had to stretch more to reach the other side - Therefor making it harder to use on the XC90.

2. The D5 is much more punchy, sounds better, and drives smoother than the D4.

The D4 is absolutely fine, and if you had it as your only car, you'd love it. But after becoming accustomed to the noises, feel and pull of the D4, the D5 is noticeably different.

3. I'm 6ft 4, and the seat didn't have the extended leg support in the XC90 - If you are tall, it's an absolute must have.

4. They drive incredibly similar, and after 5 minutes, you forget which car you are in.

Yes, the XC90 is obviously higher, but I don't believe it's that obvious when you are driving.

5. If you struggle to get out of cars, don't get the V90 - It's like being re born again compared with the XC90 that you can slide out of beautifully. It's one of the things I miss from my old XC60.

Update:

6. Forgot to mention the HUD - Having never had it before, I was in a pickle between choosing the HUD and NO heated windscreen, or the HW and no HUD (I went with the HUD).

A part of me died when I drove the XC90, and didn't have the HUD - It's only when you have driven a car with a HUD, and then drive one without, that you realise just how valuable the HUD is.

You use it everyday (for the speed, the speed limit signs, sat nav, caller ID). It's really become part of my driving experience, that I only realised I loved once I'd driven the XC90 without it.

If I find any other bits, I'll update the above.

Cheers

[nu11eaf]

Originally Posted by NickHoward

Hey guys,

As you know, I've had a V90 D4 R-Design for the past 3 months.

It was due it's 3 month check today, and with a few other issues, I felt it was best for them to have it in all day - So I had an XC90 from them as a courtesy car.

I thought I'd jot down a couple of points for anyone who might want to know some differences.

1. The XC90 only had the 8" Sensus display - It was a big disappointment compared with the 12" on my V90. The functionality might be the same, but the "wow" factor certainly wasn't.

I also found the XC90 display was angled higher, compared with a rather flatter look on the V90 - But this may be to do with the size of screen (and of car).

However, it did mean I had to stretch more to reach the other side - Therefor making it harder to use on the XC90.

2. The D5 is much more punchy, sounds better, and drives smoother than the D4.

The D4 is absolutely fine, and if you had it as your only car, you'd love it. But after becoming accustomed to the noises, feel and pull of the D4, the D5 is noticeably different.

3. I'm 6ft 4, and the seat didn't have the extended leg support in the XC90 - If you are tall, it's an absolute must have.

4. They drive incredibly similar, and after 5 minutes, you forget which car you are in.

Yes, the XC90 is obviously higher, but I don't believe it's that obvious when you are driving.

5. If you struggle to get out of cars, don't get the V90 - It's like being re born again compared with the XC90 that you can slide out of beautifully. It's one of the things I miss from my old XC60.

If I find any other bits, I'll update the above.

Cheers

I have had the same experience the other way when loaned a V90 and an S90 when my XC90 was in for service and other work, they do drive very similar, the XC90 you had will have had D5 power pulse so 235 bhp and a more instant response of the trottle, versus 190 bhp on the D4. I noticed the narrower feel elbow room in the S and V90 and how low the roof (headroom) was, as well as the less responsive D4 engine but it was still very good, and getting in and out was a nightmare, they are very low. I was glad to get my XC90 back from that point of view. But I have that problem with any normal car. The V/S90 are up there with BMW and Mercedes. But too low for me as you also point out. BTW, I have never seen an XC90 with an 8" display. All have had 12" as standard or had 12" option. V90 load space is compromised by the low tailgate rake.

[gaby]

The 8" display is (or was) the defzult display in the entry level Kinetic trim.
Although it is smaller, it does show the engine coolant temperature, a feature not available on the 12" screen.
The coolant temperatur indicator may have fallen victim to the Bikini syndrom.

[NickHoward]

Originally Posted by gaby

The 8" display is (or was) the defzult display in the entry level Kinetic trim.
Although it is smaller, it does show the engine coolant temperature, a feature not available on the 12" screen.
The coolant temperatur indicator may have fallen victim to the Bikini syndrom.

Strangely enough, it's a 17 registered car - I would have thought the 12" would have been standard.

Edited above to include info about HUD.....

6. Forgot to mention the HUD - Having never had it before, I was in a pickle between choosing the HUD and NO heated windscreen, or the HW and no HUD (I went with the HUD).

A part of me died when I drove the XC90, and didn't have the HUD - It's only when you have driven a car with a HUD, and then drive one without, that you realise just how valuable the HUD is.

You use it everyday (for the speed, the speed limit signs, sat nav, caller ID). It's really become part of my driving experience, that I only realised I loved once I'd driven the XC90 without it.

[nu11eaf]

Originally Posted by gaby

The 8" display is (or was) the defzult display in the entry level Kinetic trim.
Although it is smaller, it does show the engine coolant temperature, a feature not available on the 12" screen.
The coolant temperatur indicator may have fallen victim to the Bikini syndrom.

Yes its the same here but all the base models I have seen or driven have had the 12" option fitted, the one feature I do miss on my display is the temperature gauge, I tow and always liked to keep an eye on the temp gauge, I cant understand why they cant have it on the 12" display.

[neon]

I am assuming you mean the 8" driver display not Sensus.

I have just taken my XC90 in and I have the V90 D4 on 18" wheels. Only driven it a few miles, but one thing I noticed straight away was the improved ride with the 18" wheels. The D4 is pretty punchy and smooth. Felt a lot more closed in with less visibility, maybe because it was black interior with no pano roof. Seats were more comfortable than my sports contour seats. Updated Sensus felt more responsive. 8" driver display, agree no wow factor. Not accepting my postcode on navigation, how annoying and frustrating. Sound system was again very good for the base system. Was not feeling the luxury I do in mine but a nice car none the less and £20k cheaper.

Saw the new XC60 from the outside and looks nice.

[rejm68]

Originally Posted by gaby

The 8" display is (or was) the defzult display in the entry level Kinetic trim.
Although it is smaller, it does show the engine coolant temperature, a feature not available on the 12" screen.
The coolant temperatur indicator may have fallen victim to the Bikini syndrom.

Momentum comes with 8" Active TFT Crystal Driver's Information Display as standard

[NickHoward]

Originally Posted by neon

I am assuming you mean the 8" driver display not Sensus.

I have just taken my XC90 in and I have the V90 D4 on 18" wheels. Only driven it a few miles, but one thing I noticed straight away was the improved ride with the 18" wheels. The D4 is pretty punchy and smooth. Felt a lot more closed in with less visibility, maybe because it was black interior with no pano roof. Seats were more comfortable than my sports contour seats. Updated Sensus felt more responsive. 8" driver display, agree no wow factor. Not accepting my postcode on navigation, how annoying and frustrating. Sound system was again very good for the base system. Was not feeling the luxury I do in mine but a nice car none the less and £20k cheaper.

Saw the new XC60 from the outside and looks nice.

I think the 12" display and pano roof really add to the luxury feel (pano more so....)

The XC90 has the Pano, but not the 12", and there is just something about sitting in it which doesn't feel quite as "premium" as looking at the overly large 12" display.

But yes, having sat in a V90 without pano roof, it feels significantly less luxurious than any of the 90 series with a pano roof.

[nu11eaf]

Originally Posted by NickHoward

Strangely enough, it's a 17 registered car - I would have thought the 12" would have been standard.

Edited above to include info about HUD.....

6. Forgot to mention the HUD - Having never had it before, I was in a pickle between choosing the HUD and NO heated windscreen, or the HW and no HUD (I went with the HUD).

A part of me died when I drove the XC90, and didn't have the HUD - It's only when you have driven a car with a HUD, and then drive one without, that you realise just how valuable the HUD is.

You use it everyday (for the speed, the speed limit signs, sat nav, caller ID). It's really become part of my driving experience, that I only realised I loved once I'd driven the XC90 without it.

I would not be without the heated screen, up here in the northeast in winter it is fantastic to start your car and have a clear screen with no more scraping ice. Just a shame you cant have both options. Clear screen and a heated steering wheel in winter pure BLIS.

[shortword]

Originally Posted by nu11eaf

I would not be without the heated screen, up here in the northeast in winter it is fantastic to start your car and have a clear screen with no more scraping ice. Just a shame you cant have both options. Clear screen and a heated steering wheel in winter pure BLIS.

You can get both heated windscreen and heated steering wheel. Even in the MY18 XC90 R-Design it's possible. you loose the flappy paddle gear leavers and the sporty steering wheel for a heated one thats the same as the inscription model This I'm OK with. Ordered it that way this time! Never use the paddles anyway.