Uncomfortable Volvo Seats - why?

[Boatie]

Originally Posted by js90

I just spent 8 hours in the R-Design seats. They're... okay. Once I'm wedged perfectly in the middle it's fine, but I've never had that problem with any of the other Volvo seats - they tend to be comfortable from any position.

They're definitely designed with the slimmer driver in mind...

I'll echo your second paragraph (I only did 2hours in my R Design seat today)

[LRS]

OMG low profile tyres

Many years ago, I had a mad moment and purchased a BMW 3 series 335d coupe with ultralow profile wheels with run flat tyres. The car went like stink, but the ride quality felt like being on iron rails, with the tiniest imperfection in the road jarring right through your bones.

Sold the car a few years latter as it just became less and less enjoyable to drive on UK condition roads. I always thought it would have been a lovely car to own if I lived in the UAE with their beautiful smooth as glass roads.

The more rubber between you and the road is what its all about with an SUV and if you could get 16” wheels as an option, I’d get them! 20” wheels on an SUV is just mad.

[js90]

Originally Posted by LRS

OMG low profile tyres

Many years ago, I had a mad moment and purchased a BMW 3 series 335d coupe with ultralow profile wheels with run flat tyres. The car went like stink, but the ride quality felt like being on iron rails, with the tiniest imperfection in the road jarring right through your bones.

Sold the car a few years latter as it just became less and less enjoyable to drive on UK condition roads. I always thought it would have been a lovely car to own if I lived in the UAE with their beautiful smooth as glass roads.

The more rubber between you and the road is what its all about with an SUV and if you could get 16” wheels as an option, I’d get them! 20” wheels on an SUV is just mad.

Funnily enough, BMW don't supply new cars with run flats any more. Wonder why...?

[gaby]

Originally Posted by js90

I just spent 8 hours in the R-Design seats. They're... okay. Once I'm wedged perfectly in the middle it's fine, but I've never had that problem with any of the other Volvo seats - they tend to be comfortable from any position.

They're definitely designed with the slimmer driver in mind...

I also find the side bolsters of the R-design seats too high to get on/in the seat.
This will possible also lead to premature damage of the upholstery.

[Beavis]

echo comments on here. i have a 2019 V90 model.
worst seats i've had in 20 years of volvos comprising 11 or 12 cars, including V40 (old and new); multiple S60's/V70's/C70/XC90's. This will be the last of these modern volvo's i get. the styling looks great, but dislike so many other things about it including seat comfort.

[Alisdair]

Originally Posted by AB-UK

I see so many R Designs on the Volvo Selekt website and I wonder if it's as a result of buyers being intrigued by the notion of a "Sports" model but then disappointed by the relatively uncomfortable seats, not helped by the stiffer suspension and lower profile tyres.

Ha, this is the exact opposite of my experience.

2014 XC90 SE LUX < 2015 XC90 R Design.
2014 had 235/60 R18 < 2015 has 275/40 R20
2014 had full leather sofa seats < 2015 has R Design half leathers.

At 6ft 4 I find the new R design seats very comfortable - doing 5 hr Friday so will update if that changes - and it's really nice not to have to brace myself against the door when driving and going round a corner!! The older models seats had absolutely zero bolster and you slid off.

Less wallow/roll, more composed and less crashy. Even on standard shocks (not air) I'd say overall comfort and drivability has improved greatly.

Bonus on the new model is I can actually fit a passenger behind me with the seat fully back to accommodate my legs..

[Quacker]

Originally Posted by js90

I just spent 8 hours in the R-Design seats. They're... okay. Once I'm wedged perfectly in the middle it's fine, but I've never had that problem with any of the other Volvo seats - they tend to be comfortable from any position.

They're definitely designed with the slimmer driver in mind...

Yes, I specifically chose the Inscription over the R-Design that they had in stock for this reason. However I always found them to be quite hard and unforgiving and actually prefer the front seats in my daughter's Qashqai over long distances. Not a dealbreaker but really shows that twice the price doesn't buy twice the car in every way.

[ady30]

Originally Posted by Polestar Pete

Yeah, I got sold on the reputation of the Volvo seats being magically comfortable.

It took me a good while before I got the position of my seats in a position where I'm now comfortable. I probably have a few more tweaks to make yet.

In previous cars, I've been comfortable after just a few moments of tweaking, not sure why Volvo is different.

I recently found that tilting the seat pan so it's flatter helped quite a bit.

I bought an xc40 cost 36 grand it was a 1.5 3 cylinder R design
Spent hundreds on seat support cushions the car was crippling my hips and thighs
Ended up straight swapping for a used v60 b3 momentum it’s better but lost 10 grand on deal we’ll upset
Bring back the 360 940 760 they were perfect

[Sahohas]

Originally Posted by LRS

OMG low profile tyres

Many years ago, I had a mad moment and purchased a BMW 3 series 335d coupe with ultralow profile wheels with run flat tyres. The car went like stink, but the ride quality felt like being on iron rails, with the tiniest imperfection in the road jarring right through your bones.

Sold the car a few years latter as it just became less and less enjoyable to drive on UK condition roads. I always thought it would have been a lovely car to own if I lived in the UAE with their beautiful smooth as glass roads.

The more rubber between you and the road is what its all about with an SUV and if you could get 16” wheels as an option, I’d get them! 20” wheels on an SUV is just mad.

I have 22" on my xc60 with air suspension and its absolutely lovely to drive. I read almost every forum posts about 22'' ride quality on SUVs. Lots of mixed feedback as expected, I was kind of dreading that my experience would be negative and end up going smaller wheels but that's not the case at all.


its perfectly fine but I know that air suspension does make a difference.

[lordofthejungle]

I have a XC90 and I was really keen on Volvo seats basing it on a friends older Volvo I had driven. I have a really bad back as a result and hate the seat. Like the car otherwise. Cant afford to change so will try and find a position that works. My other car is a Lexus and the seats are heavenly. I might seriously consider a swap to Lexus RX if this seat things gets too much on my nerves.