XC60 B5 diesel

[XCal]

Hi

Been looking at getting an XC60 for a while.

A B5 diesel has come up, the only issue I have is the engine noise, how bad is it at start up as currently have a 340D and that is nice and quiet, I know it won't match the 6cyl for refinement but just wondering how people find the Volvo diesel engine for refinement? Is it noticeable at motorway speeds at all?

many thanks!

[volvocamper]

Had a D5 XC90 new from 2018 to 2022 and now a B5 diesel from 2022. They are imho not at all noisy on start-up or when up to speed. Only time I would say engine is noticeable is under (hard) acceleration. It was always said the diesel engine suited these large Volvo’s more than petrols but times have changed and maybe the petrol is certainly worthy of consideration, i dont know as not driven a petrol. Certainly v little difference cost of running wise I dont think, unless you are a high mileage user.

[CanaryYellow]

I came out of a 330D and into a XC90 B5P. Went for the P over the D based on usage, but did test out both before making a final decision.

Like you, I did have some reservations about diesel clatter from a 4 pot having lived with the silky smooth BMW 6 cylinder diesel for the previous 7 years. When test driving a B5D, the engine noise didn't bother me. It's not as nice as the 6 cylinder BMW diesel, but nor is the B5P - it sounds strained under acceleration too. At low revs, the P is almost silent, but other than in first gear and at idle where the D is a bit noisier, I don't think there's much in it.

I think you'd have to drive it to decide. Whatever you end up in, it's going to be a bit of an adjustment from the 340D.

[nu11eaf]

My D5 diesel is quieter when cold than when hot. (Basically the same engine)

[Lexman8]

Originally Posted by nu11eaf

My D5 diesel is quieter when cold than when hot. (Basically the same engine)

So is mine. Generally, noise is a bit intrusive when accelerating hard but fine when cruising.

[watto64]

Originally Posted by nu11eaf

My D5 diesel is quieter when cold than when hot. (Basically the same engine)

Like wise our XC90 B5D is quieter when cold, which was the opposite of our previous Hyundai's, however I am very pleased with the B5D, On start up it sounds like its spinning rather than cranking. You do get a bit of diesel growl when in low gears urban driving, but as soon as you hit 20+ mph it is whisper quiet.

[XCal]

Thanks, will be test driving one on Monday.

Fully loaded Inscription pro, apart from Harman Kardon unfortunately but I've read that the standard sound system isn't too bad apparently.

[Carabind]

Not the same car but I’ve had a S90 D4 and a V90 T4.
I prefer the Diesel for both power and economy. No extra noise when cruising

[inego]

Originally Posted by volvocamper

Had a D5 XC90 new from 2018 to 2022 and now a B5 diesel from 2022. They are imho not at all noisy on start-up or when up to speed. Only time I would say engine is noticeable is under (hard) acceleration. It was always said the diesel engine suited these large Volvo’s more than petrols but times have changed and maybe the petrol is certainly worthy of consideration, i dont know as not driven a petrol. Certainly v little difference cost of running wise I dont think, unless you are a high mileage user.

I've recently updated from the old 5 cyl D5 (as per avatar pic) to a B6 petrol (no Volvo diesels sold new in Australia any longer). The petrol is almost uncannily quiet, even under hard acceleration. You'd almost describe is as remote. I accidentally bumped it into manual the other day and I only noticed when it was revving aorund 5k in first gear.

(we have the B&W audio. My wife describes the car as a brilliant stereo with a car wrapped around it)

[vonRypp]

I was also hesitating between the B5 diesel and the B5 petrol but eventually went with the petrol (V90 CC).

The petrol was a bit smoother for my taste and I was still concerned with the AdBlue and other issues which are more common for diesels.

I am doing around 10k miles a year, so not really a hard user. The fuel economy difference is around 15-20% between the two on dual carriageways. If you'd like to tow, then you might have bigger advantage with the diesel. I usually tow a 300 kg (+trailer) lawn mower to my property but I barely notice any difference in fuel consumption, around +10%.

Back then, the diesel was more expensive by around GBP 2000, which would have meant 6 years till the break even point in my case (and I haven't calculated the additional costs of AdBlue).