XC90 T8 recharge - paddle shifters

[JJ63]

Hi all, researching possible purchase of an XC90 T8

I note that some models (the R-Design) had paddle shifters (perhaps only for a limited period) and that (e.g.) the Inscription models didn't ever.

If you don't have the paddle shifters, is there any way to pre-select a lower gear if for example you know you want to overtake and "be ready" - or do you simply have to allow the car to respond exclusively to the accelerator pedal inputs?

If I do this I will be coming from 10+ years of autos with paddle shifters - will I miss them and the additional engagement they provide?

What's your experience / knowledge?

thanks
JJ63

[Haldex]

Paddles were available as an option on all trims, not exclusive to RD - at least in EU market(s). They were discontinued completely about two years ago on all models.

You can still change gears without the paddles. I find it a bit un-natural on joystick-type shifter to shift gears with a left-right motion - but one gets used to it..

Will you miss them if you don’t get them - it’s a personal preference I think. Having shifted from a model with paddles to a newer one without - can’t say that it was a dealbreaker for me. I would prefer to have the paddles - but not so desperately to install an older-model steering wheel with paddles, as some have done.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by JJ63

Hi all, researching possible purchase of an XC90 T8

I note that some models (the R-Design) had paddle shifters (perhaps only for a limited period) and that (e.g.) the Inscription models didn't ever.

If you don't have the paddle shifters, is there any way to pre-select a lower gear if for example you know you want to overtake and "be ready" - or do you simply have to allow the car to respond exclusively to the accelerator pedal inputs?

If I do this I will be coming from 10+ years of autos with paddle shifters - will I miss them and the additional engagement they provide?

What's your experience / knowledge?

thanks
JJ63

Have you driven one ? you don't need paddle shifters they were a gimmick the auto box responds faster than anyone could.👍

[DYB]

Absolutely, I defy anyone to accelerate faster using paddles than kickdown would achieve.

[Lozzingers]

Having had MY17 R Design with paddle shifters (D5) and MY 22 T8 R Design without paddle shifters, I personally missed them. Occasionally due to spirited driving - but mainly downshifting down hills etc, as it means you have to take your hands of the steering wheel to change down (or go into B mode).
This is not the end of the world, but I missed them more than I thought I would - and feel a bit like it's a safety feature to have maximum control.
Perhaps different to general opinion - and as you're going for the T8 you will have good B mode regen breaking.
Good luck!

[JJ63]

Originally Posted by DYB

Absolutely, I defy anyone to accelerate faster using paddles than kickdown would achieve.

It's not about outright acceleration - but about the control of being able to drop down a gear or two on a descent (for example) or making sure you're in the appropriate gear before accelerating to overtake... there's a (at least sense of) control that comes with being able to manually select the gear you want.

Appreciate it sounds like you can still do that albeit with the gear lever (?)

[Stevepvolvo]

Originally Posted by JJ63

It's not about outright acceleration - but about the control of being able to drop down a gear or two on a descent (for example) or making sure you're in the appropriate gear before accelerating to overtake... there's a (at least sense of) control that comes with being able to manually select the gear you want.

Appreciate it sounds like you can still do that albeit with the gear lever (?)

Absolutely

[Philip Fisher]

Need to know what model year of T8. The gear selector changed on the later models. And T8 is different to other models too....

[DYB]

Originally Posted by JJ63

It's not about outright acceleration - but about the control of being able to drop down a gear or two on a descent (for example) or making sure you're in the appropriate gear before accelerating to overtake... there's a (at least sense of) control that comes with being able to manually select the gear you want.

Appreciate it sounds like you can still do that albeit with the gear lever (?)

As you said you can still change up or down as you want. If your not driving in a "spirited" manner I don't see the issue/ requirement. I've had paddles on my last few cars and very rarely used them.

[Philip Fisher]

Originally Posted by DYB

As you said you can still change up or down as you want. If your not driving in a "spirited" manner I don't see the issue/ requirement. I've had paddles on my last few cars and very rarely used them.

On the T8s you cannot change up and down using the shifter. You can only change down.

I heard something about a recent recharge with the ability to change up and down but this is unconfirmed.

The T8 box shifter does not operate as the shifter for the other models (ie there is no left to right up and down).