Had a shunt in the rear, got an BMW X5 for a week...

[TheDufster]

So my XC90 got hit in the rear. I was sat at traffic lights and a Mercedes E-class smashed into the back of my car at around 30mph.

The Merc came off a lot worse than the Volvo. From a distance you can't tell it's been hit. However, it still amounted to £2,500 of damage so it's gone into the workshop for a week. The garage offered me a Peugeot 307 which I politely turned down. I went back to the insurers and told them to arrange a replacement vehicle of similar size to the XC90.

So I got a (virtually brand new) BMW X5 3.0D for the week. I am quite impressed with it. It certainly handles and drives better than the XC90 (it is very quick and responsive) but I checked the list price - it's around £15-£20k more than the Volvo!

So I won't be moving over to the darkside and looking forward to getting my XC90 back sometime soon.

[irishcarfan]

I always find it interesting to hear what Volvo drivers say about others cars

[TWPC]

Dufster,
How does the space and practicality compare to your XC90?
My brother is in the market for a big SUV and I'd be interested to hear a direct comparison from someone with 1st hand experience.

[TheDufster]

Similar size space wise although I haven't had the opportunity to get the extra 2 seats up so I don't know what it's like with those.

The XC90 is great for space and in general I always feel that they have spent a lot of time and effort on the little things. There is still a reasonable size boot when the 2 additional seats are up on the XC90.

However, despite being a 4x4 it seems that the X5 lives up to the BMW reputation of being rubbish in the snow. Today I pulled off the road onto the top of someone's drive/partly on the verge in the snow. I couldn't get the X5 out - luckily a passer-by stopped and offered help to TOW ME OUT! The snow wasn't even that thick - I had pulled off the road in the snow knowing the capabilities of the XC90 which I am sure would have coped with it!!!!!

[60041]

Originally Posted by TheDufster

However, despite being a 4x4 it seems that the X5 lives up to the BMW reputation of being rubbish in the snow.

I had to rescue an X5 when we had the snow in January; he had somehow managed to get stuck sideways halfway up a hill, completely blocking the road. I had to reverse up the hill, turn around and then reverse back down to him and tow him to the top. He could not believe how good the Volvo was and how easily it towed the X5.
I was half hoping for some snow this week, but we have escaped so far.

[Ron_XC90]

Just look at the wheels & tyres they put under an X5 and you know why...

[Big Stew]

Our 2010 XC90 goes back to Motability tomorrow after 3 years of great service, can't get a replacement XC on the scheme now so have opted for an X1 which will be a shock for us in terms of space ! ! !

[AB-UK]

Whilst looking for a replacement for my first XC90, I found an easy test of comparable boot space was to stand at the rear with the boot open, and try to touch the back of the 2nd row seats.
Easily done on the Toerag, X5 (and others) for example, but a stretch on the XC90.
Hence I'm on my 2nd XC90.

[ally]

Originally Posted by Ron_XC90

Just look at the wheels & tyres they put under an X5 and you know why...

Completely agree, the market for that particular model demanded more car like handling, hence the wide wheels, stick some different wheels with winters on and its a very different story
I have to admit the XC90 handles very well and is much more car like than I expected
I have winters on my 530 and it goes everywhere I ask it to in all weathers

[TheDufster]

Interesting comments folks. One other thing I noticed with the X5 is that it has a very impressive turning circle. I thought that the XC90's was good but the X5 is noticably better.

Looking forward to getting my XC90 back today.......