First Impressions of B5 Anyone?
 

Hi Everyone,
I was wondering whether any of you have taken delivery of a new XC90 with the B5 mild hybrid, and if so what are your first impressions? I’m guessing that you should not feel or notice anything different, as the KERS system will be just doing its thing in the background. Presumably, it just gives you a little push on initial start off and acceleration? I’ve also heard a rumour that it might be noisier at idle, though I cannot quite see why that might be. Am just about to take the plunge and order one, after 9 very happy and trouble free years with a XC70. I tow a caravan @ 1800kgs, so for me the diesel remains the only true option. Any first impressions out there to reassure or guide me?
Thanks

Notes for my own use....

KERS = Kinetic Energy Recovery System
Kinetic Energy can be collected when braking in something like a flywheel and stored for later use.
Volvo's 'more power' version = B5
Volvo's 'a bit more power' version = B6

Qn. What XC90 engines can take B5 and B6 and how much do these 'add-ons' cost?

Anyone got any good links for further information?

I have a B5 XC90, had it for just over a week. Fuel economy is ok normally high 30s to mid 40s. I haven’t had any experience of the D5 to compare, but I am liking it a lot so far.

I haven't found out how much the B5 or B6 'add-ons' actually cost.

Can anyone help?

Excellent - just ordered one for me yesterday!

Hi,

I've just had a look at the model year 2019 D5 (non hybrid) to the B5 2020 model year B5 (Mild Hybrid) and the On the Road price differential is £875

There was also a small facelift of the vehicle between the 2 model years with Load Protection Net and Twin USB Slots being added as standard also.

As a side note, the "quoted" cobined fuel economy on the D5 is 34-36 mpg and the B5 is 37-44 mpg, so in theory around a 20% improvement in fuel economy...although that is clearly the "quoted" figures as opposed to the real world conclusion...

I expect a 15% improvement in real life. At current fuel price, perhaps a £250 saving per 10,000 miles. So a break even mileage of around 30,000 to 35,000 miles for the extra cost.

But the extra cost won't be down to just the engine changes, so a comparison isn't really possible.

B5 is £1k more than T5 and four year residuals are £1k less so £2k negative before you start by still buying diesel. Plus Volvo have no interest in the diesel engine from 2022 onwards and several cities already do or will charge more to park a diesel car. Is it worth it even before you introduce social stigma?

Costings are ok, but there is also £1800 off any D5/B5 variants if registered until the end of Sept... every little helps!....