[Agouti]

I've seen at least 2 other cases of geartronics with harsh engagement of Drive. Both were solved through replacing the transmission oil and resetting the TCM oil degradation counter. An adaptation reset might also help. It is possible that a software update helps, but I think that it is purely coincidental as that occurs at most trips to a dealership. Attributing it to an update is more of a positive statement for a dealership to make as well ('we've improved your car' vs 'unplanned and uncosted servicing you didn't know you needed').

Since 2011 there has been at least one important update to the TCM, but I don't think it is possible to find out if that has occured without VIDA. It should have been applied if it was serviced at a dealership in the last year or two.

Basically the transmission control module (TCM) keeps a counter to estimate the amount of transmission oil degradation that has occured from things like towing or heavy stop/start usage and it adjusts various parameters to suit. When the TCM counter gets high enough you get a message saying that a service is required. The counter helps to prolong transmission oil changes and allows Volvo to call it "sealed for life" where other manufacturers with the same Aisin gearbox have regularly scheduled oil changes.

As to why yours is having issues... It could be that it is just due for an oil change and the counter isnt high enough to trigger a message, or it might have had the wrong oil put in previously, or it might have had the oil changed without resetting the counter. It might also be possible that it was due for a change and the counter was reset to clear the service code without changing the oil which would be dangerous. Does it have a towbar fitted? How many miles has it done?

Another sign of bad transmission oil is on gear changes when accelerating (particularly third to fourth) the RPM will jump up before dropping down instead of smoothly dropping straight down.

Regardless, having bought it from a dealer less than a year ago you should be able to get it addressed under warranty as it is not normal behaviour and could (very worst case) be a sign or an impending failure. Ask them about the service history and what the TCM counter is at.