Which engine?

[Matteus XC60]

As a 94 year old father of 26, I suggest that I am very old and have way too many children......

Seriously, I've never driven the D3, but I can say the D5 engine is an absolute peach - very responsive (particularly in sport mode), loads of torque, nice gruff sound. I'm sure the D3 is fine, but I can guarantee you won't be disapointed with a D5.

[Daleman]

If economy is in one’s mind the D3 does 50MPG on a run and I doubt if the D5 will hit 40 MPG under similar usage.

[madman1]

Originally Posted by Matteus XC60

As a 94 year old father of 26, I suggest that I am very old and have way too many children......

Seriously, I've never driven the D3, but I can say the D5 engine is an absolute peach - very responsive (particularly in sport mode), loads of torque, nice gruff sound. I'm sure the D3 is fine, but I can guarantee you won't be disapointed with a D5.

Agree with this and other votes in favour of the D5!

[DaiB]

Thanks for all the responses. I think I'm going to have to try a D5! I'm still early in the process and will probably go for it in the summer, but my current thinking on spec is:

D3/D5 SE Lux
Black Saphire with beige interior (but charcoal dash)
Heated front seats
Front park assist
Sun protection glass
Family pack
DAB radio

Am tempted by the premium sound system (the basic stereo in the A6 is fantastic). Obviously difficult to get a demo of the premium sound system, so for those that have heard it, do you think it's is worth the extra outlay?

[volvorocks]

Originally Posted by DaiB

Thanks for all the responses. I think I'm going to have to try a D5! I'm still early in the process and will probably go for it in the summer, but my current thinking on spec is:

D3/D5 SE Lux
Black Saphire with beige interior (but charcoal dash)
Heated front seats
Front park assist
Sun protection glass
Family pack
DAB radio

Am tempted by the premium sound system (the basic stereo in the A6 is fantastic). Obviously difficult to get a demo of the premium sound system, so for those that have heard it, do you think it's is worth the extra outlay?

The Premium Sound does sound good, although I do not think its worth the extra outlay. I think older Volvo stereos were Dynaudio which were fantastic, so the Premium IMO is not as good. However having said that, I would still tick the option of having Premium Sound again.

[crossedover]

I have the premium sound and think it's an excellent system.

On my car, as I'd chosen the premium pack anyway, I think it was only a couple of hundred quid to add it in, definitely worth it IMHO.

Make sure BTW you check out sites such as drivethedeal to get an indication of where you should be price-wise irrespective of whether you order from them or not. Certainly when I ordered mine there were substantial discounts available.

[DaiB]

Whilst my preference would be to use the local dealer, at the end of the day money talks. I would certainly use drivethedeal or broad speed as evidence of discounts available. Whilst the dealers may not be able to match the quantum of the discount, there is every chance they could get close when taking into account part ex etc. Have thought about the premium pack, but I'm not too bothered about satnav.

[Rich17]

The 'Driver Assist Pack' with blind spot and active cruise control - well worth the money. Saved our bacon a few times, and makes motor driving in heavy traffic less stressful as the car will match the speed of the car / lorry in front.

[simonjedrake]

Originally Posted by DaiB

Whilst my preference would be to use the local dealer, at the end of the day money talks. I would certainly use drivethedeal or broad speed as evidence of discounts available. Whilst the dealers may not be able to match the quantum of the discount, there is every chance they could get close when taking into account part ex etc. Have thought about the premium pack, but I'm not too bothered about satnav.

I hear from "Inside Volvo" sources that Volvo Uk have been *****d off for some time about the low margins that drivethedeal obtain by selling high volumes at low margin %'s which is driving down the margins at the Volvo Dealers who have the high cost of running the dealership. So as a way to solve this problem when Volvo can sell any of the production capacity limited XC60's (as an example) twice over in China, all EU Volvo Dealers have been asked to commit in advance to an annual forecasted MAX no of unit sales as a form of rationing of a limited resource. Volvo's view is when they can sell a car in China at a much higher margin than Europe why should they allow internet dealers with no overheads etc to devalue the brand.
This approach is also being looked at by other capacity limited premium manufacturers................

[simonjedrake]

Originally Posted by DaiB

Thanks for all the responses. I think I'm going to have to try a D5! I'm still early in the process and will probably go for it in the summer, but my current thinking on spec is:

D3/D5 SE Lux
Black Saphire with beige interior (but charcoal dash)
Heated front seats
Front park assist
Sun protection glass
Family pack
DAB radio

Am tempted by the premium sound system (the basic stereo in the A6 is fantastic). Obviously difficult to get a demo of the premium sound system, so for those that have heard it, do you think it's is worth the extra outlay?

You have missed of "Rear Park assist & Camera" - this is a necessity on a car this size. Also do not leave it too late before ordering if you want it for the summer, there is a long waiting time for an XC60.............