Post XC90 T8 R-Design test drive thoughts......

[DeeJayHaitch]

Hi all,

With a growing family, I'm in the market for a new car. I currently drive a '63 ML250, and the GF has a Fabia, so we need to upgrade hers in one way shape or form. I've talked myself out of getting something sporty, so looking at practical options, preferably 7-seater. I'm also interested in something more eco-friendly, so here I am.

I do really like the design of the new Volvo's, it's a fantastic motor, however, I have two issues:

1) The headrest - I'm not sure if this is the same for all Volvos, but I had the same problem when driving my Dad's Mark I XC90, I just couldn't/can't get comfortable. Why, for a "luxury" vehicle, can't they include an adjustable headrest? I really can't get on with it at all, I have to angle the backrest back enough so my head isn't in contact with the headrest at all. Anyone else have the same issue? For comparison, I'm 5' 6 1/2" (the 1/2" makes all the difference )

2) My heart is telling me to go for the T8, however, is the price premium over the D5 really worth it? Morally, yes, financially, no, I'd say. We all know diesels are being fazed out, so will depreciate more than a petrol hybrid, but if I was driving 10k mixed miles a year, for arguments sake, I could keep topping up a D5 for 8yrs on the price difference of the T8 (based on current diesel rates).

I liked the drive of the T8, very responsive for a big car. Perhaps I need to test drive the D5 for a true comparison. But even so, the D5 would have to drive like a bag of nails to convince me to pay the premium for the T8. Did anyone else go through this thought process when buying, and what did you end up ordering?

I appreciate any thoughts/comments.

[KNVXC90]

The headrest isn't an issue for me, and I'm exactly the same height as you

I did go through the same dilemma when ordering my XC90 though...D5 or T8. Financially the T8 didn't make sense to my circumstances, and I ended up buying the D5. The added technical complexity of the T8 and it being Volvo's first attempt at a hybrid + the cost put me off T8.

For me, the D5 drives well, for a car of this size and never feels underpowered. Put the car in dynamic mode if you prefer a bit of sporty driving and the car moves well. I have Polestar optimisation done too, which improves the drive further. You should try it for yourself and see though.

[DeeJayHaitch]

Thanks for the response. I wonder what it is with the headrest then, as I've never had this problem in any other vehicle I've driven. I prefer the XC90 over the competition - Q7 or Disco (not that I've test drove either of those yet), but this is off putting. The GF likes the Kodiaq, so could just get her that and spend the spare cash on something sporty...... here I go again

It's a shame, as I can afford the T8, I just can't fully justify it. I think I'll end up flipping a coin with regards to deciding between that or the D5. Shame i'm looking to buy now, as still too much of a premium on the electric tech, and doesn't help they've scrapped the grants on these. As well as reshuffling the VED. I'll get a test drive on the D5 organised, and have another play with the seat position.

[DavidC R]

if you can afford the T8 why not go for it? life's too short to not enjoy it!

I've only driven mine home from the dealers and I'm so glad i went for T8. aside from all the environmental benefits etc... it glides silently along but when you boot it it goes like a scalded cat, and then back to quiet silent glide.

[nu11eaf]

Originally Posted by DeeJayHaitch

Hi all,

With a growing family, I'm in the market for a new car. I currently drive a '63 ML250, and the GF has a Fabia, so we need to upgrade hers in one way shape or form. I've talked myself out of getting something sporty, so looking at practical options, preferably 7-seater. I'm also interested in something more eco-friendly, so here I am.

I do really like the design of the new Volvo's, it's a fantastic motor, however, I have two issues:

1) The headrest - I'm not sure if this is the same for all Volvos, but I had the same problem when driving my Dad's Mark I XC90, I just couldn't/can't get comfortable. Why, for a "luxury" vehicle, can't they include an adjustable headrest? I really can't get on with it at all, I have to angle the backrest back enough so my head isn't in contact with the headrest at all. Anyone else have the same issue? For comparison, I'm 5' 6 1/2" (the 1/2" makes all the difference )

2) My heart is telling me to go for the T8, however, is the price premium over the D5 really worth it? Morally, yes, financially, no, I'd say. We all know diesels are being fazed out, so will depreciate more than a petrol hybrid, but if I was driving 10k mixed miles a year, for arguments sake, I could keep topping up a D5 for 8yrs on the price difference of the T8 (based on current diesel rates).

I liked the drive of the T8, very responsive for a big car. Perhaps I need to test drive the D5 for a true comparison. But even so, the D5 would have to drive like a bag of nails to convince me to pay the premium for the T8. Did anyone else go through this thought process when buying, and what did you end up ordering?

I appreciate any thoughts/comments.

It took me a long time to find that just right comfortable position in my XC90, I was litrally getting a pain in my neck every time I drove it, I like you, found putting the backrest further back solved the problem. It is now nice and comfortable. I am 6 feet tall and the headrest was not an issue with me, my seat backrest does look a little too reclined but it is comfortable and no more neck pain.

[DeeJayHaitch]

Originally Posted by DavidC R

if you can afford the T8 why not go for it? life's too short to not enjoy it!

I've only driven mine home from the dealers and I'm so glad i went for T8. aside from all the environmental benefits etc... it glides silently along but when you boot it it goes like a scalded cat, and then back to quiet silent glide.

Well, I could afford an Cayman+Kodiaq or SVR/RS6/E63 etc. but talked myself out of those, as as much as they'd put a smile on my face, it wouldn't last long when I lose my licence, or have to fill the tank after every trip to the supermarket.

So, as much as i'd prefer the T8, it doesn't make much sense financially. As you can tell, I'm finding it hard to convince myself of that though. I'll report back once I've test drove the D5. Good to hear you're happy with yours though, which doesn't help me ha.

[DeeJayHaitch]

Originally Posted by nu11eaf

It took me a long time to find that just right comfortable position in my XC90, I was litrally getting a pain in my neck every time I drove it, I like you, found putting the backrest further back solved the problem. It is now nice and comfortable. I am 6 feet tall and the headrest was not an issue with me, my seat backrest does look a little too reclined but it is comfortable and no more neck pain.

Not just me then. I thought it was just my stature, but then I'd experience the same in other vehicles. It's like my head is being unnaturally pushed forward, if that makes sense. All I need is the ability to slide it back an inch, like I can on the ML, and I'd place the order. I could do as you have, and recline the seat, but feel as if I'm just bypassing a problem, and not enjoying the full comfort of the seats. Plus, it comes close to the baby seat behind me, even with my short stature.

[MtillingVolvo]

The "Head Rest" is supposed to be a head restraint and in the event of a rear collision forms part of the Whiplash System.

I can't say in any car that I've ever driven that I have it flush up to my head, if anything that would be more uncomfortable than not having one at all wouldn't it?

[DeeJayHaitch]

Originally Posted by MtillingVolvo

The "Head Rest" is supposed to be a head restraint and in the event of a rear collision forms part of the Whiplash System.

I can't say in any car that I've ever driven that I have it flush up to my head, if anything that would be more uncomfortable than not having one at all wouldn't it?

Thanks for the response. It did actually cross my mind that something like this was the reason for them excluding an adjustable headrest/head restraint. And I understand it, in principle, but it isn't practical for me on a day to day basis, and is really putting me off buying what is a lovely car in all other aspects, and therefore quite annoying.

Ultimately, I shouldn't need to tilt the backrest back to such an angle, as to make the head-restraint position comfortable. A simple adjuster on the head-restraint would be much more practical, but I guess they decided the less moving parts there are, the less there is to go wrong in the case of an accident.

[Lexman8]

Stewie,

I'd guess that the headrest is fixed to stop people adjusting it to a potentially dangerous position where it might actually do more harm than good. This used to be a problem on other cars.

Brian

:-)