New XC90 has arrived

[npw]

Just thought you might like a bit of input on my new XC90 which was delivered on 30 Sep 09. I had a 04 SE Geartronic in Ruby Red with Beige leather which I bought new in June of 2004. I only do about 8000 miles a year and had intended to keep it for a few more years until the kids had flown the nest. However, I was offered a deal by my local dealer which made changing it a bit of a 'no brainer'. He was very keen to get a one owner high spec XC90 with only 39,000 on the clock in stock.

When we went to look at colours, we looked in an SE Lux and my wife like the better leather. I liked the upgraded stereo but as a £1000 option I though it was too expensive. However as we were going to go for a Premium it was only a small step to get the Executive. So we now have an Oyster Grey Exec with the Soft Beige interior.

The car looks very good and even though I am driving it gently for the 1st 1000 miles (550 at the moment) it is noticeable quicker than my old 163 BHP with the 5 speed auto, particularly in the mid range. The ride is also less wallowy, and nicely planted without being too firm. The massage seats are fantanstic although the jury is stil out on the ventilated function. Despite no mention the brochure and my dealer telling me otherwise, it did turn up with electrically heated rear seats which the kids love. The Active Zeons are also amazing after the previous cars normal halogens.

Negative aspects? Well 2 really, when I bought the old car I ordered the Comms pack which included the upgraded stereo and the Sub Woofer in the boot. It sounded fantastic, and hence I was keen for the upgarde this time. Unfortunately, the brochure does not offer a sub woofer and so I had assumed that the new stereo would be good enough without it: Wrong! The sound is not a patch on the old car, and despite the subwoofer not being am option the UK, the handbook gives details of it being an option, presumably for the American market. Very disapointing indeed. If anyone has any info on getting a sub woofer for a nex Exec I would be very interested.

The second minor issue is a very genle wistle from the back of the car on very light throttle or overrun, most noticeable at 45 Mph ish.

The towbar is also worth a mention. Volvo wanted about £660 for a detachable twin socket one, which I am fairly certain is actually a witter. My local witter dealer had a no vat promotion and did a single socket for £360, the only differece apart from the single sock was they did not reprog the car to switch off the rear fogs with the trailer connected, which I was happy with.

Hope the above is helpfull.

[chrisnjulie]

This thread is no good without photos

Did you get it from Johnson's? (was there last week with our C70 for service).

[npw]

Yes I did get it from Johnsons. It turned out that one of the salesman was an old friend of mine. That may have helped, but nothing was too much trouble. A really good 'experience'

[chrisnjulie]

They've always treated us well. I have to take the C70 back this Friday because it seems that one of the drive shaft bearings is worn and has developed a howling noise (most unusual apparently, but covered under warranty thankfully - the 25k service last week was £470)

[OldAudi]

Thanks for the writeup, very interesting.
I am torn between an SE LUX and an Exec too. and with a nearly 4K price difference, would need alot of convicing.
Is the Exec worth the premium?

[npw]

I suppose it depends what spec of SE Lux you were going for. The price difference between the Se Lux and the Exec is £5400. However, if like me you were going for the Premium, which is all standard on the Exec it reduces to £3400. Then of course the Auto gearbox (£1400 on the Lux) and Metallic Paint (£600 on the Lux) are both standard. This reduces the difference to £1400, and with a bit of haggling £1200. For that I got various bits of external trim, walnut interior, better floor mats, ventilated and massaged seats, additional front armrest padding, premium stereo, rear headphone sockets, 19 inch wheels, speed dependant steering and rear seat heating. Bearing in mind that the stereo is a £1000 upgrade, I thought it was a bit of a bargain. Also bear in mind that when you sell a spec'd up car you never get the money from the extras back, but with a higher spec model that is listed in the guides, you usually recoup some. At the end of the day, I suppose it comes down to the sat nav. If you don't want that, the Exec may be a bit expensive, if you were going for the SE Lux premium, then it is easily worth it