Persuade me to get an XC90

[rayaans]

Hi guys, Im new here and currently own a 2012 Lexus RX450h F-Sport.

Ever since the XC90 came out and I saw it in person (in York near the University, maybe one of you guys?!) it sort of grew on me.

Now, my car is fully loaded atm so wouldn't want anything less and the new RX has come out too which has got me pretty interested but wanted to hear from owners what the XC90 is like (I dont trust the biased reviews, seem to always say "buy a BMW, Audi or Merc").

I have test driven the D5 Momentum, personally found it sluggish and unrefined. I had a problem with the gearbox which kept jerking around and therefore would prefer a T6 petrol but Im having trouble test driving one as none seem to be available.

However, having said that Ive come up with a small list of pros and cons:

Pros:
1) 7 seats
2) Has a classy interior and exterior
3) Build quality is good
4) Features work well
5) Service from the dealership seems very good. Not as good as Lexus but better than Jaguar IMO.
6) Looks better than almost any other 7 seat SUV in Black/tan with 21" wheels. I think the new RX looks great in Black/Red also though but they have different styling (Volvo is more smooth whereas RX is edgy as below




Cons:
1) Road noise is quite high (I would be going for 21" Inscription). My RX has 19" atm albeit narrower tyres and new one has 20"). Car I tested was on 20" momentum
2) Diesel isn't great (Ive never had a diesel car BTW)
3) Gearbox Jerks (unsure if this affects the T6 also?)
4) Lack of certainty about T6 depreciation
5) New RX handles somewhat better in Sport guise (I tested the XC90 on standard springs back to back with the Lexus at the launch event in Vienna along with X5, RR Sport, ML and Q7) but then the XC90 has a marginally better ride
6) £6k more expensive than the RX like for like for the T6. As makes no difference price for D5 but RX is faster/smoother and as fuel efficient.


I would greatly appreciate any feedback from owners, it would be very helpful. Thanks

[AB-UK]

Depends on what you want it for!
If it's cargo carrying capacity then the Lexus is poor in comparison.
In this regard I thought the RXs were examples of style over substance, which is why I bought an XC90 instead.
However, if it's sporty posing you're after then the RX will do nicely I expect

[rayaans]

Originally Posted by AB-UK

Depends on what you want it for!
If it's cargo carrying capacity then the Lexus is poor in comparison.
In this regard I thought the RXs were examples of style over substance, which is why I bought an XC90 instead.
However, if it's sporty posing you're after then the RX will do nicely I expect

Now you see, I don't actually need an SUV, I just prefer to drive one as its easy to mount kerbs (kerb rash drives me nuts) and I like the high driving position for motorway driving in which both cars excel.

I have 3 kids so they'd fit in both and honestly, there isn't much between XC90 and RX in terms of ride and dynamics. RX seems to be bit flatter and has a slightly rougher ride due to the firmer suspension although you can change the modes.

Im not sure whether the XC90 has adaptive suspension without air suspension? And the lack of T6 test driving is also doing my head in! Dealers don't seem to have any around!

Decisions, Decisions!

[I-S]

A quick glance on autotrader finds a surprising number of new T6s second-hand - no doubt this would fulfill the requirements for a test drive? Hatfields in Bury, north of manchester have one which might be closest to you?

[st4]

4 cylinder diesels are all wrong for this class of car. The T6 is an excellent idea and if you can afford the car, you can afford the fuel....

[I-S]

4 cyl petrol is ok then?

It's not too bad on fuel according to the figures - at least the tax isn't £500 like the old T6!

[Jelmok]

Funnily enough I am in a similar position to you. We have the exact same Lexus F sport and I have placed an order for a XC90 T8. I drove both the D5 and the T6. The diesel felt underpowered to me, and I had concerns about buying a diesel from a resale and environmental perspective. The T6 had enough power but economy was not as good as our Lexus, so we settled on the T8 which should hopefully balance the need for performance, economy. I really like the new RX but can't believe they didn't make it a 7 seater. We really need one as constantly hauling hordes of children around! If they had I would probably have stuck with Lexus, particularly given the service and reliability we have had. Am hoping the Volvo ownership experience will be comparable. The cars we test drove certainly seemed solid and well built. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[Philip Fisher]

Riverside in Doncaster definitely had a t6 on the demo fleet as I was tooling around in it for 24hours back in July so perhaps give them a call?

[rayaans]

I'm near Leeds. I'll see if I can test drive a T6. I do like V6s though and it's a shame Volvo didn't make one available and im not going to go for the T8 as its a lot more expensive

[Rooster]

There is a T6 inscription demo at Harratts leeds