New XC90 Options Laminated Windows or others

[Bicax]

I have the laminated windows, but I got them mostly for security and safety reasons after reading this on Swedespeed:

Volvo's laminated glass is actually called Enhanced Protective Glass (EPG). EPG is a cutting-edge technology developed by Solutia Inc. EPG has a number of benefits over traditional automotive shatter-proof glass, such as:
1. Reduced weight
2. Protection from ultraviolet light
3. Theft deterrence
4. Protection from occupant ejection during accidents
5. Protection from outside projectiles
6. Reduction of unwanted traffic and highway noise

Volvo's EPG is made from polyvinyl butyral (PVB), a new kind of laminated glass specifically developed for side and rear windows of their cars. The trade name for this product is called Saflex PVB. This is made by laminating a sheet of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two sheets of glass under heat and pressure. This is similar to the process used in manufacturing windshields, although it is engineered to 3.8 millimeters, much thinner than a windshield.

I think most of the noise in this car is road noise, and I doubt the windows would help much with that. But I haven't really properly compared.

I also have the upgraded seats (ventilated, heated, massage), and they are extremely comfortable. I have long lengs, so the seat extension is definitely a huge plus, and I do a lot of long trips and the lumbar massage does actually help relieve whatever tension is building up. If I was mostly doing short commutes, I wouldn't have upgraded the seats, but for my use it is a must.

Another option I really enjoy is PA2, again on long drives. It really makes 1000+ miles journeys a lot less stressful, and it works properly 90% of the time and up to +-137kph.

The 360° camera I wouldn't do without if, like me, your garage has weird tight angles and the places where you usually drive to have narrow streets/badly parked cars/tight angles. It's a very big car, and the camera has gotten me out of some uncomfortable situations.

The B&W sound system is very good. Again, I regularly do 7h+ trips alone, so I listen to music for extended perios of time. My last car had quite some money invested in its sound system (Mosconi amps, aftermarket speakers, noise insulation, professional installation and calibration, etc.), and with the B&W in the Volvo I really don't feel the need of changing anything other than maybe some sound proofing (which I would probably do in any car). This is, however, a very personal preference, and it also depends on the use you give to the car. For example my wife recognises that the B&W is extremely good, but she is perfectly happy listening to FM radio in any other car. And if I was mainly using the car for short commutes, or if I was always accompanied when driving the car, then I would have been perfectly happy with the base system.

I have the HUD and the big driver's screen (don't recall the name of the option), and I would have passed on the former if I had known how much I would look at the latter. Maybe it's a matter of habbit, or maybe the information provided on the HUD is lackluster, but I always end up lowering my eye sight to check the map/indications/etc.

The ambient lighting is quite useless.

The normal plug in the back is a nice to have option on long trips, it really speeds up phone charging.

The smartphone pack... I'm a bit divided on this one. I think it could potentally be a great option, I'm just not sure how. I have used Android Auto once, and that was it...

Air suspension is a must have, I find. It does absorb road imperfections a lot better, and the easy entry access that lowers the car is great if you have little kids or elderly people in the family.

Keyless entry is also extremely useful if you have little kids, or if for some other reason your hands are constantly full.

VoC is nice to send your destination to the car, for remotely starting the engine, for not having to remember where you parked your car in a huge parking lot, for checking if you locked it without having to go back to the car, or for impressing the kids/scaring passers by. It's partly useful, partly gimmick, but I use it quite often.

I didn't get the auxiliary heater since in southern Europe the remote start feature should be enough. But if I was up north, that would have been high on my list.

The tinted windows in the back are nice to have in a sunny country like Portugal. I wouldn't get them in the UK (unless you feel it's also a good thief deterrant).

Not sure what other options there are worth discussing, but if you have any other in mind let me know, I've tested most of them.