XC90 Side steps

[volvocamper]

As I wait for my XC90 i am thinking I like the look of the side steps on the car. I have read on there they are of limited use as steps and tbh, apart from reaching the middle of the roof during cleaning, they would be of little actual use but I do like the look. I have read of the accessibility issues with the steps fitted and the fact my trousers may clean the lights in the edge with regularity. There are look a like versions now but think if i bought them it would have to be genuine ones as I understand they come painted and if I bought non genuine and paint started flaking it would really bug me.
However, I will be tight for space getting into the garage and question is do the Volvo steps increase the overall width of the car?

[KNVXC90]

Hi Volvocamper, I have the running boards (sidesteps) installed on my XC90.

They are quite useful if you have very young or elderly passengers.

Once installed, you have to get into the habit of using them..ie..step on them whilst getting in and out. If you try to avoid the step, it may be uncomfortable.

They do not increase the width of the car. They are not as wide as the ones you see on other cars...they are just wide enough. The genuine Volvo ones are colour coordinated with the body colour, and have integrated LED lighting that comes on when the doors are open at dark.

[volvocamper]

Hi KNVXC90, thanks very much indeed for your info, very useful. In some ways i had hoped they would increase the overall width and I would not have been tempted to shell out the £1000 or so these will likely cost. No young children here but there are elderly parents so may help me to justify (maybe they would like to contribute )
I will continue to ponder but am tempted even if primarily for aesthetics.

[nu11eaf]

I wish they were a lot cheaper, I wont pay that price for them but they would help with the grand kids getting in, they get in and out ok but I have the blond interia and they stand on the white trim to get in and scuff it and get mud all over it. If I had side steps they could stand on them to get in.

[Quacker]

Originally Posted by nu11eaf

I wish they were a lot cheaper, I wont pay that price for them but they would help with the grand kids getting in, they get in and out ok but I have the blond interia and they stand on the white trim to get in and scuff it and get mud all over it. If I had side steps they could stand on them to get in.

I have and have had side steps on various vehicles and the only ones I found useful as steps were on Land Rover OneTen's with tall wheels.
My feeling is that on the XC90, which has a very wide sill so that the distance from the seat to the sill, horizontally, is far more than is usual, the step would increase this distance to stretch over even further. I doubt very much whether it would make things easier for elderly people to climb on board.

What I use for the elderly is a bathroom step. Its only about four inches high but it makes all the difference and can be placed on the ground where its most effective. Just chuck it behind the seat or in the boot when not needed. Only a few quid to buy here at Amazon.
Similar steps are available in black.

[volvocamper]

I am sure you are right re the extra stretch to get out and avoid the edge of the step, had them on a previous X-Trail and found same.
I do think they look good though although i notice the fitted cost on the new 2019 MY price list has gone up by £100! They were imho dear enough anyway.