XC60 ride quality on 21’’ wheels

[Barry.h]

Hello everyone,

Thinking of purchasing a XC60 r design It doesn’t have air suspension and it’s on 21’’ wheels.
Just wondering what your opinions are of the ride quality on these size wheels.

Many thanks

[Polestar Pete]

Opinions will vary, but I've been pretty happy so far. Ride quality for me as been fine on motorways, around town, and decent A roads.

I've noticed more road noise although this might be reduced with different tires. Potholes and speed bumps are pretty harsh though. Obviously, they're kerb-magnets.

They do look really nice on the XC60 IMO.

[Cull06]

It’s a balance. I’ve been in the car you describe and it’s fine. Obvs not as soft as a non-rdesign and on 20s.

But unless you are absolute about soft ride above all else (then why are you buying an r design I would ask?) then it’s absolutely fine

[kb007]

I have this car and its definitely hard ride. But its better than too soft. The seats are amazing comfortable.

It looks the fabulous especially the R-design

[Bluebotle]

I have 21” wheels on my XC60 without air suspension and find it extremely comfortable and soft ride. I did however loan an V60 from Volvo dealership that had 19” wheels and that was very hard.

To me it seems the car is the difference and not necessarily the wheels.

Cheers

Lee

[Mm1988]

Originally Posted by Bluebotle

I have 21” wheels on my XC60 without air suspension and find it extremely comfortable and soft ride. I did however loan an V60 from Volvo dealership that had 19” wheels and that was very hard.

To me it seems the car is the difference and not necessarily the wheels.

Cheers

Lee

This is why I always say you have to test drive every car for a decent amount of time because I have a v60 with the r design m suspension on 19” wheels and I love the ride! I was surprised as many of the reviews said the standard suspension was best on the V60.

[weemark]

Originally Posted by Mm1988

This is why I always say you have to test drive every car for a decent amount of time

Agree entirely - also I find the tyre pressure are particularly critical - in service last week the dealership stuck between 38 & 42psi in the 4 21" tyres - no wonder the ride and road noise seemed like that on the Flintstones chariot with rock wheels. Pressures now lowered to something more sensible and the ride is way better (still however prefer the relative silence and comfort - but not the look - of the 18" winter wheels)

[VOLVOL0VER]

Originally Posted by weemark

Agree entirely - also I find the tyre pressure are particularly critical - in service last week the dealership stuck between 38 & 42psi in the 4 21" tyres - no wonder the ride and road noise seemed like that on the Flintstones chariot with rock wheels. Pressures now lowered to something more sensible and the ride is way better (still however prefer the relative silence and comfort - but not the look - of the 18" winter wheels)

yeah... 18" is too damn small... you get the comfort but the look... 🤮

[Zidane]

As I'm in market for a R-design with 21" wheels myself I had a very short drive in a friend's with same spec the other day.

It wasn't ideal to be fair but just about ok I think.

Certainly better refinement from the suspension than the diesel engine which I was very shocked about. Sounded terrible inside and out.

[VOLVOL0VER]

I have air suspension on mine. I had 19" wheels and changed to 20" some months ago. Just a matter of aesthetic. I was tired to look at 19". And most probably in a few years time, I'll change to 21". My XC60 has turned now 2 years and 6 months. Always improving I would say 😉

To be honest I can't really tell the difference between 19" and 20"s. I'll say that I felt potholes and surface on bad roads more isolated, with the 19"s mounted, due to the higher amount of rubber wall in the tyres, absorbing better the shock. 235/55 R19 and 255/45 R20. But even so I consider comfortable enough on the 20"s. Why? Because my ride is on air. I think the turning point is to have or not have air suspension. not the rims size.

So my advice to you is this one... if you're going for a car without air suspension, choose smaller wheels. If you're going to acquire one with air suspension, it doesn't really matter the size of the wheels, because the ride will be always comfortable. And yes, I also agree that tyre pressure has effects on the ride... 2,3 bar makes it smoother, 2,7 bar eco pressure makes it more harshed ... but then again... at the end of the day , it all comes down to the air suspension fitted or not. BAR pressure is only a small detail that adds a slight perception of the ride.

2,3 bar pressure with air suspension- COMFORTABLE +

2,7 bar eco pressure with air suspension- COMFORTABLE -