new xc90 first impression

[Lexman8]

Originally Posted by Philip Fisher

I would say, however, that the tyre noise issue has been all over this and other forums for well over a year now. When I made my choice of car 11 months ago I specifically chose the Momentum to get the 19in tyres so that I could avoid the 20in tyres.

Having driven my car back to back on the same road against a D5 courtesy car on 20in wheels I can say with some certainty that the 19in are near silent and the 20in are intrusive.

I completely agree. I test drove 20" and 19" wheel variants (in that order) and found the 19" to be much better. Because of that I specifically went for the Momentum to get the 19" wheels.

I have a real downer on Contis because of the noise they make. Had them on my Merc and changed them to a much quieter tyre which made a noticeable difference. Why Volvo fit Contis as standard is beyond me; I can only assume they get them dirt cheap.

See this thread for some info re tyre noise: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=244080

[nu11eaf]

Originally Posted by Philip Fisher

It is always disappointing to buy something which does not live up to your expectations, so I do feel for you.

I would say, however, that the tyre noise issue has been all over this and other forums for well over a year now. When I made my choice of car 11 months ago I specifically chose the Momentum to get the 19in tyres so that I could avoid the 20in tyres.

Having driven my car back to back on the same road against a D5 courtesy car on 20in wheels I can say with some certainty that the 19in are near silent and the 20in are intrusive.

As for the satnav, what car did you come from? I have had many brands and I have never found a manufacturers' sat nav which is better than a £50 Tom Tom (Or Garmin) or even my Samsung smart phone running Google Maps.

I had the MK 1 XC90 and that satnav was such a pain to use it hardly ever got used (it was not a touch screen) I used my tomtom. But at least you could put a house number in a postcode on the old one.

[Lexman8]

Interesting comments re the satnav.

When I had the extended test drive, the car took me the most direct route to my home from the M1. Every other car I've owned or been in (Lexus, Honda, BMW, Merc) has plotted a bizarre route just to avoid one relatively minor road. I was pleasantly surprised that the Volvo took the route I would've used.

[Philip Fisher]

Just buy these:

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=249931

Flog your 20s for probably the same money and problem will be solved.

[AB-UK]

I have 19" wheels on my Exec, but 18" wheels for my winter tyres, and the 18" wheels have always provided a quieter and more comfortable ride.
When I bought my Exec I asked if I could have 18" wheels and I was told no.

They were happy to sell me 18" wheels and tyres as a winter package though, but I sourced my own and saved a few quid

It does make sense to use smaller wheels - the more rubber between the road and the metal work (the wheel and attached suspension etc.) the greater the cushioning effect so less noise transmitted, and a more comfortable ride.

[Deman77]

I complained a lot about mine both here and on swedespeed 20in momentum. I found mine were delivered overinflated and dealer overinflated after winter swap - jittery ride a crazy droning. It's not helped by resonance inside the car - I find a lot less road noise when sunroof is open. Get the pressure to correct level and whilst not silent it's a lot better - certainly improves the handling. Definitely a lot better in warm weather - at 25+ almost all noise is gone for me. I will be switching to eagle f1 first excuse I get.
As for luxury non luxury - punch Audi BMW more expensive models into google and road noise and you will always find issues on some wheel combos.
It is a very silly problem to have at this price point.

[familymangreg]

Completely agree, the road noise level isn't good for this class of vehicle.

We first test drove an Inscription on air suspension and 21's, the first thing I picked up on was the road noise, and the slightly course feel on rougher road surfaces. Approx 1 week later we test drove an R-Design, again on air, but this time on 20's, and that seemed so much better, so my decision was made, we went for 20's on air.

When we picked the new car up last week, there was a slight sinking feeling as we pulled away from the dealer, as within the first 100 yards I could notice the road noise.

We've only done approx 100 miles so far, but on a ride out on Sunday, on a 50+ mile of mixed roads, it didn't seem too bad, maybe I'm just getting used to it!

Our previous car was a 2008 X5 on 20's, 285 at the front (I think) and 315's on the back, road noise was no where near as noticeable!

We also test drove new X5's and I've ridden several times in a new 2015 X5 on 22's, and none of them have the road noise of the Volvo. And then there is the Q7 we test drove, proper luxury car quietness, light years ahead of the Volvo in this respect.

Don't get me wrong, my new Volvo is a seriously nice car, and I'm very happy with it, I just wish it didn't suffer this problem.

We have a run down the A1(M) east of Leeds on Friday evening, where there is a section of very noisy concrete road surface, not looking forwards to the experience!

:wq

[Lexman8]

Originally Posted by familymangreg

We have a run down the A1(M) east of Leeds on Friday evening, where there is a section of very noisy concrete road surface, not looking forwards to the experience!

I know that section of road well. Good luck with that!

[basoom]

What tyre pressure should the 20" be and what decrease pressure is suggested to have some decrease in road noise?
Thanks

[tem]

Originally Posted by basoom

What tyre pressure should the 20" be and what decrease pressure is suggested to have some decrease in road noise?
Thanks

There is a label attached to the drivers door pillar that gives the various pressures for different loads and Eco driving.

tem.