Considering my first Volvo - V90 (2017)
Discussion
I’ve had use of a V90 D4 R Design through work a few times. I really like them - very practical, handles corners way better than reviews suggest and is an excellent cruiser with a very good sound system. I’ve also driven an Inscription, these can have lighter interiors with wood effect which you might or might not prefer. A negative is the auto gearboxes are a bit slow, but it’s not a massive issue as it’s not a car that people buy to thrash around B roads. They seem to be holding their values better than S90s
Just got a T4 R design
I would say the only thing that really lets it down is the gearbox, pretty sluggish so difficult to exploit gaps in traffic etc. It is very comfortable on motorways and cruising long distancing is where it excels. It is super quiet and with adaptive cruise/pilot assist so it pretty much drives itself. I have not driven the diesel version but I would say they will be much better suited to the car than petrol variants due to torque/weight.
In terms of trim levels, R design has more heavily bolstered seats so feels a little bit sportier, the seats are also part suede which look good but probably more difficult to keep clean. I really didn't like the wood effect in the Inscription, but each to their own. It might be worth sitting in both to compare the seats however on the whole a great car I think.
I would say the only thing that really lets it down is the gearbox, pretty sluggish so difficult to exploit gaps in traffic etc. It is very comfortable on motorways and cruising long distancing is where it excels. It is super quiet and with adaptive cruise/pilot assist so it pretty much drives itself. I have not driven the diesel version but I would say they will be much better suited to the car than petrol variants due to torque/weight.
In terms of trim levels, R design has more heavily bolstered seats so feels a little bit sportier, the seats are also part suede which look good but probably more difficult to keep clean. I really didn't like the wood effect in the Inscription, but each to their own. It might be worth sitting in both to compare the seats however on the whole a great car I think.
I have recently brought a 2017 D4 Momentum spec car privately. It has the optional winter pack (heated steering wheel and front screen) and the panoramic sunroof with 360 degree camera. I highly recommend the sunroof its fantastic. I had previously leased an Skoda Superb so I was looking at these as well but once I stepped in the Volvo it was a done deal, V90 being a big upgrade inside. The car feels solid as a rock a proper tank very well screwed together and so comfortable today I drove pretty much for approx 6 hours no issues and the Autopilot is a revolution. The D4 isn't the quickest off the mark but once going its fine. Reliability wise I can't comment but the previous owner had only one minor issue (leaking screen wash, easy fix). I know servicing is relatively expensive at Volvo and also arts are not the cheapest but most dealers are the same nowadays. Overall I am delighted with mine and I really enjoy driving it. The previous owner brought a new V90 but inscription model which gives you some extra toys. Check the road tax as mine is £30 but I think newer models are around the £150 for the D4.
Edited by Richard-51tz1 on Monday 26th April 21:51
We have a 2018 V90 D5 R Design as a lease, 3 years and 25k miles in.
Test drove a D4 plus the T4 and the more powerful engine plus AWD makes a real difference in the D5, it's not a fast car but can be pleasantly swift when needed, even fully loaded.
Pros:
Seats, superb, even in the back
Interior
Driving aids - adaptive cruise, won't have a car without it again
Covers long distances effortlessly
Refinement
Headlamps, yes, we do a lot of fast rural road driving, they're excellent
Traction, seemingly grips and goes, no matter the conditions
Winter pack, heated steering wheel is great when it's sub zero
Cons:
R design sports suspension, doesn't suit the car that well, can be a bit crashy
Handling is composed on Mway etc but isn't that great on smaller roads (not what the car is about though)
Gearbox, can be slow and dim witted
Stereo, not as good as V70's of old (still quite decent though), B&W is a rare and expensive option
Economy, needs a long drive to get over 40mpg.
Black headlining and interior (R Design) is a bit opressive for me, pano roof makes a big difference
Would I have another, yes and I'm currently looking for one. Ideal is a D5 or T6/8 with a non black interior and pano roof. Probably inscription spec.
Edit to add: Aparently the D5 can be mapped from 235bhp to nearly 300 and getting on for 600nm. If I owned ours, i'd be very tempted. Even for a large barge, that's a healthy amount of shove
Test drove a D4 plus the T4 and the more powerful engine plus AWD makes a real difference in the D5, it's not a fast car but can be pleasantly swift when needed, even fully loaded.
Pros:
Seats, superb, even in the back
Interior
Driving aids - adaptive cruise, won't have a car without it again
Covers long distances effortlessly
Refinement
Headlamps, yes, we do a lot of fast rural road driving, they're excellent
Traction, seemingly grips and goes, no matter the conditions
Winter pack, heated steering wheel is great when it's sub zero
Cons:
R design sports suspension, doesn't suit the car that well, can be a bit crashy
Handling is composed on Mway etc but isn't that great on smaller roads (not what the car is about though)
Gearbox, can be slow and dim witted
Stereo, not as good as V70's of old (still quite decent though), B&W is a rare and expensive option
Economy, needs a long drive to get over 40mpg.
Black headlining and interior (R Design) is a bit opressive for me, pano roof makes a big difference
Would I have another, yes and I'm currently looking for one. Ideal is a D5 or T6/8 with a non black interior and pano roof. Probably inscription spec.
Edit to add: Aparently the D5 can be mapped from 235bhp to nearly 300 and getting on for 600nm. If I owned ours, i'd be very tempted. Even for a large barge, that's a healthy amount of shove
Edited by RDBx on Monday 26th April 22:37
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