Should we buy an XC 60? I sat in one of these and it was nice but have not driven one yet. we still have a 2006 V70 2.5T. But when it is time to replace it wondering about the XC 60? Any feedback appreciated.
David
David
Should we buy an XC 60?
zztips
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Our XC60 replaces a long series of Saabs, most recently a 2004 9-5 Aero wagon, a tough act to follow.
What we like about the XC60:
+Very comfortable seats
+Easy to drive
+Safe
+Great power, yet decent MPG
+Smooth, responsive, efficient engine
+Excellent highway car; we especially like the adaptive cruise control
+Enough room for 4 passengers in comfort
+Flexible cargo area
+Good looking for an SUV
+Quiet
+Good handling
+ Nice ride, except when overinflated to reset TPMS false alert.
+ Good towing capacity
+ Reliable so far
+Best for us vs. other candidates: Acura RDX, Acura TSX, Audi Q5, Audi AllRoad, Venza, BMW X3, Mazda CX5, Volvo XC70, Mercedes GLK350, and others.
What I don't like about the XC60 (see Swedespeed threads on most of them):
- Front seat edge pockets missing; get the sport seats or signature if you want them or use Catch Caddy as a workaround.
- TPMS does not display pressures in PSI, nor does it tell you which wheel is low, and gives false warnings which are hard to clear.
- Electronic dipstick display looks like a gauge, but is merely an indicator that oil is below min. Very misleading. NO REAL DIPSTICK.*
- Time change to EST not intuitive, took ~ 4 menu levels, should be automatic from GPS
- Home Link Buttons are mounted on the driver's visor, thus hidden when the visor is down
- Passenger armrest too narrow, nothing to grab*
- Driver's power seat buttons stick up too high, often inadvertently save settings in "3" when getting out.* *workarounds envisioned.
What we like about the XC60:
+Very comfortable seats
+Easy to drive
+Safe
+Great power, yet decent MPG
+Smooth, responsive, efficient engine
+Excellent highway car; we especially like the adaptive cruise control
+Enough room for 4 passengers in comfort
+Flexible cargo area
+Good looking for an SUV
+Quiet
+Good handling
+ Nice ride, except when overinflated to reset TPMS false alert.
+ Good towing capacity
+ Reliable so far
+Best for us vs. other candidates: Acura RDX, Acura TSX, Audi Q5, Audi AllRoad, Venza, BMW X3, Mazda CX5, Volvo XC70, Mercedes GLK350, and others.
What I don't like about the XC60 (see Swedespeed threads on most of them):
- Front seat edge pockets missing; get the sport seats or signature if you want them or use Catch Caddy as a workaround.
- TPMS does not display pressures in PSI, nor does it tell you which wheel is low, and gives false warnings which are hard to clear.
- Electronic dipstick display looks like a gauge, but is merely an indicator that oil is below min. Very misleading. NO REAL DIPSTICK.*
- Time change to EST not intuitive, took ~ 4 menu levels, should be automatic from GPS
- Home Link Buttons are mounted on the driver's visor, thus hidden when the visor is down
- Passenger armrest too narrow, nothing to grab*
- Driver's power seat buttons stick up too high, often inadvertently save settings in "3" when getting out.* *workarounds envisioned.
Had ours for a month. No regrets. It is great to drive which is what counts. Don't sweat the quirky details with infotainment, navigation, and strange mistakes like "automatic" rain sensing wipers that you actually have to turn on every time you start the vehicle. Minor quirks really. Since you already drive a Volvo it will probably be an even easier adjustment for you.
:thumbup:
Bought ours Oct 10. 2015.5 Legacy 5 cyl. What a great car! I live in the foothills of Colorado, with a lot of hard cornering on the mountain highways, and the CTC works great. I'll bet it'll out-corner 90% of low-profile sedans on the road today.
The good news is that, at least on 2015.5 models, there is a menu item for DST: the three choices are off, on, and auto. The bad news is that the auto setting doesn't work, as I learned last Sunday.
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it really depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a very very nice CUV, it's great. However, it's not as refined as the Q5, or X3. Then you look at the looks, it's definitely more dynamic looking than the Q5 or X3, but not as much as the GLK's front. It's definitely not as fun as the QX70 or X3.
If it's a strong all-rounder that you're looking for in the sub 60k range, then yes, it's great! Personally for me, I'm getting a bit annoyed with the throttle response, and it's just not as sporty as I would've liked. Granted, there is nothing at that price range that comes close to achieving all I want. The next closest to high power, good luxury, good looks is the Macan - which I'm thinking about switching to actually.
All in all, it is the best car in it's price segment, which is something you will have to decide if that's the most important to you.
I cannot praise the car enough for it's city-safe sensors (saved me a rear end twice); the haldex AWD is great (although you will get a few variations as some have different versions of the haldex), the space is great and you can still get rear seat warmers (which is a plus when the in-laws are in town) -
I have a 2013 XC60, so i don't have the most recent iteration of Sensus, but overall it's not terrible - and the upgraded sound system is passable.
The R-design seats are nice and thick, but aren't particularly great at keeping you in the seat (although I hear the new R-designs with the suede/nubek do a lot better) -
There is no heated steering wheel, but the car warms up terrifically quickly via remote start (or the app for new models)
The 20" Cratos + Pirelli Scorpion Zero's are the longest lasting set I have ever had (just changed them at 24500 miles) - and I drive hard, very hard
- Could this car have benefitted overall from a thicker sway bar in the back? yes
Now, the XC60 is slated for a new model in 2017/early 18 i think, and it's already almost 2015. If you are in the habit of getting new cars every 2 years, then it won't make much of a difference, otherwise, it won't feel so cool to buy one to see a new one in 16 months. (in my case I couldn't stand the new headlights, so I jumped the gun on the split eyes)
Other things to consider - updated Q5 will debut in 2015, Macan Diesel (if price is your thing), new GLK (soon to be called GLC?) coming out as well, updated X4 (possible X4M or X440M variants), - updated Tourag as well (which is a little bigger I know).
Otherwise, best bang for the buck
If it's a strong all-rounder that you're looking for in the sub 60k range, then yes, it's great! Personally for me, I'm getting a bit annoyed with the throttle response, and it's just not as sporty as I would've liked. Granted, there is nothing at that price range that comes close to achieving all I want. The next closest to high power, good luxury, good looks is the Macan - which I'm thinking about switching to actually.
All in all, it is the best car in it's price segment, which is something you will have to decide if that's the most important to you.
I cannot praise the car enough for it's city-safe sensors (saved me a rear end twice); the haldex AWD is great (although you will get a few variations as some have different versions of the haldex), the space is great and you can still get rear seat warmers (which is a plus when the in-laws are in town) -
I have a 2013 XC60, so i don't have the most recent iteration of Sensus, but overall it's not terrible - and the upgraded sound system is passable.
The R-design seats are nice and thick, but aren't particularly great at keeping you in the seat (although I hear the new R-designs with the suede/nubek do a lot better) -
There is no heated steering wheel, but the car warms up terrifically quickly via remote start (or the app for new models)
The 20" Cratos + Pirelli Scorpion Zero's are the longest lasting set I have ever had (just changed them at 24500 miles) - and I drive hard, very hard
- Could this car have benefitted overall from a thicker sway bar in the back? yes
Now, the XC60 is slated for a new model in 2017/early 18 i think, and it's already almost 2015. If you are in the habit of getting new cars every 2 years, then it won't make much of a difference, otherwise, it won't feel so cool to buy one to see a new one in 16 months. (in my case I couldn't stand the new headlights, so I jumped the gun on the split eyes)
Other things to consider - updated Q5 will debut in 2015, Macan Diesel (if price is your thing), new GLK (soon to be called GLC?) coming out as well, updated X4 (possible X4M or X440M variants), - updated Tourag as well (which is a little bigger I know).
Otherwise, best bang for the buck
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Nice review overall, but having owned a '09 Q5 prior to XC60 (MY 15.5), I would disagree that the Audi is more refined. More feedback from the road, yes (feel every imperfection). Just a little more composed in turns. But overall, I prefer XC60 ride over Q5. As far as build quality, again, I would give the nod to the Volvo so far - well-designed, very solid and quiet cabin, no rattles or creaks, even during hard turns. IMHO both X3 and GLK are pretty ugly looking, but that is very subjective.
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I honestly found the Q5 Premium cabin to be more "tight" - for example, the door handles inside the doors - why is the underside unfinished and sharp? versus smooth all the way around? Up till this day that bugs me to no end.
I think the Audi MMI does a significantly better Job than my version of Sensus.
However Volvo to Audi, the XC60 destroys the Q5 in the looks department in the front. The audi tail lights and volvo taillights are both pretty cool i think.
X3/X4 to XC60 - I find the BMW more simple, but again just feels nicer - also, having taken apart pieces of the console during Heico installation have skewed my perception of the build quality in the volvo.
I think the GLK makes a bold statement in the front, and looks like poopy in the back.
X40M was revealed and i have to say that looks VERY nice - though i am waiting to hear about the final performance numbers.
Then you have to compare other things, X4 comes with a HUD, S+S was ditched by Volvo and has to be purchased, vs BMW's included maintenance.
On the flip side, the XC60 is a Volvo, the BMW is just yet another German car - I really was a bit disappointed by the change to the face for the mid-cycle refresh - but I can't wait to see how they integrate thor's hamemr into XC60 lights.
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I owned two BMW 3-series in a row, before I switched over to S60, and I agree that BMW interiors in general are very well made, although they do develop rattles fairly quickly in my experience. However, practicality of X4/X6 is very questionable. Also, rear window visibility is seriously compromised. I am curious what part of Audi Infotainment interface you like so much? I found it very cumbersome and non-intuitive, compared to Volvo. This is just for general car controls, not for internet browsing or anything...
Well that's an improvement, even without auto setting.The good news is that, at least on 2015.5 models, there is a menu item for DST: the three choices are off, on, and auto. The bad news is that the auto setting doesn't work, as I learned last Sunday.
Make sure you test drive an XC70 as well as the XC60. The 60 will have a little less cargo space than your V70. The XC70 will have a little more, but also feel lower to the ground when driving like your V70 compared to the XC60.
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i felt that it was visually more enjoyable. Actually i also found the navigation portion better and easier to use. I find the Volvo navi very cumbersome
+1 I was looking for a wagon so I started with the XC-70 but there were no P* modded ones so I drove the XC-60 RD to sample it. Very nice overall but there was something about sitting lower to the ground and having that extra space that I really liked. Still thrilled every time I even look at my XC-70. This coming from a Subaru Legacy GT guy who wasn't even looking at Volvos till a friend mentioned the P* option. Wagon + P* =
artywave:I am really happy with our decision to buy an XC60. It really does look beautiful - very well proportioned; interior space is great, feels very safe; the technology safety features are impressive. One of the folks talked about the pick up. We got the T6 with Polestar (330 hp) and if you put this in Sports mode and floor it, the car's acceleration even scared the crap out of my friend, the owner of the dealership. Don't think he ever drove that particular set-up. I'm also pleased with the 20 inch Titania wheels which look incredible and the ride is tactile but not at all harsh. For the price, I don't think you can do better, and I've owned most competitors.
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No regrets buying the XC60. We had our 2015 T6 R-Design since mid-June, and we love it. I think Volvo has it covered with the various drivetrain offerings and trim levels. The seats are some of the best in the business too. This part may vary for each individual, but thus far I've found the pre-sales and after-sales service experience to be more pleasant.
Not sure when it became available, but there is now
+1
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We are very happy with ours also, two weeks in. Mileage started off pretty crappy (barely 17mpg combined, T6 AWD), but I am sure it will improve with time - we only have 500 miles on the clock so far
Other than that, very enjoyable car to drive.We ordered Platinum package on ours, primarily for the Xenons. I don't understand Volvo's reasoning for offering them only in the top-level package, starting with MY15.5. I would rather buy Xenons as a separate option with Premier trim + Convenience + Proximity, instead of paying $4,500 for the Platinum. Personally, we don't find much need for the Tech pack components that are included in Platinum trim - too intrusive for our tastes. I wish Volvo kept Tech pack outside of Platinum and reduce the cost of Plat by $1,500.
Also, I think $1,500 Proximity pack is overpriced for what it is (Rear Park Assist Camera, Power Tailgate + Keyless Drive), and shouldn't really be offered as a separate package. I wish they rolled the rear camera into the BLIS package, and the tailgate+keyless drive into Convenience pack - would make much more sense.
I had mine totaled a week and a half ago in front of my house after only 4 months of ownership, see my thread "the strength of my XC60 in a crash". I have already placed the order for its replacement, another XC60. I liked it so much I bought 2!!! What does that tell you? It ended up proving that it was a very safe car, drove very smoothly, had plenty of power and decent MPGs. I also think it's a great looking vehicle, and the seats were extremely comfortable. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
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