AutoStar on XC70

lgksd · May 30, 2016

Just picked up a '16 XC70 in the Deep Java brown exterior with Hazel interior.
Impressions after 1,000 miles:

1) This wagon is just on the brink of "wanting to be" an SUV, but at a minimum, a husky utlitarian car
2) Engine in non ECO mode is a bit better than I expected in acceleration and torque but if the Polestar upgrade wasn't as pricey, would have it done.
3) That AutoStart function is a deep flaw IMHO. If you are on a hill stopped for a light or stop sign, I have actually had it roll back before engaging. And if you are trying to park it say in the garage slowing and turning to get in, it shuts down then launches as you step back on the pedal. Bad deal. Terrible "option". Asked the dealer if it can be reversed, i.e., the default upon start-up being off. NO was the response and also added the techs going to training for it hated the function.
4) No surprise after reading road test reviews before buying it but "crisp" (suspension) is not an adjective to describe the performance. I see that some are putting the IPD bar(s) in. Sounds like that may be a plan...
5) Luxury-wise..beautiful. Options...really nice. Super smooth at highway cruising speeds. And really, this is a cruiser. Storage for simple things like glasses or phone...C-. MPG..from new till now combined city/highway about 23.4.

holygoat · May 30, 2016

Sounds like you'll want the sunglasses holder that replaces the driver's ceiling handle. I recommend a ProClip mount for your phone.

lgksd · May 30, 2016

holygoat said:
Sounds like you'll want the sunglasses holder that replaces the driver's ceiling handle. I recommend a ProClip mount for your phone.

Yeah I got one of those for the phone. Window tint is next, then the sway bar if IPD makes it for the 2016.

VentoGT · May 31, 2016

The Auto start-stop is a stupid feature in any car [wife's GLK350 has it] and it's really just a cheap, annoying and intrusive way for the manufacturers to advertise better CAFE mileage. It's one of the startup jobs now when getting in her car. Turn key, seatbelt on, ECO button pushed off.

lgksd · May 31, 2016

VentoGT said:
The Auto start-stop is a stupid feature in any car [wife's GLK350 has it] and it's really just a cheap, annoying and intrusive way for the manufacturers to advertise better CAFE mileage. It's one of the startup jobs now when getting in her car. Turn key, seatbelt on, ECO button pushed off.

Agree. You mean the AutoStart goes off, not the ECO. I have no problem with the ECO when cruising highway, etc. It's just another version of overdrive. And that function probably does boost mpg given the lower rpms. But AS only comes on when you are still (or close to it!) so how that increases mpg I don't know...you aren't moving. In a delayed traffic jam, sure, can be useful. But you also notice that after some period of time it automatically starts up again. At least mine does...
(battery saver?).
Anyway, I think we all strongly agree it should have been "wired" the opposite: if you want it turn it on otherwise the default should be off.

VentoGT · May 31, 2016

I haven't read the difference in the Merc it seems to be the same button, and the GLK has a 7 speed so I've seen no difference in around town driving with ECO on or off, just that pushing the ECO button off disables auto stop/start.

gorj · Jun 1, 2016

I find the pouch in front of the seat handy for sunglasses.

gorj · Jun 1, 2016

Use the Bluetooth for the phone and you can leave in your pocket!

T5 for Life · Jun 1, 2016

Disable the autostart feature if you can. I hate that option on any car, and find it to be a nuisance at all times. What does it save, 1 mpg maybe at the cost of (my opinion) increased wear on the engine and electrical system. This is not an "eco" car, by any means, particularly with the T6. Slap a Polestar tune on there and rage around the neighborhood, lol. It makes acceleration "exciting" vs. "better than expected".

For the handling, you MUST get the IPD sway bar. It transforms the car on the twisties. However, this is not a lightweight canyon blaster, so it will never feel "crisp" with the stock suspension, stock all-season tires, and it's pudgy curb weight. I have the IPD sway, dedicated summer (performance) tires, and lightweight BBS wheels, and it feels MUCH better than it did in stock trim.

more to the point...CONGRATS on the purchase!!!!!!!!! Pics please.

lgksd · Jun 2, 2016

T5 for Life said:
Disable the autostart feature if you can. I hate that option on any car, and find it to be a nuisance at all times. What does it save, 1 mpg maybe at the cost of (my opinion) increased wear on the engine and electrical system. This is not an "eco" car, by any means, particularly with the T6. Slap a Polestar tune on there and rage around the neighborhood, lol. It makes acceleration "exciting" vs. "better than expected".

For the handling, you MUST get the IPD sway bar. It transforms the car on the twisties. However, this is not a lightweight canyon blaster, so it will never feel "crisp" with the stock suspension, stock all-season tires, and it's pudgy curb weight. I have the IPD sway, dedicated summer (performance) tires, and lightweight BBS wheels, and it feels MUCH better than it did in stock trim.

more to the point...CONGRATS on the purchase!!!!!!!!! Pics please.

Yeah thought about the Polestar tune...actually tried to negotiate that into the price but no-go. Pretty $$ for a s'ware mod, but maybe in the future.
So on the bar, IPD was not sure they have one for the 2016. Not sure there is any chassis or suspension diff from 2015 to 2016. Emailed their product research guy but no response yet.
As far as the AutoStart...another dealer (Carlsbad Volvo) said it cannot be disable. Not sure I believe it.
Thanks and pictures to follow. Been busy out of town on biz....

T5 for Life · Jun 2, 2016

Every car I've rented for work with autostart (some chevy's and a hateful Renault in France) could have that disabled. There has to be something in the menus of the car.

I don't see how there could be any difference in suspension between the 2015 and 2016, so I think you'd be safe getting the bar. It's an amazing improvement.

lgksd · Jun 2, 2016

gorj said:
Use the Bluetooth for the phone and you can leave in your pocket!

Yup actually have one of those vent clips that my Android clips into. Then I can read my texts while driving. Kiiiiiiiiding...

lgksd · Jun 2, 2016

T5 for Life said:
Every car I've rented for work with autostart (some chevy's and a hateful Renault in France) could have that disabled. There has to be something in the menus of the car.

I don't see how there could be any difference in suspension between the 2015 and 2016, so I think you'd be safe getting the bar. It's an amazing improvement.

\Yes disabled by pushing the button to off. I am referring to permanently disabling it. Or as mentioned being able to turn it on IF you wanted on.

T5 for Life · Jun 2, 2016

Wow...that's annoying. You have to do it every time you start the car? I'm curious...was this an option or do they put it on all of their cars now? It would makes sense if they forced it on you, as it would potentially increase the MPG in the Drive-E powertrain...assuming you have a Drive-E in that car.

lgksd · Jun 2, 2016

T5 for Life said:
Wow...that's annoying. You have to do it every time you start the car? I'm curious...was this an option or do they put it on all of their cars now? It would makes sense if they forced it on you, as it would potentially increase the MPG in the Drive-E powertrain...assuming you have a Drive-E in that car.

That's my point. It's one thing to have an option like that for special situations. It's another thing to have it the default.
So anyway a simple push of button turns it off. Ask me if I remember to do that 100% of the time....
I gotta believe it isn't the best thing for motor mounts as it "rumbles" to a restart.
Maybe Motor Trend will vote it "Most Annoying Option for 2016".
I don't know if all V cars have it. Guessing not.

T5 for Life · Jun 3, 2016

Still...it's a pretty sweet car, isn't it?

lgksd · Jun 3, 2016

T5 for Life said:
Still...it's a pretty sweet car, isn't it?

Not the best V I've owned (the S60R was) but seems to fit the bill for utility and comfort. I have the sports car for the canyons so this was not bought with that in mind but def will be doing the sway bar. Thanks

tbrown · Jun 4, 2016

lgksd said:
That's my point. It's one thing to have an option like that for special situations. It's another thing to have it the default.

My understanding was that it's the default, so t can get the MPG rating (for NHTSA). Which I agree is a load of bullocks as everybody always gets in and turns it off!

AutoStar on XC70

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holygoat

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VentoGT

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VentoGT

gorj

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T5 for Life

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T5 for Life

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T5 for Life

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