2022 XC90 T8, where did the wheels go?

Wheels produce a fair amount of drag. My guess (and it's just that, a guess) is that the 22" inch wheels had far too much opening for air movement, and so drag. That doesn't go along with Volvos push to be greener. It could also be they had such a low take rate that they simplified the build sheet. Or it could be a supply issue. I am pretty sure the 22"s are port installed, so perhaps they just didn't order more. Or it could be as simple as Volvos website is often full of inconsistency and errors. I just got a memo today on some week 48 changes and didn't see that listed, but that would be for US market. But I also haven't looked close as the order guide for the new recharges the US is getting for the halfway point. I suppose at then end of the day, if it's true, then there is nothing you can do about it, and if it's not true, then you're all set.

Thanks for the response. Efficiency was my first thought, where I am left confused is when you look at the wheel parts sheet it says it doesn't fit xc90s after 46 weeks? I'm left wondering what change could this be?


Fyi this order is infact for US market on the increased battery 🔋 XC90

DFrantz said:

Wheels produce a fair amount of drag. My guess (and it's just that, a guess) is that the 22" inch wheels had far too much opening for air movement, and so drag. That doesn't go along with Volvos push to be greener. It could also be they had such a low take rate that they simplified the build sheet. Or it could be a supply issue. I am pretty sure the 22"s are port installed, so perhaps they just didn't order more. Or it could be as simple as Volvos website is often full of inconsistency and errors. I just got a memo today on some week 48 changes and didn't see that listed, but that would be for US market. But I also haven't looked close as the order guide for the new recharges the US is getting for the halfway point. I suppose at then end of the day, if it's true, then there is nothing you can do about it, and if it's not true, then you're all set.

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Anything notable changing besides ERAD & battery?

Interesting, the "does not fit" is interesting. It may be that they simply don't have the software set up to plug the numbers in for those wheels. So much is inter connected on modern vehicles. I know when we swap wheels for folks between seasons that the techs have to reprogram and align things. With it being an all new engine management system with the safety stuff, and a limited market, they might not have a 22" section of code to make it all work? Again, just a guess.

There is a suspiciously vague "change to XC90 headrest".... literally no other details. Maybe they finally figured out a way to make the height adjustable =-D The other changes were minor for other models.

rfkuehn said:

Anything notable changing besides ERAD & battery?

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I have asked this, but can't get anything definitely about other changes.

Curious, you mentioned the larger battery. I don’t see anything when I look at the Volvo.com website. What can you tell me about the miles of electric only with this new battery. How large is it?
thanks

Drmanny said:

Curious, you mentioned the larger battery. I don’t see anything when I look at the Volvo.com website. What can you tell me about the miles of electric only with this new battery. How large is it?
thanks

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They haven't given us much yet. it goes from 11 to 18kw... and based on the EU specs it should have 33-40 pure electric range, enough to make it actually useful, and it will qualify for the current $7500 tax credit max if that stays around. Not sure on price increase, but I'd bet the $2k spread to match the tax credit... but totally worth it... also, it has about 50 more hp on the electric motor so you can stay in pure mode during a harder acceleration... and if you do the math... its more like 450 combined hp then.

20" wheel is better ride. 22" has more disadvantage than benefit.

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FusionRedXC60 said:

20" wheel is better ride. 22" has more disadvantage than benefit.

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Thanks for the response. Seems pretty subjective, as a designer, aesthetic takes a vain priority over function for me. Would love for you to elaborate.

Cheers 🥂

tabblet said:

Thanks for the response. Seems pretty subjective, as a designer, aesthetic takes a vain priority over function for me. Would love for you to elaborate.

Cheers

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22" let you feel every bumps on road more clearly. Tire is thinner and easier to get damaged by pot holes and more expensive to buy replacement. Wheel is easier to get damaged by pot holes too.

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FusionRedXC60 said:

22" let you feel every bumps on road more clearly. Tire is thinner and easier to get damaged by pot holes and more expensive to buy replacement. Wheel is easier to get damaged by pot holes too.

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Valid point. I'd be in Colorado in the US where we
have very hot dry summers and snowy winters. My original plan was to buy a winter set of 20" wheels to compliment the 22". Is it your perspective that 22" are not wise even for someone considering two sets?

I've attached the 22" wheel in question.

There is a growing trend towards ridiculously large wheels and low profile tires. In most cases this is for aesthetics and offers little or often reduced performance benefit. As consumers we are trained to think that the larger wheels must be inherently "better". Personally, I'd go with the smaller wheels and higher profile tires for the reasons mentioned previously. Even 20" wheels with low profile tires is bordering on ridiculous for an SUV, IMO.

There is a difference in ride but it is subjective whether or not you care. It's not something I care about, and honestly I don't really think about the difference and would be simply guessing if I drove two cars to tell you which was which. Others swear by the difference mattering a great deal. 20"s have more rubber between the metal and the road. 22's are for aestetics and reduced sidewall deflection during racing (not what most Volvo owners do with the XC90s).

It's perfectly sensible to have two sets of wheels. I'm getting a bigger fuller set for my S60 in the spring and running summer tires on that and keeping the OEM for winter, and will switch to snow tires once my current all seasons wear out. It would be a great idea to buy Volvos tire and wheel protection because those 22" are expensive to fix, and can be more prone to snakebite pinching of tires.

Rule of thumb is that the bigger the wheel, the lower sidewall of the tire, the better handling. With this comes a harsher ride and less “give” when the tire hits an obstacle so its easier to damage the rim. Old school, non luxury suvs mostly had smaller wheels, larger sidewalls so they were better for using on a dirt road for example. Most suvs like Volvos tend to stay on pavement so as long as the roads are good where you tend to drive, super low profile tires would not be as problematic. If you drive on rough pavement regularly, you will be glad you got 20 inch wheels.

tabblet said:

Valid point. I'd be in Colorado in the US where we
have very hot dry summers and snowy winters. My original plan was to buy a winter set of 20" wheels to compliment the 22". Is it your perspective that 22" are not wise even for someone considering two sets?

I've attached the 22" wheel in question.

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Condition of the roads you drive is probably the biggest factor. If your drives are on smooth fully paved interstates and secondaries then those 22" wheels should be just fine. If you have potholes, buckling asphalt and dirt roads to contend with then the skinny inflexible sidewalls will make for a hard ride. Big changes in temperature and road salt in my experience driving middle-atlantic states can result in some rough riding roads.

@Tech when you guys swap wheels for folks seasonally aren't there predefined wheel and tire sizes that can be programmed while others don't have support for?

If so, that would make it not a physical challenge, but software one. It may be that the XC90 is getting it's new platform soon enough, and few buyers get the 22s that Volvo just didn't get the computers to work with them.

Yeah, there is software for certain sizes due to the electronic power steering.