There’s a good thread on here about a new owner’s “initial thoughts of his new B5” which highlights some of the differences.

I’ve been comparing for the last couple of years as I knew my current CRV was being handed down to a teen driver.

I struggled with this a bit myself and ended up purchasing a new 2022XC60 B5 Inscription for overseas delivery.

I even considered a 2021 CPO to obtain the great warranty but with used car prices now I calculated the 21 to actually cost more than my discounted OSD order when you factored in depreciation and a number of other factors.

Buying from dealer inventory I would think you could certainly get a better deal on a 21 model but I see a number of advantages to the 22.

First, drive them both. I found the turbo lag on the T5 to be quite noticeable. Conversely, I found the mild hybrid setup on the B5 to be incredibly smooth and eliminated virtually all of the lag off the line. This alone virtually sealed the deal for me.

I personally think the switch to the Android Automotive UI was a benefit as well given the complaints with the old Sensus system. Like it or not this is the direction Volvo is going. I found the voice control to be an improvement over the old system. I liked having Google maps as the native default selection and liked the similarities to your typical mobile phone OS. There appears to be limited app availability on the Google Play store. More to come? Hopefully. Apple Carplay is delayed for 22 but appears to be available down the road as an update. Speaking of updates, that is another benefit. You no longer have to take the car to the dealer for the dreaded software update, it can be done over the air direct to your car. Another big benefit in my opinion.

Key frustrations appear to be addressed. I’m told that in addition to the 1 normal key, the orange care key can now be programmed with a normal driver profile as well as the restricted profile so you effectively have two normal keys again.

The sensor for the motion activated power tailgate has been moved to the center for better activation across the rear bumper. The power tailgate as well as the cargo cover are now added cost options.

The drive mode selector wheel on the center console has been eliminated and now you must select drive modes from the center touch screen.

Heated wipers have been replaced with headlight washers (again, this seems to me to go back and forth every couple of years).

On the exterior you have a couple of new color options, new wheel designs, and the exhaust pipes are completely hidden behind the bumper giving the rear a nice, streamlined appearance. I like it.

Have fun driving them and congratulations on whatever you decide.

 

something too to not about the new infotainment system is it should be supported longer as I assume updates to the older system will drop off rather quickly.

but the risk of it being android is google could abandon it at any moment

 

I think financially you are better off with the 2022 if the price difference is so much less.

I've had both a 2016 XC90 and now a 2019 XC60 ... both with T5 engine ... both have been flawless and never felt under-powered. I like the simplicity of the base engine if you are looking to keep it long term.
I never read issues with the base T5 engine but I am sure you can find plenty of threads about the T6 and T8.
We are a tall family and usually have a full car yet the T5 feels fine. If it can move an XC90 it feels that much better in the XC60.

Another concern for me with Volvo is this new Android system. While I have been a very loyal Android phone user for the last 8 years or so the last few years have left me very concerned about the privacy of them. Google, Android and Chrome have serious issues with it and I am afraid it's going to leak into these new car systems. Sensus is a fine system I feel and while it does lag a bit at start-up and the navigation is spotty ... those are the only two issues I really have with it.

I personally don't like where Volvo is heading in a lot of ways. They are fine cars and have been very reliable for me and for many years but the tech is becoming overwhelming and I would not feel comfortable owning one out of warranty long term.

 

I personally don't like where Volvo is heading in a lot of ways. They are fine cars and have been very reliable for me and for many years but the tech is becoming overwhelming and I would not feel comfortable owning one out of warranty long term.

Decades ago, "luxury cars" were made to a higher standard of precision, safety, reliability, and materials. Modern "luxury cars" are the ones with the most advanced technology. All the brands are trying to "out tech" each other and it will keep escalating. It can be overwhelming for people who didn't grow up with computers and cell phones, or people who's brains just aren't analytical. There are both engineers and artists in this world for a reason.

 

I second the motion of having you read the "initial thoughts of his new B5" thread.

The little ISG (integrated starter generator) is only new to USA market, it has been overseas for a model year or two. So, not truly "new" technology. This is very mild hybrid tech. Not a plug-in hybrid like the T8 model.

My wife just picked up a 2022 B6 Inscription a few weeks ago.

The new android system in the 2022 is your android device. You don't (currently) use android auto or apple car play to connect to it. You just use the android device in your dashboard to login to your google account/services. You can pair your phone for calls, streaming, but it is not android auto or apple car play. Of course, automotive regulations put some restrictions around how this tech is implemented for safety reasons, and Volvo skins the android interface to look and work like they want it to, so there are those things that keep it from being just like your phone. Also, some people just hate Google/Android having one more device to track your behavior! You do use Play Store to install more apps on the car, but these are very limited and seem to only be entertainment apps at this point. For example, Spotify, YouTubeMusic, and others are available, but Pandora is not available. I hear XM hardware is in the cars, but the software or app is not there yet. Waze app is not available to download.

I do really like the Android voice assistant. "Set cruise to 50mph", "Set drivers seat to max heating", "Call Linda at home", "Turn on rear defroster", "How much fuel is left?" All types of commands work. Keeps your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

 

I'd get the '22 in a heartbeat. The B5 has been out a few years in Europe so it's only brand new to us. No reliability trends at this point that I'm aware of. The EPA improvements are just that.. how it does on a test. I suspect real world will see greater enhancements. Frankly the paper improvements are pretty much matching to when just start/stop was part of Volvos test, and this system does much more than just stop the motor. Hybrid batteries have a longer warranty than the 4 year 50 and the difference in price you are correct in saying depreciation accounts for fully.

The saying has always been you can sell a young mans car to an old man but you can't sell an old mans car to a young man.. Volvo has greatly expanded market share by recognizing this. While I don't personally care about modern infotainment systems at all, it is what the majority of customers want. And frankly compared to other cars I see, I think the Volvo system is pretty easy to use and fairly intuitive. I like most of the new Google system and suspect it will age even better than Sensus has.

 

The saying has always been you can sell a young mans car to an old man but you can't sell an old mans car to a young man..

I like that saying ... certainly true!

 

Yeah, for $1,500 it's a no-brainer, just given depreciation and the new powertrain.

 

She got home. Sure enough, she said she thinks she logged out my profile, but couldn't figure out how to log hers in. Training will help when problems arise, but, when she got in the car this morning, the key should have loaded her profile. Right?? I'll look for a thread that already exists for that issue and see what the fix is.

 

Profiles are automatically activated only when her key unlocks the car. If it's already unlocked in her garage it won't switch.

 

Yup, I got that from reading some other threads. And, it seems her profile lost the fact that is was supposed to be paired to Key1. So, I corrected that and did some testing. Profiles seem to be working properly now when locking and unlocking the car. Seat moves to presetting as the door is opened. Climate control is set to last settings used by the profile.

The only issue is, neither profile seems to keep track of the phone that is paired for voice/streaming.

 

How much warranty is left for the 21 and how much would it cost to extend it and how long will extension last for the 21?

I'd compare that with getting the 22 standard as it is, and take it from there

Sent from my DUB-LX1 using Tapatalk

 

I have been doing it for quite a few years and previously had my BMWs integrated that way too and I have to also say that the BMW connected service, at this moment is drastically cheaper than Volvo-on-call in the US once the warranty expires. It is a sign of things to come with connected cars where Google likely would start charging you for increasingly basic services on your Volvo at some point for those who are considering the '22 or any car running Android. This screenshot is from an opensource platform called Home Assistant which is one of the platforms I contribute in developing in my spare time. It does quite a few thing... voice announce in the house when I need to refuel or recharge the battery, when I forget to lock a door or when a door or window has not been closed properly etc. I found the Volvo API to be quite good actually and responsive. The mobile app, not so much...

By the way, I also try to avoid using the Volvo new mobile app as it has switched its localization to Google Map and therefore is sending your phone and car location to them every time you use it. Unlike other services, Google does everything it can to connect it to your Google account and track you so it polls your browser cookies and emails on your phone etc for your Google account... very insidious so imagine putting this spyware on your car and having to log in to Google every time you drive... I am quite certain that I am only scratching the surface of what they are collecting here.

The one thing which has changed by going to Volvo is the loss of TPMS... I used to be able to read the actual tire pressure on my BMWs even without driving them so I could make my house warn me when the pressure of my tires would go outside a certain range. The i-TPMS is better than nothing but it is much closer to nothing than something...

 

By the way, I also try to avoid using the Volvo new mobile app as it has switched its localization to Google Map and therefore is sending your phone and car location to them every time you use it. Unlike other services, Google does everything it can to connect it to your Google account and track you so it polls your browser cookies and emails on your phone etc for your Google account... very insidious so imagine putting this spyware on your car and having to log in to Google every time you drive... I am quite certain that I am only scratching the surface of what they are collecting here.

As soon as I heard Volvo is going Android, that was it for me as well. We owned 3 Volvos in the last 10 years but this is the last new one.
Android is VERY intrusive and loves to track everything. On my phone I even get targeted ads based on random phone conversations and texts I had the day before ...
Yes you can turn some things off but then again you can't .... something in their architecture always "listens" for a lack of a better term.

I think this Android implementation was a cost cutting measure for faster development of an updated infotainment. Is any other car co. using or planning to use Android for this purpose?

 

Wow everyone, thanks for all the info!! Tracking and privacy does concern me, the amount of data that is collected on us as humans now is almost unfathomable to me - and I'm not easily bothered by much.
For now, its a risk i'm willing to take with volvo. We had a list, and the third (out of 4) dealers within a reasonable driving distance had EXACTLY what we were looking for, discounted it a greater % than the others, to the point where it was it was similar $$ to the '21 loaner we visited them for, AND were able to negotiate a very good trade. The dealer recommended by a friend with great online reviews... it all made sense so we put a deposit! Fresh off the truck had not even been prepped, so we will pickup Monday afternoon!

I'm not sure im supper in love with the '22 20" inscription wheels, for some reason I'm liking the 2021's better, but maybe they will grow on me. Easy to change out later if we want.

I really value all the input from everyone who took the time to comment on this thread. Some responses were detailed and took some time, cant thank you enough! Excited to join the club!!

 

Congratulations!

 

Chadwick02 - Can you share any specific info on your deal? I'd be interested in how much below MSRP or above invoice price you're paying (not including any applicable sales tax), and any incentives you qualified for that were included in that deal. I'm chasing a 22 Inscription as well, and just trying to understand what type of deals people are able to get at this time of high demand and low supply. Thank you!

 

Congrats on the new ride! ... Looks great.
On a side note, I just picked up a 22 XC90 loaner today ... did the 90 not get the Android update? this one does not have it.
Also the dashboard on the 90 needs a refresh at this point. It's been 6+ years now and its looking dated.
The 60 dash is still the best of the bunch IMO

 

Congrats on the new ride! ... Looks great.
On a side note, I just picked up a 22 XC90 loaner today ... did the 90 not get the Android update? this one does not have it.
Also the dashboard on the 90 needs a refresh at this point. It's been 6+ years now and its looking dated.
The 60 dash is still the best of the bunch IMO

Your loaner may have had the 8" dash? Weird, my 90 and 60 have identical dashboards.

 

When I mean dashboard I mean the entire design of the cockpit the width of the car not just the screen behind the steering wheel

 

I see, interestingly I still like the dashboard on the 90 better than the 60. The design offers cleaner lines making it a bit more timeless and stout... The vent grills in particular are look more upscale and mature than the XC60. Their designs are only two years apart.

PS: And yes, they have not flogged the 90 with the Android downgrade yet it appears.

 

The dashboards aren't all that different. The real issues to me are 1) the nicer material covering the glovebox, and the center armrest. Overall, I would say the XC90 has a slightly nicer interior but all the spa interiors are very similar .