2015 vs 2015.5, mainly Sensus Connect and the frameless rearview mirror, which is very nice looking. A FWD Drive-E option is also available. I had not heard that the XC70 production was ending but if its replacement arrives next year in the form of a V90 (S90 wagon), then the factory would already be in the process of retooling for the new vehicle. However, no details on the S90 sedan have been released.

From Volvo's 2015.5 Volvo XC70 press literature, What's new for 2015.5:

XC70 T5 Drive-E

• New 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 240 hp and 258 lb.-ft. torque
• New 8-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission
• Start/Stop technology
• New ECO+ with modified Start/Stop technology, ECO-coast and ECO-climate
• Standard power passenger seat

Additional Changes for 2015.5:

• New standard features: Sensus Connect with 6-month complimentary subscription, Volvo On-Call with 6-month complimentary subscription, power lumbar support, 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with décor inlay, shimmer graphite aluminum inlays
• Premier trim level adds Sensus Navigation with Mapcare, dark walnut inlays
• Premier Plus trim level discontinued
• Platinum trim level adds Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System, active dual xenon headlights, Proximity Package, Convenience Package, Technology Package
• New Proximity Package (included in Platinum Trim) includes Keyless Drive, rear park assist camera, power tailgate
• New Convenience Package (included in Platinum trim) includes quick-fold front passenger seat, HomeLink, digital compass, cargo cover, grocery bag holder, 12V power outlet in cargo area, power folding rear head restraints, private locking
• New stand-alone options: Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System (included in Platinum trim), Keyless Drive

XC70 3.2 AWD

• Standard All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction™
• Standard power passenger seat

Additional Changes for 2015.5:

• New standard features: Sensus Connect with 6-month complimentary subscription, Volvo On-Call with 6-month complimentary subscription, power lumbar support, 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with décor inlay, shimmer graphite aluminum inlays
• Premier trim level adds Sensus Navigation with Mapcare, dark walnut inlays
• Premier Plus trim level discontinued
• Platinum trim level adds Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System, active dual xenon headlights, Proximity Package, Convenience Package, Technology Package
• New Proximity Package (included in Platinum Trim) includes Keyless Drive, rear park assist camera, power tailgate
• New Convenience Package (included in Platinum trim) includes quick-fold front passenger seat, HomeLink, digital compass, cargo cover, grocery bag holder, 12V power outlet in cargo area, power folding rear head restraints, private locking
• New stand-alone options: Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System (included in Platinum trim), Keyless Drive

XC70 T6 AWD

• Standard power passenger seat

Additional Changes for 2015.5:

• New standard features: Sensus Connect with 6-month complimentary subscription, Volvo On-Call with 6-month complimentary subscription, power lumbar support, Sensus Navigation with Mapcare, dark walnut inlays
• Premier Plus trim level discontinued
• Platinum trim level adds Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System, active dual xenon headlights, Proximity Package, Convenience Package, Technology Package
• New Proximity Package (included in Platinum Trim) includes rear park assist camera, power tailgate
• New Convenience Package (included in Platinum trim) includes quick-fold front passenger seat, HomeLink, digital compass, cargo cover, grocery bag holder, 12V power outlet in cargo area, power folding rear head restraints, private locking
• New stand-alone option: Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System (included in Platinum trim)

Climate Package
Heated front seats
Heated rear seats
Heated windshield
Heated steering wheel
Heated windshield washer nozzles
Interior Air Quality System (IAQS)

Technology Package (included in Platinum trim)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist
Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake (CWAB)
Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with Full Auto Brake Distance
Alert (DA)
Driver Alert Control (DAC)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Road Sign Information (RSI)
Active High Beam

Proximity Package (included in Platinum trim)
Keyless Drive (standard on T6)
Rear park assist camera
Power tailgate

Convenience Package (included in Platinum trim)
Quick-fold front passenger seat
HomeLink
Digital compass
Cargo cover
Grocery bag holder
12V power outlet in cargo area
Power folding rear head restraints
Private locking

Stand Alone Options
Metallic paint
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with power retractable outside mirrors
18-inch Zephyrus alloy wheels (T5, 3.2)
Dual outboard two-stage child booster seats and power child rear door locks
Active dual xenon headlights with washers
Heated front seats
Front and rear park assist
Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System
Keyless Drive (T5, 3.2)

 

I think it will be around for a couple of more years.
The V70 is supposed to be the LAST model to be replaced, 2018 or 2019

 

Is there going to be a V90 to go with the SPA S90/XC90? Or do wagon lovers need to put up with the small size of the V60?

 

I have to say the frameless rear view mirror, which may look nice, has a chrome finish edge that produces crazy sun glare...

 

Chris - thank you very much for the detailed info on MY'15 vs 15.5. Appreciate it.

Did some more digging. Over on the OSD forum it seems to be an accepted fact that no XC70 in 2016. Includes a couple posts from Bob Kennedy, OSD guy from University in Charlotte.

Ready to replace my '03 XC70 which I love. Not sure I want the last model year though. Guess I'll have to check out the XC60 (again) and see if I can work up some enthusiasm. Have been driving Volvo for 20 years but looks like this is the year I need to seriously look at others. Will check out the Audi All Road and Q5 today. Any other suggestions? Thought about RR Evoque but don't need 4WD. Not loving BMW, can't see myself with a GLK.

Thanks a lot

 

Chris - thank you very much for the detailed info on MY'15 vs 15.5. Appreciate it.

Did some more digging. Over on the OSD forum it seems to be an accepted fact that no XC70 in 2016. Includes a couple posts from Bob Kennedy, OSD guy from University in Charlotte.

Ready to replace my '03 XC70 which I love. Not sure I want the last model year though. Guess I'll have to check out the XC60 (again) and see if I can work up some enthusiasm. Have been driving Volvo for 20 years but looks like this is the year I need to seriously look at others. Will check out the Audi All Road and Q5 today. Any other suggestions? Thought about RR Evoque but don't need 4WD. Not loving BMW, can't see myself with a GLK.

Thanks a lot

Allroad/a4 on last 9-18 months too
Q5 is 18-24 from a redesign

The 2008 Great Recession put a huge damper on car product cycles. Many car models re in need of refresh

 

Sorry double post

 

To follow up, was at dealer today. While nothing has been announced, indications are that this will be the last model year of the XC70. Also heard that may be fairly significant delay of the XC90 because of problems with electronics (think it's infotainment system supplier issue). Between no XC70 and possibly no XC90 for a time, what will the dealers have to sell this summer?

 

I would not be surprised if Volvo is just waiting to decide whether they keep making 2015.5 XC70 models all the way to the end of calendar 2015 or if they need to go into 2016, in which case there would probably be few if any changes for MY2016.

 

XC60 T6 will be on the short list when we replace our CX 9 in a few years.

 

This is the car we need, I figuratively kill for one of these, especially with a Diesel engine!
http://www.audi.de/de/brand/de/neuwagen/a6/a6-allroad-quattro.html
-Dick

Update from Audi USA:

Currently, the Allroad is not available in a TDI version. We are not aware of any current plans to make the vehicle available, but that can change depending upon market drive and demand. Our TDI vehicles have become very popular in the US market, so the Audi Allroad may be available in a diesel version in the future. The Audi A6 is currently available in a TDI version. I invite you to sign up for updates on Audi vehicles by visiting www.audiusa.com/subscription.

And from VW:
I am glad of your interest in the 2015 Golf SportWagen TDI! It's a great family car with increased cargo volume and the awesome fuel efficiency of a diesel!

However, I regret to inform you that we currently don't have plans to offer 4Motion (AWD) in the U.S. market for that model, but I appreciate your reaching out to us.

So that narrows the field to a MB SUV or BMW 3 series wagon if you want a diesel.

 

For model year 2016, the XC70 will soldier on for one more year as T5 Drive-E FWD, T5 AWD (5-cylinder), and T6 AWD.

T

 

Ooooh, they're making another unicorn like they did with the XC60 by finally offering the 5-cylinder T5!

Any chance they're adding the paddle shifters found in the 2014+ S60/V60/XC60?

 

OK well this is promising...
http://accessories.volvocars.com/en...ocars.com/en-us/XC70(08-)/Accessories/Document/VCC-473477/2015/T6 AWD/Automatic
That implies that the paddle shift kit could be bought for any P3 XC70...

Similar for the TFT display, implication is it should work on all the P3s...
http://accessories.volvocars.com/en...ocars.com/en-us/XC70(08-)/Accessories/Document/VCC-473223/2015/T6 AWD/Automatic

 

That is how I feel about the aluminum trim on the side dash vents on my '13 XC70. They reflect in the side windows. I sometimes wonder if the designers ever drive the car!

 

Totally agree.

The other bits of metal trim also reflect light that always manages to blind me when driving. Oh not to mention that at night the dash reflects on the windshield!

 

Just got the news that 2016 is the last model...thats it...the wagon is dead!

 

I figure that means the V90 CC should be launched along with the S90 and V90 models.

 

It will be... Top secret but for sure! Wont have the cash for it

[emoji1179] XC70 2011 D5 [emoji1179]

 

I too was waiting and researching on the forthcoming models, but decided to do a deal on a new 2015.5 XC70 T6 today.
Was also coin-tossing to get a new loaded up XC90 loaded up ( fabulous IMO ) , but choose to go with the XC70.
Mine -> Twilight Bronze, Hazel brown, Climate, BLIS, Dual-Xenon, Front & Rear Park Assist.

IMO the XC70 occupies a unique space -> it is powerful, luxurious, well-equipped, and spacious.
To me, it has no competitor -> the BMW 5-series or Mercedes E-class wagons are significantly more money.
And Audi A4 All-Road and BMW 3-series wagons are "too small".

I intend the get the Polestar tune and IPD rear-sway bar.
FYI: previous Volvos of mine were a 2006 S60R and a 2009 V70 wagon.
Ditched the V70 when a superb E39 M5 fell into my lap, and after that a 335i sedan for a couple years.
... now back in the Volvo family

~ Andy

 

Good move IMO, I would always buy the last year for a model verses the first year for a model...........It's worked out well for me
for me.:thumbup:
Motoretro

 

Please send us 10 pics! Sounds great...

[emoji1179] XC70 2011 D5 [emoji1179]

 

I'm looking forward to just seeing the V90 make the US shores, I won't believe it's 100% true till they announce it's coming and a model year. The sticker price will make this a CPO purchase for me no matter what.

 

Was at the dealer/stealer today; V90(CC) 03/2017 in EU

Meaning prices 2015.5 going down day by day...

[emoji1179] XC70 2011 D5 [emoji1179]

 

[emoji1179] XC70 2011 D5 [emoji1179]

 

Not bad....

And it looks big. I have had a V60 Cross Country for the last week as a loaner. It is WAY smaller inside than I even thought. I would want something this size if I was to get another Volvo wagon later on.

 

Any mockups of the straight V90 with no lift? Not blown away but I like it...

 

interestingly enough, some Chinese model company released a 1:43 scale version of the V90 wagon. It's just a model (Monty Python fans may notice the reference), but here it is:

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/2017-volvo-v90-leak-scale-model-specs-rumors/#/2

 

Annnnnnnd you have my next ride. Thanks for the link! Now to see if they REALLY bring it to the USDM.

 

I thought the same thing. I WILL buy one of these eventually IF they bring it to the states. I think they will.

 

I agree, I do not like the reflection of the aluminum trim. I sometimes think the designers never actually drive these vehicles!

 

I agree, I do not like the reflection of the aluminum trim. I sometimes think the designers never actually drive these vehicles!

 

Kirk, I can comment on both the Polestar and the rear sway on the XC70. They are both fantastic.

The Polestar optimization really wakes the car up, and I think the real world numbers (0-60, hp, torque, etc.) may be better than they actually appear on paper. Well worth it!

The rear sway bar flattens out the car very nicely but in no way affects the ride quality, at least not in any way I've noticed. The rear of the car feels more "connected" to the chassis, and makes the car feel more stable on quick transition moves, evasive maneuvers, and those twisty back roads. There is nothing negative about that modification, except for the apparent delay in IPD getting them back in stock

 

Kirk, I can comment on both the Polestar and the rear sway on the XC70. They are both fantastic.

The Polestar optimization really wakes the car up, and I think the real world numbers (0-60, hp, torque, etc.) may be better than they actually appear on paper. Well worth it!

The rear sway bar flattens out the car very nicely but in no way affects the ride quality, at least not in any way I've noticed. The rear of the car feels more "connected" to the chassis, and makes the car feel more stable on quick transition moves, evasive maneuvers, and those twisty back roads. There is nothing negative about that modification, except for the apparent delay in IPD getting them back in stock

What does the polestar modification due to fuel consumption (assuming you don't start having more fun with the throttle than you did pre-polestar)? Also, did you find that you needed to start burning 91 octane?