I drove both back to back and on the twisty roads near my house and didn't find much difference. If you put it on a track and drove both the the fullness of their ability, I'm sure there is a quantifiable difference. I drove both very aggressively through my favorite S curve and either would do unless you need to double the speed limit on back roads.

One benefit that the RD had was the paddle shifters which make spirited driving easier in my opinion. My bride does not like to use paddle shifters in any of our cars. We are replacing a VW GLI and have a couple of GTIs, so handling is very important, but when it came time to decide we went with the Momentum because it's her vehicle and the color combo she liked wasn't available on the RD and the handling difference in our real world did not warrant the RD. We realize it's still a tall SUV and handling is something you give up a bit with the design.

 

Hi all
Did any have the chance to compare the two?
If yes any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks
Chris

When equipped with similar wheels (typically, it will be hard to do so since Momentum and R-designs come with different size wheels), the R-design does provide a sportier ride due to the fact that its bushings and anti-roll bar are stiffer and thicker, respectively.

 

And do not forget the vaunted monotube shocks. Not that somebody who drives like me has a clue what difference they make. But it sounds cool to say you have them.

 

Thanks for the comments,
Do you think that there is a sacrifice of comfort in RD or the difference it's insignificant?

 

We noticed a slight difference in comfort when comparing the two but didn't find the RD to be uncomfortable.

 

With bigger wheels usually on R-Design, the riding difference would be more obvious then?

 

We have same dilemma as OP. Want to order R Design in BB but can't find any nearby to drive. We do not want rough, hard or jarring ride with RD. But if differences are just "sportiness" and or "tightness" that might be okay. Would configure with smallest RD wheels available. If we do drive one and it’s too harsh we'll go the inscription route. Looks like we will be heading out in the am for a 2 hour drive to see one in person. What the heck happened to dealers keeping at least two for demos? (rhetorical).....

 

We have same dilemma as OP. Want to order R Design in BB but can't find any nearby to drive. We do not want rough, hard or jarring ride with RD. But if differences are just "sportiness" and or "tightness" that might be okay. Would configure with smallest RD wheels available. If we do drive one and it's too harsh we'll go the inscription route. Looks like we will be heading out in the am for a 2 hour drive to see one in person. What the heck happened to dealers keeping at least two for demos? (rhetorical).....

Order with 19" and you'll be just fine.

 

http://iscsuspension-na.com/monotube-vs-twin-tube-difference-better/

 

Good info. Thanks. My long nightmare of cavitation risk in my shocks will be over, as soon as my R-D arrives. My takeaway was: Momentum/Inscription stock shocks are softer, and cheaper.

 

Thank you all,
as local supplier does not have an R to perform test drive but only Momentum and i still prefer R due to the various configurations it offers, I might go for the 18'' wheels.
I will wait a bit and then take the decision to 'risk' it.

 

Ya sou Chris. Good to see a Volvo enthusiast in Cyprus! My sister lives in Strovolos (Nicosia).
Do they offer the R-design with 18" wheels??
So, will you be getting the T4? T5? D5?

 

Yia sou Chris (i hope that's your name 😀)
Wow that's a surprise to find someone who knows/relates with the small island of Cyprus so easily !

Hope your relatives enjoy the sunny little place.

Yes the local supplier offers the R Design in 18'' wheels but only currently with D4 AWD.

I had asked for T4 but they say its only FWD.

They already sold 4 R Design with these wheels, i saw all 4 cars at the shop but not given the chance to drive any of them as they don't have a test R Design.
Thus this thread 😀😀😀

I am so tempted for the D4 R Design and as never had a sports car before (currently driving a Rav4 2004) i am still puzzled...

 

I tested a loaded R-Design with 20" wheels. Can't compare with any other but was very impressed with how well it soaked up bumps. Also very impressed with how quiet the XC 40 was compared to my current Lexus NX. Only slight complaint was the steering being a bit lighter that I would prefer but not a deal breaker. Yes, I did have it set to firm. Think we will be Volvo owners soon. Also really like this forum. Seems very civilized and intelligent and has been very helpful to me.

 

really like this forum. Seems very civilized and intelligent

+1. Less so when the discussion turns to matters of global import, like our constitutional right to little Swedish hood flags...

 

Hi all
Just had a drive in an Evoque.
Does anyone know if R Design stiffness is similar to Evoque?

 

I haven't found any reviewers who have driven both and felt the R-Design's suspension was worth having the slightly harsher ride, but the STYLING might be worth it!

 

Sorry, I think "harsher" is a mischaracterization. It is a firmer/sportier suspension and feel, exactly what you should expect from the different components.
To me it is exactly worth it, because it's the handling I want. With the 19" wheels, it's perfect. I think the 20" might be too hard a ride IMHO.
I've had other cars with stiffer/sporty suspension, and XC40 compares well and in some ways is better than the others I've owned. I did drive both!

 

We drove an R Design with 20" wheels this weekend to specifically see if the ride was harsh/stiff. It was not and it was actually quite pleasant. We had never driven an R Design of any model and just assumed that it would ride rougher than its non R Design counterparts. We've been leaning towards an Inscription but just can't get past the awful color palette. If they offered an Osmium Gray model we would have chosen that color. We may, in the end, go for a BB R Design.

And apparently the R Design models are very very rare and hard to find. We were told late October early November for a custom dealer ordered car.

And we were very impressed overall with this car. It does not feel like a small car at all. I think Volvo hit the sweet spot with this one.

 

We drove an R Design with 20" wheels this weekend

And we were very impressed overall with this car. It does not feel like a small car at all. I think Volvo hit the sweet spot with this one.

In all the years I have been around this brand, I truly believe this is one of the top 5 best all-around packages that Volvo has created from the early '90s until today.

 

Thank you all for the feedback.

I have taken the leap of faith and ordered the R Design