I am a very proud owner of a 2012 XC60 R-design which I picked up using the OSD program from Gothenburg (as we call it in the states). First, Volvo must be commended for the superb job of managing all these naive US travelers to pick up their new car in a foreign country (no, Canada is not in the US!). Most everything went completely in line with the expectations I had in traveling, hotel, shuttle and picking up my car at their facilities. Even their vendo-coffee was quite palatable
My initial disappointments were in taking the car when I had requested the maps for Europe be installed before I arrive. Little did I know (until now), that replacing maps, upgrading map services requires many, many hours to perform. As I was aware this was as possibility (likely), I packed my Europe map Tom-Tom, gritted my teeth and off for my 3k miles of travels.
NOW, I am glad that I don't own this car in Europe, as the fantastic gas consumption would in fact cause a major refinance cycle to cover the fuel cost's alone. It's a really a hot car, don't get me wrong. I just came from my third BMW, the last one being a 540i. The unexpected part was when I arrived in Germany.
Ahhhh, the AutoBahn! It was very cool to have the proper car to own the left lane, UNTIL you reached 190 km/hr, then it's time to hit the turn signal and yield to 'everyone else'. Granted, I am traveling much in excess of 100 mph, but clearly this car had MUCH more in it. More than I would ever see... *sigh* I took my place in the correct lane for 'my speed' and let it go.
I really felt denied of the right to enjoy the car (and technology) I bought, let down actually. Then I was reminded that I bought an American car, and picked it up in Europe. While I am personally very accustomed to drive 150 mph on the autobahn, I can guarantee you that the only place you'll go 100+ on US roads is to jail (or morgue). Our roads and (mostly) drivers cannot fathom the reality associated with these speeds.
Bottom line, if you are interested in OSD, then you will enjoy the process (while suffering the delay). Just don't let your expectations get outside what is realizable. It might do Volvo NA well to include these details of how your car is an 'American' car, not what you would find in Europe (thankfully not the gas price either).
Happy motoring. Enjoy your new Volvo...
My initial disappointments were in taking the car when I had requested the maps for Europe be installed before I arrive. Little did I know (until now), that replacing maps, upgrading map services requires many, many hours to perform. As I was aware this was as possibility (likely), I packed my Europe map Tom-Tom, gritted my teeth and off for my 3k miles of travels.
NOW, I am glad that I don't own this car in Europe, as the fantastic gas consumption would in fact cause a major refinance cycle to cover the fuel cost's alone. It's a really a hot car, don't get me wrong. I just came from my third BMW, the last one being a 540i. The unexpected part was when I arrived in Germany.
Ahhhh, the AutoBahn! It was very cool to have the proper car to own the left lane, UNTIL you reached 190 km/hr, then it's time to hit the turn signal and yield to 'everyone else'. Granted, I am traveling much in excess of 100 mph, but clearly this car had MUCH more in it. More than I would ever see... *sigh* I took my place in the correct lane for 'my speed' and let it go.
I really felt denied of the right to enjoy the car (and technology) I bought, let down actually. Then I was reminded that I bought an American car, and picked it up in Europe. While I am personally very accustomed to drive 150 mph on the autobahn, I can guarantee you that the only place you'll go 100+ on US roads is to jail (or morgue). Our roads and (mostly) drivers cannot fathom the reality associated with these speeds.
Bottom line, if you are interested in OSD, then you will enjoy the process (while suffering the delay). Just don't let your expectations get outside what is realizable. It might do Volvo NA well to include these details of how your car is an 'American' car, not what you would find in Europe (thankfully not the gas price either).
Happy motoring. Enjoy your new Volvo...