Personally I like two-tone interiors like this...when I see a new car and the interior is just a sea of solid dark charcoal it sucks the soul out of me. Scandanavians do seem to excel at design aesthetic and I think we see an example of it here.
Couldn't agree more with you. When Mark gets dark monotone interiors for a car that offered poly-tone interior options I just imagine how much the automaker lost out on showing off a nice vehicle to us. It ends up making it harder to film also due to the reflectivity of black plastic which makes it look even more chintzy. I love Volvos for offering these beautiful Swedish living room on wheels interiors.
Agreed. But there are actually many manufacturers that offer nice two-tone interiors (except maybe the gloomy Germans, lol)... but a lot of the cars sitting on the dealer lot have single color interiors, for whatever reasons...
Seat comfort, sound system and A/C ability are biggies and only one gets reviewed regularly (seats) and even then its either purely subjective or too much focus on more controls v less. I don't care if it has no controls, if it fits like a glove and I find myself wanting to sit in it, I'll take that over a 12 way adjustable torture bucket with TOO much hard to the ribs and thighs bolstering, too firm or soft padding, etc. Also, FLAT seats, which still abound, drive me nuts. Why not just rob a bench from a park and put it in the front and call it "a throwback to simpler times". Good cupholders, not stuck up front under controls where you have to tilt cups to get it out or block controls (BMW or someone is REALLY bad at this, but I can't remember who). Knee room. What is it with these ever-fattening center consoles? Also important, controls I can use by FEEL (buttons, knobs, switches) instead of all buried in infotainment. I will have to read up on Google and Volvo working on next gen of infotainment. If Google gets them to put some buttons back that one can use in the dark and without having to have a 20 minute discussion with voice control (all the while interrupting the wonderful music from B&W) then I'd be stoked on Volvo. I can't stand voice-control anything. I hate that even navigation with voice interrupts my songs constantly. I sure don't want to have to interrupt to change temp a degree, raise or lower volume, turn on seat warmer/coller, etc. Just stupid.
Gotta also chip in, that after gaining some age, I've started to put a lot of value in to the following three factors: 1. How quiet the car is. 2. How good the audio is(and how much would it cost me to re-do it if I'd want to make it good). 3. Reliability in long term ownership. SG is the only one who actually digs in to the Audio and as someone who's an audiophile, I don't want my car to be substantially worse than the stuff I have at home. If home PC Logitechs sound better/same as the car, I'll pay the in-between to get something to the higher end of Klipsch Audio that I usually listen to. - The first two factor in how much I enjoy being in my car, the third how much I'm willing to put up with it, if surprises occur.
I compared the B&W system against the base audio and went with base. Yes the B&W sounded better, but not $4000 better. It would take a $49k car to $53k. Going from a good value to not really.
I love how Volvo isn’t trying to be something it isn’t. Every new car has this sleek and classy design not trying to make look sporty or racy. Just classy.
Yep and they did not go crazy on the plastic cladding, ugly is what I see looking at Outback or even Audi Allroad.......... Volvo Tight, Masculine shoulders, Clean, and Understated... with a fantastic Plaid Cloth seating option....... I have to have that
@@ronmccord5267 ♥ Great words, it can be hard to explain a cars looks and find the right words that not many seem to use but is a step above and shows your good, probly long manic time spent looking at cars and its proportions
GhostOfAMachine -until it’s nighttime and there’s a truck with LED headlights behind you. Seriously the #1 perk of my Lexus GX is not having my retinas lasered off every evening by every newer Ram/F series/etc I encounter. Plus, GX’s have two LED projector beams per side, so I can return the fire if and when I am still blinded. After years of lowered wagons I say Cheers to being part of the problem.
I rented one of these last week while up in northern Sweden for work. I had the Diesel AWD version and I can honestly say it was one of the best vehicles I’ve ever driven. Practicality, comfort, quality, good power, and overall useability. Highly recommend it.
They did the smart thing and put the darker edge on the outside where your (sometimes dirty) hands go. I'm tired of seeing automakers offer attractive impractical interior trims like white leather.
It is nice to look at. Only problem is it can be a bit uncomfortable on the have, depending how you hold it, because of dip through the middle of the wheel.
Lol, we all have small details poking us in the eye its almost embarrassing to mention ; ) Ok, one: Since the XC90 came out, istill cant stop looking at those rears, the spartan, clean and perfected shape of it and the whole butt it almost beat gods best design creation ... - yes thats the one *oops sprits*
One thing about Volvo that most people don't realize is, they can typically sell for much below MSRP and the dealer still makes profit. It's not unusual to find brand new prior year models selling for 9k-12k below MSRP without any haggling. This happened most recently during the President's day sale a few days ago. Volvo might price their cars closely to the Germans, but in reality you can still buy the Volvo for quite a bit less than the competition. Getting a 3 year old certified Volvo with a Volvo manufacturer warranty is another great way to score a decent commuter car for the price of a brand new cheaper car. I was looking at a brand new Subaru Impreza but decided to get a 3 year old Volvo S60 with AWD and CPO Volvo warranty for the same price. I've had the car now for several years and am happy I opted for the Volvo. I'll opt for a nice sport bike for fun, but the Volvo is a perfect daily commuter car for me.
A family member had an early-90s 760 turbo wagon with a manual transmission. He drove a NYC taxi while attending college and piloted the Volvo like an absolute animal. Not old enough to drive at the time, I jumped in the passenger seat at every opportunity. Absolutely loved that car.
I just traded in my FJ Cruiser for this exact car last week because of your review. I'm still dealing with the identity crisis, but I think I made the right decision. The B&W sound system is amazing, my 5-yr old loves not having to play music doors to get into the backseat (with the FJ), and my wife is relieved that I didn't buy a pickup truck. Buying this Volvo is easily the most mature decision I've ever made in my life. Thanks SG!
@@jonlosito2004 except that it was turning into a rust bucket and needed $4000 worth of parts. I don’t need a doomsday rig, just a way to get from A to B. The added comfort and style are bonuses!
@@dannyolivo still lovin the Volvo. Zero issues. Don’t miss the FJ. Highlights: looks, audio system, cargo, AutoPilot. Cons: power train is boring, seats are a bit stiff.
I love quirky cars and I want to love this. It's a Volvo station wagon with amazing seats, amazing stereo and the best design inside and out. I just can't love it. The overuse of technology means that this will not be a reliable vehicle long term, something that Volvo used to be. The T5 engine will probably be more reliable than the T6 and T8 hybrid versions, but the lack of buttons and switches means there just too much distraction from the driving experience. I still really like this car, but would be afraid to own it. Volvo appears to know this. They shortened their cpo warranty by 50% to match zee Germans, the model of reliable long term ownership.
Cannot agree more. Myself love quick cars especially Germans but dont like the new turbo trend and also afraid of the so much techs in newer cars, so for me I find cars like Chargers or challengers are as close as possible to old base cars without so much technology nor turbos (so far).
I worked as an advisor with Volvo and as an advisor with independent shops prior to that. Lord help the after warranty second owners. I have zero idea how an aftermarket shop will diagnose these cars. The electrical system is a maze when it comes to diag. However, that B&W sound system is the BEST stock car stereo I've ever heard. By a mile.
Volvo: Our brand is synonymous with safety. Also Volvo: let’s install a giant cellphone in the middle of the console that will control every function so you have to take your eyes off the road to turn on your heated seats
@@vadimus2007 YES!!!!!! I won't buy a car without a proper turn signal lamp. It's one of my pet peeves about US cars. But it got me to try Toyotas and Kias, and that was a good thing.
I have had the XC 90, well I’m now on my second with this infotainment system, is great, easy to use and obvious, I’m surprised that reviewers always talk about it, living with it is perfect
@@rwg2626 I agree. I didn't like it much at first, but much like using Android Auto I have gotten used to voice commanding some of the things, or just quickly making the changes so my eyes aren't off the road long. There's also physical track back/forward and play/pause controls on the steering wheel, with redundancy on console for passengers as well as driver when the wheel's turned, which is a pretty smart design.
This is a nice ride! Savagegeese, you have a tendency to 'pedal to the metal' from a stop in all your videos. Of course the engine roars! For this of us who drive conservatively, this is not an issue.
I've had my 2020 V60 XC for 7 months now and this review is right on! Such an isolated safe driving experience, coming from BMW and Audi the drive train is lacking, i miss the smooth BMW inline six with the perfect shifting 8spd zf. But for road trips, this thing just crushes the miles. I traded in my 2017 Audi Allroad for this, I miss the suspension in the Allroad, one of the best balanced set ups I've ever driven.
Hey! How is your V60 now, 2years later? I am in the market for a 2020 V60 and would love your thoughts, if you don't mind. I've never owned a Volvo before and do hear in that findings shops to work on them is difficult (at least in the US) and they are unreliable. But I LOVE the brand and this is def the car for me - just not sure if the reliability issues are real? For context: I work remotely so will not need it to commute. I'd pack the cargo space with mountain bike, skis, and maybe even sleep during some car-camping expeditions.
Let me share something. I lost one of my best friends last week in a crash. He tried to overtake someone and crashed head on into a semi and his tiny Ford Ka got absolutely obliterated. He died instantly. I've seen a similar crash with an XC70 online and that person survived. In fact, there are some insane Volvo survival stories on RUclips. As someone who owns a Volvo and I'm looking to start a family, Volvo is my only choice. I wouldn't even consider putting my family in something else simply because I know this is the only manufacturer that does not compromise on safety. The XC90 launched in something like 2001 or 2002 got max ratings at the small overlap crash test which much newer cars failed. That said, it sucks that they only offer 4 cylinder options, but with the new insane EU CO2 average regulations, even AMG is moving to a 2 liter turbo+hybrid setup. We can thank regulators for that. At least the Aisin transmissions are the same as used by Toyota and they're reliable.
A taxi driver in Finland driving this (but not lifted) explained to me why there are so many luxury brand taxis, and it matches exactly what you just said, that you would buy this if you had to drive every day.
I've now had mine for six months and love it. I would have liked to get a darker interior, but in my market and with the exterior color I chose, I didn't have a choice. Going from an Audi with all black interior, it feels so much more light and airy, especially with the glass roof. He's spot on about the sound system. It is incredible.
Are you in the southwest? I like this vehicle but have concern about the AC being in the touchscreen only and the 4 cylinder- how long will it take for the vehicle to cool on a 115 summer day in the desert.
I own one, and I LOVE IT!!!! But I do agree on the engine. I miss the 5 cylinder that my old Volvo had. The 5 cylinders sound amazing for their small size, and that's one thing I wish I could change. Unfortunately I do have to condition the leather every so often from stains on the light interior, but overall, it's a great car. :)
As someone who has owned a few B&W speakers, I am very happy to hear they are of the same high quality in the Volvo cars. I've never heard them in a car, but I can imagine.
I drive a Volvo semi. Really like what they offer compared to the competition. They are highly competent and well engineered (sometimes a bit over-engineered,) and their understanding of ergonomics is second to none. One of my favourite things is the quality and tactility of their switchgear, which is something other semi's are severely lacking. If their design philosophy translates to their automotive lineup, I'd seriously consider picking one up for my wife (not me, I prefer to shift my own gears and that understeer would really sap the fun out of it.) But I could be totally fine with driving this on road trips. It's the complexity of their engines that worries me. I would love to see them offer some simpler products downmarket to where I can get the saftey and ergonomics without worrying about multi-thousand dollar trips to the dealership for diagnostics.
I have the naturally aspirated 2.4. Not going to sell it ever. Will keep it alive until I live. I never sit in anything better than that and I never will.
Y'all are literally too old to be making jokes this stupid. If you don't want to understand people that are different than you, fine. Just leave them alone
First time I watched your ’show’, I didn’t appreciate it and I apologize for this! You are so different to the rest ...Now after +25 episodes I think you are the best!
Couldn't agree more about the 4 cylinder path Volvo have taken. Even their biggest SUVs have the same engine. Why would you pay top dollar for this when other manufacturers offer 6 cylinder alternatives for not much more?
@@HrHaakon not true. This car emits 164g/km of co2 when BMW's 540 estate with 6 cylinder 3.0 petrol emits 166g/km placing it in same tax bracket in most of Europe. Volvo are charging premium prices for sub-premium engineering.
@@davecom3 I'm not talking about consumer taxes. There aren't direct laws that I know of that specifically address engine capacity but, on average, displacement _does_ relate to emissions. That is why it is forcing EU manufacturers to comply with the increasing strictness by reducing average displacement each year. Volvo thought it would just have one powertrain. The EU provides credits to the manufacturers for "eco tech" as well. And I'm sure Volvo gets them.
Working for their truck division, I had to go to Sweden last year, our Uber here in France was a new C class cdi, I'm not into new cars, but I was amazed by how their transmission is smooth, the interior is quiet, no rattles or anything, even the vibrations from the 4 cylinders were filtered really good. Landed over there, the taxi to Gothenburg was a V90, really liked the interior look, a lot more than the merc, it felt warm, wood, leather, really nice place to be in. Being a taxi is probably not the best candidate, but I also heard a few squeaks and rattles, and the gearbox was not that great compared to the merc. I'm so sad they let down the 5 cylinders, I really liked that, and the Yamaha v8.. good old days..
When I just got my license I had craving for sports cars, off road, all kinds of. Few years later I went for Volvo and since then it's the only brand for me.
Good review, I purchased this same Volvo with black interior, I love it especially the audio. I blast Spotify on the Bowers! EPIC experience. I live in NH it's great in the snow. It's a tank. And the app for auto start is nice too when it's -10. You can set the heated wheel and seats to go on automatically.
Any negatives so far? (I have test-driven Volvo wagons recently with the base, standard audio system, and it's excellent. I doubt I'd pay more for something else.)
the cross country is one of the most handsome cars, big but sleek, rides high but not as clunky as an SUV. The Icelandic police use these and they look great
I own an S60 T5 FWD, which makes it about 40 mpg at long trips in 55 mph (in it's ecomode). However, I easily make it down to 28 mpg in comfortmode and a lot of overtaking.
@@chocolatewheelchair It has taken me 6 months to get a door handle repaired. Dealing with parts and service for that has been an ongoing 3 stooges clip. Perhaps this dealership can't find competent help. I've contacted Volvo corporate and expressed my concerns and have contemplated filing a BBB complaint in an attempt to force them to buy this car back. It's ashame as I love the car and have been a lifelong Volvo lover. I've watched 3 dealerships fold in the past year and now the closest one is a 1.5 hour drive.
@@chocolatewheelchair Thanks. I have the repair scheduled for March 2nd and they're telling me they'll have one there for me. We shall see. With my work schedule and distance to the dealership I may not be able to return the loaner for a week. I see that as their problem, not mine. It should be interesting : )
I have a 2018 S90. It was $48,000 new, current trade in value at 30,000 miles is $21,000. Yep, it lost 55% in two years. That's why he says lease. Obscene depreciation on non-SUVs.
I think that leasing is a waste of money, personally, but I know that lots of people do it because they like to change cars often. If I were going to spend money to get this, I'd buy it outright to keep it long-term and not worry about depreciation.
cba tiau would you worry about cost of ownership? The whole point of luxury cars is to never pay for repairs out of pocket. Just let them fix it. Why would you want to be saddled with the cost out of warranty?
@@chocolatewheelchair Yes, I would worry about repair costs outside of warranty -- but that's true for any cars nowadays with all the complex stuff in them. My policy is to keep a car if I really really like it, even if it costs a lot to maintain (within reason), and to get rid of a car if I don't like it. I have a 2001 V70XC wagon that I really like because it's superbly practical in terms of utility, fun to drive, looks great, is very stable at high speeds, etc. -- but it takes a lot to maintain; its having no infotainment screen (and buttons/knobs for everything) is a huge plus, which would annoy me with these new Volvos so that I'd likely not keep them past warranty.
I agree that the engine is loud for a car like this; however I do like that engine sound. My opinion, in general, is some good engine sound never hurts, regardless of the car.
exactly... I ran the numbers a few years ago, and leasing wasn't even close to buying in terms of financial numbers (leasing much worse); you have to limit your mileage, you have to worry about dings and dents, you're stuck for the period of the loan, and you have zero equity while throwing tons of money at the automaker/bank.
I'm surprised that you think its quiet. I hade the D4 version a couple of days ( wintertyres) and i find the roadnoise very desturbing. And the gearbox couldn't deside what gear to use. It was a constant changing of gears despite a steady speed.
Getting a new car this summer, been trying to decide between the GTI or a S60. I'd be buying the GTI, leasing the S60, I haven't test drove the Volvo yet though. Love seeing this videos man, thank you.
IMO another very good review but your conclusion was very polite; so-so engine/trans/handling and don't dare buying it. Love the honesty and how you do your reviews. I always watch them even if I have little interest in the subject reviewed.
This review opened me up to test driving one solely because you said that the right quality was quite good. I had heard previously that that was a weak spot for Volvo.
Volvo use the same Aisin transmission as Lexus. I wonder why they would not behave in a very similar way? Is it all in the tuning of the engine-transmission combination?
Marko Košir that would be a shock to most Lexus owners. I had 160k miles on an LS430 and the transmission still shifted beautifully. I have 98k on a 460 now and it’s the same story. You still see a ton of older Lexus vehicles here in the US and I know many people with Lexus vehicles both old and new. The models with the most problems are the IS, or at least they were. The control arms on the LS 460 are problem areas but the fix isn’t too bad. But they still blow away the Germans in terms of reliability overall. The small electric parts are pretty durable. Window regulators last 15 years easily. The Lexus combo port/direct injection let’s you skip a service other GDI cars will need around 100,000 miles. You have fewer plastic parts than in say a BMW and won’t have a cracked plastic oil pan. They don’t have a problem comparable to the BMW timing chain guide and VANOS failures. The regular dealer service on Lexus is much cheaper than say the A and B services at Mercedes and the dealership experience is always first rate. I will admit that the 4.6L can develop a coolant leak in the valley of the engine which is about 1600 USD to fix. I know firsthand. So, again, there are some models with specific issues but the macro data shows you are quite incorrect about their reliability.
I like Volvo wagons, but the cross country adds the plastic cladding, which I know is probably necessary, but makes it look kind of cheap. The interior picks things up where this lets it down, tho
during the time i was searching to buy a used vehicle . i was almost going to buy Volvo . but my mechanic warned me that if he needed to give them a call for technical assistance on some of their electronics repairs. they won't give any advices what so ever very stingy and annoyingly arrogant. so some time you may find no choice but to pay arm and leg to fix issue at the dealer . !! knowing that. the repairs on a Volvo is very expensive unfortunately!!! their exterior design is amazing .. thanks for the video
I am getting ready to buy my 3rd Volvo. First one was a 2015 Volvo V60, second, and my current, is a 2017 XC60. The 3rd is going to be a 2020 V60 CC. Just love the comfort. I test drove a brand new VW Taos.. holy crap, what a difference! The 2.0 turbo has been very good for us. 100% disagree with this guys take on the engine.. and that's ok.
Here's some good ole info about that v8. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_B8444S_engine I personally love the v8. If your exhaust breaks like mine right before the second pair of catalytic converters it sounds amazing and it got 28mpg compare to the normal 20.3mpg I normally got. It's very quick engine and extremely reliable.
Disagree. They need to stay on the direction toward hybrids and then go to ultra-quiet electric cars. The V8s were in very few s80s and were overkill. The inline 6s and 5s were lovely but Volvo spends their money now on refining their cars as opposed to having different engines to develop. Honestly, I do think if Volvo wants to go further upmarket that they use a turbo 6 from another manufacturer while they transition to electric cars. But no bigger than a 6.
I agree. The Sensus computer system is being replaced in MY2021 Volvos with the new Google OS, which should be way better and include Google Maps standard. I would never buy a Volvo with Sensus in it, and I suspect that Volvo has lost a ton of sales for these two reasons (Sensus; 4-cylinder engine).
They have been CANCELLED with all their other cars. RIP. LOL... GARBAGE anyway, with a puny motor and low belly. The back is USELESS for camping or hauling much of anything. Same mistake as the pathetic Chrysler Magnum. I had a 2005 300 for 15 years and loved it.
Spot on review. I have the xc60 for all the reasons you mentioned. The best daily driver for the price. It has dual integrated booster seats in the back which easily convert back to regular seats. My fuel economy is steadily only 21.5 mpg for a 20 minute light commute with no traffic and not driving like a bandit.
![State of Play | September 24, 2024 [ENGLISH]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/fVs0suPHAX8/mqdefault.jpg)
Props to Volvo for still building wagons.
They're still extremely popular in Europe
*selling wagons in the USA. They're sold like water in Europe
There is probably somewhere around 2% of wagon owners in the US.
Not long ago, wagons were everywhere in the United States. Minivans and the Ford Explorer killed them off. Such a shame.
@@gvs376 Yep. I'm 56 and remember growing up that almost every family had a station wagon.
Personally I like two-tone interiors like this...when I see a new car and the interior is just a sea of solid dark charcoal it sucks the soul out of me. Scandanavians do seem to excel at design aesthetic and I think we see an example of it here.
So well said! When interiors are done in all black it's so boring and it makes everything look cheap and lifeless.
Couldn't agree more with you. When Mark gets dark monotone interiors for a car that offered poly-tone interior options I just imagine how much the automaker lost out on showing off a nice vehicle to us. It ends up making it harder to film also due to the reflectivity of black plastic which makes it look even more chintzy.
I love Volvos for offering these beautiful Swedish living room on wheels interiors.
Agreed. There's no doubt Volvo does some of the best interiors in the industry.
you mean Chinease
Agreed. But there are actually many manufacturers that offer nice two-tone interiors (except maybe the gloomy Germans, lol)... but a lot of the cars sitting on the dealer lot have single color interiors, for whatever reasons...
I love that you have appreciation for the sound systems. It’s a make or break purchase decision for me.
The system in this car is a $4000 option. It had better be that good for the money.
Seat comfort, sound system and A/C ability are biggies and only one gets reviewed regularly (seats) and even then its either purely subjective or too much focus on more controls v less. I don't care if it has no controls, if it fits like a glove and I find myself wanting to sit in it, I'll take that over a 12 way adjustable torture bucket with TOO much hard to the ribs and thighs bolstering, too firm or soft padding, etc. Also, FLAT seats, which still abound, drive me nuts. Why not just rob a bench from a park and put it in the front and call it "a throwback to simpler times".
Good cupholders, not stuck up front under controls where you have to tilt cups to get it out or block controls (BMW or someone is REALLY bad at this, but I can't remember who). Knee room. What is it with these ever-fattening center consoles? Also important, controls I can use by FEEL (buttons, knobs, switches) instead of all buried in infotainment. I will have to read up on Google and Volvo working on next gen of infotainment. If Google gets them to put some buttons back that one can use in the dark and without having to have a 20 minute discussion with voice control (all the while interrupting the wonderful music from B&W) then I'd be stoked on Volvo. I can't stand voice-control anything. I hate that even navigation with voice interrupts my songs constantly. I sure don't want to have to interrupt to change temp a degree, raise or lower volume, turn on seat warmer/coller, etc. Just stupid.
Gotta also chip in, that after gaining some age, I've started to put a lot of value in to the following three factors:
1. How quiet the car is.
2. How good the audio is(and how much would it cost me to re-do it if I'd want to make it good).
3. Reliability in long term ownership.
SG is the only one who actually digs in to the Audio and as someone who's an audiophile, I don't want my car to be substantially worse than the stuff I have at home. If home PC Logitechs sound better/same as the car, I'll pay the in-between to get something to the higher end of Klipsch Audio that I usually listen to.
- The first two factor in how much I enjoy being in my car, the third how much I'm willing to put up with it, if surprises occur.
I compared the B&W system against the base audio and went with base. Yes the B&W sounded better, but not $4000 better. It would take a $49k car to $53k. Going from a good value to not really.
@@EDHBlvd is the base audio good?
I love how Volvo isn’t trying to be something it isn’t. Every new car has this sleek and classy design not trying to make look sporty or racy. Just classy.
Yep and they did not go crazy on the plastic cladding, ugly is what I see looking at Outback or even Audi Allroad.......... Volvo Tight, Masculine shoulders, Clean, and Understated... with a fantastic Plaid Cloth seating option....... I have to have that
♥
@@ronmccord5267 ♥ Great words, it can be hard to explain a cars looks and find the right words that not many seem to use
but is a step above and shows your good, probly long manic time spent looking at cars and its proportions
I would pick a wagon over an suv anytime. High sitting position is overrated and is not really a perk
Except when you're 6'4" and having to get into a car or wagon 😬
@@4fifty8 I'm just about your height, no issues getting in our out of my BMW E39.
@@4fifty8 I'm about the same height and have no issues getting in my Golf GTI or Kia Soul
@@4fifty8 I'm 6'2" and have no problem getting in my VW CC
GhostOfAMachine -until it’s nighttime and there’s a truck with LED headlights behind you. Seriously the #1 perk of my Lexus GX is not having my retinas lasered off every evening by every newer Ram/F series/etc I encounter.
Plus, GX’s have two LED projector beams per side, so I can return the fire if and when I am still blinded. After years of lowered wagons I say Cheers to being part of the problem.
The best car reviewer has uploaded a new video, so I click on play instantly.
I rented one of these last week while up in northern Sweden for work. I had the Diesel AWD version and I can honestly say it was one of the best vehicles I’ve ever driven. Practicality, comfort, quality, good power, and overall useability. Highly recommend it.
I can’t express how much I love that steering wheel... I don’t know why, the two tone is just beautiful and it looks so circular and nice.
They did the smart thing and put the darker edge on the outside where your (sometimes dirty) hands go. I'm tired of seeing automakers offer attractive impractical interior trims like white leather.
It is nice to look at. Only problem is it can be a bit uncomfortable on the have, depending how you hold it, because of dip through the middle of the wheel.
Lol, we all have small details poking us in the eye its almost embarrassing to mention ; )
Ok, one: Since the XC90 came out, istill cant stop looking at those rears, the spartan, clean and perfected shape of it and the whole butt
it almost beat gods best design creation ... - yes thats the one *oops sprits*
I agree a 100 percent, it really looks exclusive. Regards.
"If you don't have an identity yet" LOL
One thing about Volvo that most people don't realize is, they can typically sell for much below MSRP and the dealer still makes profit. It's not unusual to find brand new prior year models selling for 9k-12k below MSRP without any haggling. This happened most recently during the President's day sale a few days ago. Volvo might price their cars closely to the Germans, but in reality you can still buy the Volvo for quite a bit less than the competition.
Getting a 3 year old certified Volvo with a Volvo manufacturer warranty is another great way to score a decent commuter car for the price of a brand new cheaper car. I was looking at a brand new Subaru Impreza but decided to get a 3 year old Volvo S60 with AWD and CPO Volvo warranty for the same price. I've had the car now for several years and am happy I opted for the Volvo. I'll opt for a nice sport bike for fun, but the Volvo is a perfect daily commuter car for me.
"Plastic cladding for those who like to seek adventure"
"...for those who like the idea of seeking adventure"
Meanwhile somebody in a Prius just passed said person on a gravel road.
It makes them *feel* adventureyyy!
Marc identifies as mpg and is attracted to audio systems
A family member had an early-90s 760 turbo wagon with a manual transmission. He drove a NYC taxi while attending college and piloted the Volvo like an absolute animal. Not old enough to drive at the time, I jumped in the passenger seat at every opportunity. Absolutely loved that car.
"Not an identity yet". Perfect man!
I just traded in my FJ Cruiser for this exact car last week because of your review. I'm still dealing with the identity crisis, but I think I made the right decision. The B&W sound system is amazing, my 5-yr old loves not having to play music doors to get into the backseat (with the FJ), and my wife is relieved that I didn't buy a pickup truck. Buying this Volvo is easily the most mature decision I've ever made in my life. Thanks SG!
You shouldnt have traded yr FJ tho :(
That things more reliable than almost anything on road
@@jonlosito2004 except that it was turning into a rust bucket and needed $4000 worth of parts. I don’t need a doomsday rig, just a way to get from A to B. The added comfort and style are bonuses!
let's hear it, hows the car since you've written this comment?
@@dannyolivo still lovin the Volvo. Zero issues. Don’t miss the FJ. Highlights: looks, audio system, cargo, AutoPilot. Cons: power train is boring, seats are a bit stiff.
I love quirky cars and I want to love this. It's a Volvo station wagon with amazing seats, amazing stereo and the best design inside and out. I just can't love it. The overuse of technology means that this will not be a reliable vehicle long term, something that Volvo used to be. The T5 engine will probably be more reliable than the T6 and T8 hybrid versions, but the lack of buttons and switches means there just too much distraction from the driving experience. I still really like this car, but would be afraid to own it. Volvo appears to know this. They shortened their cpo warranty by 50% to match zee Germans, the model of reliable long term ownership.
Loved your amazing comment....
Cannot agree more. Myself love quick cars especially Germans but dont like the new turbo trend and also afraid of the so much techs in newer cars, so for me I find cars like Chargers or challengers are as close as possible to old base cars without so much technology nor turbos (so far).
This is one reason I still have my '92 940GL0
hummm. I thought hard this time, and I always come back to the Lexus IS dream / GMC pickup of the year..
T5 is a 2.0 4cyl turbo and that is what most of the cars uses today, so it should be pretty solid.
I worked as an advisor with Volvo and as an advisor with independent shops prior to that. Lord help the after warranty second owners. I have zero idea how an aftermarket shop will diagnose these cars. The electrical system is a maze when it comes to diag.
However, that B&W sound system is the BEST stock car stereo I've ever heard. By a mile.
Volvo: Our brand is synonymous with safety. Also Volvo: let’s install a giant cellphone in the middle of the console that will control every function so you have to take your eyes off the road to turn on your heated seats
And also a red turn signals, because, who cares about safety in North America anyway?
@@vadimus2007 YES!!!!!! I won't buy a car without a proper turn signal lamp. It's one of my pet peeves about US cars. But it got me to try Toyotas and Kias, and that was a good thing.
I own this car, everything is on automatic program. No need to touch anything but volume on radio.
I have had the XC 90, well I’m now on my second with this infotainment system, is great, easy to use and obvious, I’m surprised that reviewers always talk about it, living with it is perfect
@@rwg2626 I agree. I didn't like it much at first, but much like using Android Auto I have gotten used to voice commanding some of the things, or just quickly making the changes so my eyes aren't off the road long. There's also physical track back/forward and play/pause controls on the steering wheel, with redundancy on console for passengers as well as driver when the wheel's turned, which is a pretty smart design.
This is a nice ride! Savagegeese, you have a tendency to 'pedal to the metal' from a stop in all your videos. Of course the engine roars! For this of us who drive conservatively, this is not an issue.
I've had my 2020 V60 XC for 7 months now and this review is right on! Such an isolated safe driving experience, coming from BMW and Audi the drive train is lacking, i miss the smooth BMW inline six with the perfect shifting 8spd zf. But for road trips, this thing just crushes the miles. I traded in my 2017 Audi Allroad for this, I miss the suspension in the Allroad, one of the best balanced set ups I've ever driven.
Hey! How is your V60 now, 2years later? I am in the market for a 2020 V60 and would love your thoughts, if you don't mind. I've never owned a Volvo before and do hear in that findings shops to work on them is difficult (at least in the US) and they are unreliable. But I LOVE the brand and this is def the car for me - just not sure if the reliability issues are real?
For context: I work remotely so will not need it to commute. I'd pack the cargo space with mountain bike, skis, and maybe even sleep during some car-camping expeditions.
I wish Volvo would bring back the C30 hatchback
Let me share something. I lost one of my best friends last week in a crash. He tried to overtake someone and crashed head on into a semi and his tiny Ford Ka got absolutely obliterated. He died instantly. I've seen a similar crash with an XC70 online and that person survived. In fact, there are some insane Volvo survival stories on RUclips.
As someone who owns a Volvo and I'm looking to start a family, Volvo is my only choice. I wouldn't even consider putting my family in something else simply because I know this is the only manufacturer that does not compromise on safety. The XC90 launched in something like 2001 or 2002 got max ratings at the small overlap crash test which much newer cars failed.
That said, it sucks that they only offer 4 cylinder options, but with the new insane EU CO2 average regulations, even AMG is moving to a 2 liter turbo+hybrid setup. We can thank regulators for that. At least the Aisin transmissions are the same as used by Toyota and they're reliable.
A taxi driver in Finland driving this (but not lifted) explained to me why there are so many luxury brand taxis, and it matches exactly what you just said, that you would buy this if you had to drive every day.
I'll also say these modern Volvo cars look phenomenal in person. Picture and video don't do the presence justice.
I've now had mine for six months and love it. I would have liked to get a darker interior, but in my market and with the exterior color I chose, I didn't have a choice. Going from an Audi with all black interior, it feels so much more light and airy, especially with the glass roof.
He's spot on about the sound system. It is incredible.
Are you in the southwest? I like this vehicle but have concern about the AC being in the touchscreen only and the 4 cylinder- how long will it take for the vehicle to cool on a 115 summer day in the desert.
I own one, and I LOVE IT!!!! But I do agree on the engine. I miss the 5 cylinder that my old Volvo had. The 5 cylinders sound amazing for their small size, and that's one thing I wish I could change.
Unfortunately I do have to condition the leather every so often from stains on the light interior, but overall, it's a great car. :)
As someone who has owned a few B&W speakers, I am very happy to hear they are of the same high quality in the Volvo cars. I've never heard them in a car, but I can imagine.
I use B&W speakers at home. Sadly quite low down the range but still £1500 worth.
Got a 2020 V60 Polester Wagon 3 year Lease, incredible car.
Thanks for talking about the audio in your
reviews, a big consideration for me it is
Like you said, Volvo's are so solid and they just ooze build quality. Great review as always!
Screw the crosscountry for both the V60 & V90, the regular wagon variants is where it's at.
I drive a Volvo semi. Really like what they offer compared to the competition. They are highly competent and well engineered (sometimes a bit over-engineered,) and their understanding of ergonomics is second to none. One of my favourite things is the quality and tactility of their switchgear, which is something other semi's are severely lacking.
If their design philosophy translates to their automotive lineup, I'd seriously consider picking one up for my wife (not me, I prefer to shift my own gears and that understeer would really sap the fun out of it.) But I could be totally fine with driving this on road trips. It's the complexity of their engines that worries me. I would love to see them offer some simpler products downmarket to where I can get the saftey and ergonomics without worrying about multi-thousand dollar trips to the dealership for diagnostics.
The Gooseman with another great review. I will be first inline once Volvo makes a proper EV with their interior quality expertise
Polestar 2. Or Xc40 Recharge.
I don't have an identity yet, but I love a Volvo wagon.
Your music selection has been so on point lately.
This couldn’t come at a better time. We are leasing one tomorrow and your comments echo my thoughts almost exactly.
Remember when Volvo had a turbo charged inline 6? The good ole days (5 years ago).
I miss the Volvo inline 5! Loved my 850 Turbo.
Remember when they had a V8? (10 years ago) I have one.
Member when Volvo wasn't funded by Geely and wasn't about to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Chinese?
@malikail57 Yea, the U.S definitely is not their market. It all went downhill when they got sold to the Chinese.
I have the naturally aspirated 2.4. Not going to sell it ever. Will keep it alive until I live. I never sit in anything better than that and I never will.
I'm offended - I identify as a fresh water fish. You didn't include me. Booo!
@Antonio Zamudio Awwww
Y'all are literally too old to be making jokes this stupid. If you don't want to understand people that are different than you, fine. Just leave them alone
It has much more HP then you would ever need for commuting, how the heck do you guys drive?
I hope wagons have a moment again here in the states. So ready for the surge of bloated sedans on stilts to end.
the front end of this car is soo cool looking.
First time I watched your ’show’, I didn’t appreciate it and I apologize for this! You are so different to the rest ...Now after +25 episodes I think you are the best!
Couldn't agree more about the 4 cylinder path Volvo have taken. Even their biggest SUVs have the same engine. Why would you pay top dollar for this when other manufacturers offer 6 cylinder alternatives for not much more?
Because in unamerican countries, said larger engines makes you pay through the nose for the taxes.
@@HrHaakon not true. This car emits 164g/km of co2 when BMW's 540 estate with 6 cylinder 3.0 petrol emits 166g/km placing it in same tax bracket in most of Europe. Volvo are charging premium prices for sub-premium engineering.
@@davecom3 The EU has displacement limitations on manufacturers now. Volvo thought it would be economical to comply by having a modular powertrain.
@@MrCarGuy can you point me in the direct of those engine displacement limitation regulations? I can only see tax systems based on emissions only.
@@davecom3 I'm not talking about consumer taxes. There aren't direct laws that I know of that specifically address engine capacity but, on average, displacement _does_ relate to emissions. That is why it is forcing EU manufacturers to comply with the increasing strictness by reducing average displacement each year. Volvo thought it would just have one powertrain.
The EU provides credits to the manufacturers for "eco tech" as well. And I'm sure Volvo gets them.
Remember when Volvo used 5-cylinder engines?
Yes. If they had a 5 in this, it would rock.
The V70 sounded great.
Yeah I member
I still got one))
@@Phinexx 'Member star wars?
Can’t afford a home stereo setup but can buy a 55k box on wheels - ok 👌
Mr. Geese's outro is so relaxing....a nice and calm way to end a video
Working for their truck division, I had to go to Sweden last year, our Uber here in France was a new C class cdi, I'm not into new cars, but I was amazed by how their transmission is smooth, the interior is quiet, no rattles or anything, even the vibrations from the 4 cylinders were filtered really good. Landed over there, the taxi to Gothenburg was a V90, really liked the interior look, a lot more than the merc, it felt warm, wood, leather, really nice place to be in. Being a taxi is probably not the best candidate, but I also heard a few squeaks and rattles, and the gearbox was not that great compared to the merc. I'm so sad they let down the 5 cylinders, I really liked that, and the Yamaha v8.. good old days..
When I just got my license I had craving for sports cars, off road, all kinds of. Few years later I went for Volvo and since then it's the only brand for me.
I grew up driving Saabs. Now I'm into My new V60 CC.
Volvo isn’t what it used to be that’s for sure
Well, that's most 2.0L turbo 4s these days. I'm actually sort of glad that they don't pump in fake audio!
Good review, I purchased this same Volvo with black interior, I love it especially the audio. I blast Spotify on the Bowers! EPIC experience. I live in NH it's great in the snow. It's a tank. And the app for auto start is nice too when it's -10. You can set the heated wheel and seats to go on automatically.
John Gaudet nice. What’s your payment
Any negatives so far? (I have test-driven Volvo wagons recently with the base, standard audio system, and it's excellent. I doubt I'd pay more for something else.)
"More plastic body panels for those who like to seek adventure." LOL! I lost it! xDDDD
I would love to have you do a review on the Polestar "enhanced" software that improves engine performance.
Curious about this, too. Hard to find a good review of it.
Yeah, I was online configuring a v60 and wondering what the heck that option gets you. Vague AND expensive!
A Golden Goose award sounds pretty spicy m8
the cross country is one of the most handsome cars, big but sleek, rides high but not as clunky as an SUV. The Icelandic police use these and they look great
The base stereo in my ‘15 S60 is seriously better than any other car stereo I’ve experienced so far, and I know the newer B&W system is even better.
Can't believe Chevy didn't fly you out to Vegas for a comprehensive first impressions on the C8, just like every other RUclipsr.
I own an S60 T5 FWD, which makes it about 40 mpg at long trips in 55 mph (in it's ecomode). However, I easily make it down to 28 mpg in comfortmode and a lot of overtaking.
As a Swede, this review made me kinda proud.
the engine is bad and noisy .. so
yeah nothing to be proud about
here
Soyden, also known as Blandland
To bad more and more are build in China instead of Europe. That would be a turnoff for me.
Why? Isn't this a Chinese vehicle?
It is. Real Volvo would never had a red turn signals.
Love my Volvo but my dealer experience has been horrendous. Great video Scott.
Pablocruiser what’s been the issue at dealer
@@chocolatewheelchair It has taken me 6 months to get a door handle repaired. Dealing with parts and service for that has been an ongoing 3 stooges clip. Perhaps this dealership can't find competent help. I've contacted Volvo corporate and expressed my concerns and have contemplated filing a BBB complaint in an attempt to force them to buy this car back. It's ashame as I love the car and have been a lifelong Volvo lover. I've watched 3 dealerships fold in the past year and now the closest one is a 1.5 hour drive.
Pablocruiser wow that is annoying man. Sorry to hear about this. Did they at least give you an adequate loaner car??
@@chocolatewheelchair Thanks. I have the repair scheduled for March 2nd and they're telling me they'll have one there for me. We shall see. With my work schedule and distance to the dealership I may not be able to return the loaner for a week. I see that as their problem, not mine. It should be interesting : )
Pablocruiser definitely. Keep me updated if you can man
Of course the radio lists "Swedish Meatballs Recipe" as the current playing audio in like every shot of the driver POV. You're a funny goose.
I have the same two tone interior on my 2015 S60 and keeping it clean in a pain. But it looks SO GOOD when it is.
I drove the 4 banger you only hear it under hard acceleration, under normal conditions you don’t hear the engine at all
I have a 2018 S90. It was $48,000 new, current trade in value at 30,000 miles is $21,000. Yep, it lost 55% in two years. That's why he says lease. Obscene depreciation on non-SUVs.
Scott Stratton how come you bought man? Do you put on a lot of miles per year?
I think that leasing is a waste of money, personally, but I know that lots of people do it because they like to change cars often. If I were going to spend money to get this, I'd buy it outright to keep it long-term and not worry about depreciation.
cba tiau would you worry about cost of ownership? The whole point of luxury cars is to never pay for repairs out of pocket. Just let them fix it. Why would you want to be saddled with the cost out of warranty?
@@chocolatewheelchair Yes, I would worry about repair costs outside of warranty -- but that's true for any cars nowadays with all the complex stuff in them. My policy is to keep a car if I really really like it, even if it costs a lot to maintain (within reason), and to get rid of a car if I don't like it. I have a 2001 V70XC wagon that I really like because it's superbly practical in terms of utility, fun to drive, looks great, is very stable at high speeds, etc. -- but it takes a lot to maintain; its having no infotainment screen (and buttons/knobs for everything) is a huge plus, which would annoy me with these new Volvos so that I'd likely not keep them past warranty.
How come this channel is so underrated?
You should really get a some T6 Volvo with Polestar optimization package installed to review.
I agree that the engine is loud for a car like this; however I do like that engine sound. My opinion, in general, is some good engine sound never hurts, regardless of the car.
Don't understand the lease argument - you pay for depreciation either way and if it's not reliable you can dump it anytime you want if you buy it
exactly... I ran the numbers a few years ago, and leasing wasn't even close to buying in terms of financial numbers (leasing much worse); you have to limit your mileage, you have to worry about dings and dents, you're stuck for the period of the loan, and you have zero equity while throwing tons of money at the automaker/bank.
You should give out awards. Call em the golden goose.
I'm surprised that you think its quiet. I hade the D4 version a couple of days ( wintertyres) and i find the roadnoise very desturbing. And the gearbox couldn't deside what gear to use. It was a constant changing of gears despite a steady speed.
Getting a new car this summer, been trying to decide between the GTI or a S60. I'd be buying the GTI, leasing the S60, I haven't test drove the Volvo yet though. Love seeing this videos man, thank you.
IMO another very good review but your conclusion was very polite; so-so engine/trans/handling and don't dare buying it. Love the honesty and how you do your reviews. I always watch them even if I have little interest in the subject reviewed.
This review opened me up to test driving one solely because you said that the right quality was quite good. I had heard previously that that was a weak spot for Volvo.
The plaid cloth interior is the way to go.
never seen it in person, but it looks gorgeous on their website. that's the one for me as well.
Isn't the PLAID interior only on the V60, not the X-country? Would love the plaid in the X-Country for sure.
They have wool too which I'd be into except on the V60 they only let you have grey/charcoal with charcoal interior trim, it's not a great look.
Not for me. I do like the wool in the new xc90s. But it is only in the 2020 xc90s.
was just talking about this thing today...
such a nice looking car, pretty appealing
Volvo use the same Aisin transmission as Lexus. I wonder why they would not behave in a very similar way? Is it all in the tuning of the engine-transmission combination?
That's exactly it. Different tunes for different needs.
It is probabvly reliable since it is what Lexus uses otherwise also Lexus is shit in terms of reliability.
Marko Košir that would be a shock to most Lexus owners. I had 160k miles on an LS430 and the transmission still shifted beautifully. I have 98k on a 460 now and it’s the same story. You still see a ton of older Lexus vehicles here in the US and I know many people with Lexus vehicles both old and new. The models with the most problems are the IS, or at least they were. The control arms on the LS 460 are problem areas but the fix isn’t too bad. But they still blow away the Germans in terms of reliability overall. The small electric parts are pretty durable. Window regulators last 15 years easily. The Lexus combo port/direct injection let’s you skip a service other GDI cars will need around 100,000 miles. You have fewer plastic parts than in say a BMW and won’t have a cracked plastic oil pan. They don’t have a problem comparable to the BMW timing chain guide and VANOS failures. The regular dealer service on Lexus is much cheaper than say the A and B services at Mercedes and the dealership experience is always first rate. I will admit that the 4.6L can develop a coolant leak in the valley of the engine which is about 1600 USD to fix. I know firsthand. So, again, there are some models with specific issues but the macro data shows you are quite incorrect about their reliability.
When Mark says lease-only, I cross it off my list.
i want this exact car - love that interior with that steering wheel. Used of course.
Volvo was a no show at the Toronto International car show in 2020. Also absent was Mercedes.
i like a unique experience that is not boring
Wish the V70 was still made.
I laughed at “no identity yet” :)
I like Volvo wagons, but the cross country adds the plastic cladding, which I know is probably necessary, but makes it look kind of cheap. The interior picks things up where this lets it down, tho
during the time i was searching to buy a used vehicle . i was almost going to buy Volvo . but my mechanic warned me that if he needed to give them a call for technical assistance on some of their electronics repairs. they won't give any advices what so ever very stingy and annoyingly arrogant. so some time you may find no choice but to pay arm and leg to fix issue at the dealer . !! knowing that. the repairs on a Volvo is very expensive unfortunately!!! their exterior design is amazing .. thanks for the video
I miss the Zelda links awakening beach sound... Great review
I am getting ready to buy my 3rd Volvo. First one was a 2015 Volvo V60, second, and my current, is a 2017 XC60. The 3rd is going to be a 2020 V60 CC. Just love the comfort. I test drove a brand new VW Taos.. holy crap, what a difference! The 2.0 turbo has been very good for us. 100% disagree with this guys take on the engine.. and that's ok.
Volvo's leather quality has always been behind the other luxury brands in durability.
Great cars if only they had a decent engine. Will be holding on to my S80 V8.
2:28 maybe you dont have the money to buy a Home Audio.. but somehow could afford a Volvo
I wish there will be other station wagon options on the market other than luxury
Same Transmission thats used by BMW (ZF 8-gear)
Remember when Volvo bought V8's from Yamaha? That's what their current lineup needs.
Michael Campbell 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Here's some good ole info about that v8. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_B8444S_engine
I personally love the v8. If your exhaust breaks like mine right before the second pair of catalytic converters it sounds amazing and it got 28mpg compare to the normal 20.3mpg I normally got. It's very quick engine and extremely reliable.
Disagree. They need to stay on the direction toward hybrids and then go to ultra-quiet electric cars. The V8s were in very few s80s and were overkill. The inline 6s and 5s were lovely but Volvo spends their money now on refining their cars as opposed to having different engines to develop. Honestly, I do think if Volvo wants to go further upmarket that they use a turbo 6 from another manufacturer while they transition to electric cars. But no bigger than a 6.
Infotainment is pretty good - he is knit picking - other reviewers have said it’s not far off iDrive (BM)
A v6 engine and a better infotainment system and i would get this car tomorrow!
Gurgui 88 it’s not a good brand
I agree. The Sensus computer system is being replaced in MY2021 Volvos with the new Google OS, which should be way better and include Google Maps standard. I would never buy a Volvo with Sensus in it, and I suspect that Volvo has lost a ton of sales for these two reasons (Sensus; 4-cylinder engine).
it looks so cool
3:13 Friendly's...some great memories of "between tournament games meals" at that place.
It’s such an awesome car. I love mine.
Buick Regal TourX next
They have been CANCELLED with all their other cars. RIP. LOL...
GARBAGE anyway, with a puny motor and low belly. The back is USELESS for camping or hauling much of anything. Same mistake as the pathetic Chrysler Magnum. I had a 2005 300 for 15 years and loved it.
Spot on review. I have the xc60 for all the reasons you mentioned. The best daily driver for the price. It has dual integrated booster seats in the back which easily convert back to regular seats. My fuel economy is steadily only 21.5 mpg for a 20 minute light commute with no traffic and not driving like a bandit.
I like the car, and I like your video. It's amazing.
Nice looking wagon. I wish sporty wagons were more popular.