2021 V90 Cross Country - Ownership Thread
Discussion
A thread about my V90 Cross Country which replaced a P2 XC70 that we had for six years and took to 220k miles
( Volvo XC70 D5 - yet more comfy bargeness )
The brief was simple - a modern, low mileage replacement for the XC70 for continued family duties.
AWD and some ground clearance help with dependability and usabilty around here during the winter months, but we also have a L405 Range Rover so no need for another large 4x4 SUV in the house. Estate absolutely must-have, and it needed to be the larger of the platforms with a decent wheelbase as I have long legs and my kids are heading that way too.
Whilst the XC70 started out as a station/tip winter runabout in the household, specifically bought to move a house pre-covid, it had quickly become very useful and used daily as various children arrived. I found myself being in it up to 2 hours a day for commuting and coordinated nursery drop offs and collections. So plan was to spend £25-30k to get in to something nice, to keep for 10+ years and 200k+ miles.
The shortlist became:
Audi A6 All Road
Mercedes E350/400d All Terrain
Volvo V90 Cross Country
I tried all and the Merc was the clear winner, with air susp, masses of space and a touch of class. But they are very rare and command a considerable premium. Plus a quick look at the running costs (parts prices) for projected 200k miles of ownership made it expensive further.
The Audi's were nice (air susp too) but the C7's are bit long in the tooth now and I couldn't get on with spaceship like C8 (despite an extended test drive). My budget didn't get a particularly good spec/age/mileage combination either.
I looked at the V90's last as I had fancied a brand change and they are all four cylinder's which I presumed to be a bit of a stretch on this size of car. However when I looked at and drove one I realised just how well spec'd they are, super comfortable (even though not air susp) and the 4-cyl VEA diesel worked very well with the 8-speed Aisin gearbox. I then realised I'd driven a 'Polestar Optimised' one and learned all about that.
So I setup the usual eBay and Autotrader searches and took my time/was quite picky about the spec, as the XC70 wasn't in a rush to die. After 9 months or so of looking at a lot online, and viewing a few, this one appeared 30 mins up the road at Volvo Leamington on their approved-used Selekt scheme:
2021 B4 Cross Country
Polestar Optimised
Bright Silver exterior, charcoal interior - this wasn't my first choice, but have grown to like it.
Options: Lounge (pano roof + other bits), Driver Assist, phone prep, etc
I went and had a look at it on a Friday afternoon, test drove it and decided it fitted the bill nicely. A first stab at doing a deal was unsuccessful so I left them with my best offer for the weekend....
More to write in subsequent posts, but only had 20mins to myself for this instalment!
( Volvo XC70 D5 - yet more comfy bargeness )
The brief was simple - a modern, low mileage replacement for the XC70 for continued family duties.
AWD and some ground clearance help with dependability and usabilty around here during the winter months, but we also have a L405 Range Rover so no need for another large 4x4 SUV in the house. Estate absolutely must-have, and it needed to be the larger of the platforms with a decent wheelbase as I have long legs and my kids are heading that way too.
Whilst the XC70 started out as a station/tip winter runabout in the household, specifically bought to move a house pre-covid, it had quickly become very useful and used daily as various children arrived. I found myself being in it up to 2 hours a day for commuting and coordinated nursery drop offs and collections. So plan was to spend £25-30k to get in to something nice, to keep for 10+ years and 200k+ miles.
The shortlist became:
Audi A6 All Road
Mercedes E350/400d All Terrain
Volvo V90 Cross Country
I tried all and the Merc was the clear winner, with air susp, masses of space and a touch of class. But they are very rare and command a considerable premium. Plus a quick look at the running costs (parts prices) for projected 200k miles of ownership made it expensive further.
The Audi's were nice (air susp too) but the C7's are bit long in the tooth now and I couldn't get on with spaceship like C8 (despite an extended test drive). My budget didn't get a particularly good spec/age/mileage combination either.
I looked at the V90's last as I had fancied a brand change and they are all four cylinder's which I presumed to be a bit of a stretch on this size of car. However when I looked at and drove one I realised just how well spec'd they are, super comfortable (even though not air susp) and the 4-cyl VEA diesel worked very well with the 8-speed Aisin gearbox. I then realised I'd driven a 'Polestar Optimised' one and learned all about that.
So I setup the usual eBay and Autotrader searches and took my time/was quite picky about the spec, as the XC70 wasn't in a rush to die. After 9 months or so of looking at a lot online, and viewing a few, this one appeared 30 mins up the road at Volvo Leamington on their approved-used Selekt scheme:
2021 B4 Cross Country
Polestar Optimised
Bright Silver exterior, charcoal interior - this wasn't my first choice, but have grown to like it.
Options: Lounge (pano roof + other bits), Driver Assist, phone prep, etc
I went and had a look at it on a Friday afternoon, test drove it and decided it fitted the bill nicely. A first stab at doing a deal was unsuccessful so I left them with my best offer for the weekend....
More to write in subsequent posts, but only had 20mins to myself for this instalment!
...after the weekend the dealership was a bit more interested in my offer and we reached agreement over the phone. Whilst they couldn't/wouldn't do as much as hoped on the headline number, they were able to add value to the deal via 2 years warranty, 2 years of free servicing and some extra bits I wanted like winter rubber mats, dog guard, etc. As part of the prep to sell the car they also put on new wheels, tyres and brakes all round, as well as servicing the car/putting a fresh MOT on, despite it only being mid-interval for those.
The following weekend I collected the car, very pleased with what I'd purchased.
Pressed straight in to family use and remaining shiney for at least the first weekend (although hopefully silver generally hides the dirt going forward):
The acid test being letting the hooligans lose on it:
The following weekend I collected the car, very pleased with what I'd purchased.
Pressed straight in to family use and remaining shiney for at least the first weekend (although hopefully silver generally hides the dirt going forward):
The acid test being letting the hooligans lose on it:
andy43 said:
I ve not actually driven one but I really like these. The interior is a masterpiece, so comfy, and I ve always liked the V90s looks.
Just wish they still did proper engines.
The interior really is a high point in automotive design. The leather topped dash and doorcards make it feel premium, in particular. Also a big fan of the driving positions it can accomodate.Just wish they still did proper engines.
This B4 engine is the VEA twin-turbo D4 with a starter/generator on the aux drive belt for instant stop/start and 15hp or so of mild hybrid. With the Polestar map it's rated at 220bhp and 450Nm. It's fast enough around the houses, particularly with zero lag from the small turbo and electric assist. It's given us 42mpg average over first 1k miles with us (zero motorway, mostly rural A and B roads). You notice it run out of puff when going for A-road overtakes.
I test drove a couple of T6s - these are a petrol VEA 4-cyl with a turbo and supercharger and 316Nm. It pulled strongly and was very linear, but low 20MPGs seems the best you could get on my type of use.
trevalvole said:
You've mentioned B4 and D4. Aren't the normal petrols the Bs and the diesels the Ds, or have I got it wrong?
It used to be T for petrol and D for diesel, then they changed to B for all the (mild) hybrids, whether petrol or diesel.Nice choice OP, I still miss my T5 CC that I had on the absurdly cheap lease deal in 2019, but not the 26 mpg fuel bills.
Magic blue over tan is still the best colour choice (sorry OP)
Great choice OP. Like these a lot thinking about one to replace our venerable 7P Touareg when the day comes.
Though I am torn, for me these sort of things need a 6cylinder of some description, but I m trying to step away from the black pump. So either I m dropping two cylinders for a V90 CC or going for an import C7 Allroad. I m totally in agreement that a E400 All Terrain would be the perfect wagon but then we re back to an oil burner. There s the left field Outback but they come with a rather asthmatic 2.5 NA now the H6 is no longer a thing.
How’s the ride? Have terrible potholes around my way (most do now) does it crash or is it well damped?
Though I am torn, for me these sort of things need a 6cylinder of some description, but I m trying to step away from the black pump. So either I m dropping two cylinders for a V90 CC or going for an import C7 Allroad. I m totally in agreement that a E400 All Terrain would be the perfect wagon but then we re back to an oil burner. There s the left field Outback but they come with a rather asthmatic 2.5 NA now the H6 is no longer a thing.
How’s the ride? Have terrible potholes around my way (most do now) does it crash or is it well damped?
Edited by jwwbowe on Saturday 1st November 17:27
I had a T6 for two years and the engine was not exciting enough for low-20s mpg. The diesel seems a far more appealing proposition. There is so much to like about them and I still think the adaptive cruise and lane assist is better than others I ve used.
Having had two C7 Allroads and done quite a lot of miles in them, I think they are more fun to drive but do feel a bit older. I wanted a C8 Allroad but they d stopped making them so I swapped to an S6 Avant and don t regret it, though I took the Allroads and the V90 CC green laning which I obviously can t do now. I can see why you d keep it 10 years; there s nothing obvious to replace it if you don t want an SUV.
I look forward to your updates; I anticipate they will be full of calm and satisfying content.
Having had two C7 Allroads and done quite a lot of miles in them, I think they are more fun to drive but do feel a bit older. I wanted a C8 Allroad but they d stopped making them so I swapped to an S6 Avant and don t regret it, though I took the Allroads and the V90 CC green laning which I obviously can t do now. I can see why you d keep it 10 years; there s nothing obvious to replace it if you don t want an SUV.
I look forward to your updates; I anticipate they will be full of calm and satisfying content.
Edited by Jobbo on Saturday 1st November 20:02
Following and very interested to see how you get on with V90 life. I was very close to picking up a V90CC this year but went for a V60CC T5 in the end, parking is a challenge where I am so the slightly shorter car works well as it's only 2 of us plus the dog. I also also got a Selekt car with similar warranty included
My usage isnt quite high enough to justify a diesel and I'm seeing about 35mpg average with the T5 so far, though thats dropping as the temperature drops
The spec was what won me over compared to the E-class/5 series tourings that were also in the running. Heated seats, screen and wheel, adaptive cruise (that I got the dealer to add as the v60 doesn't have it as std - a disappointing initial test drive when I found this out) car play and a hidden factory tow bar. It took me ages to get the drivers seat set up but it's there now.
I see Volvo have the polestar optimisation on a discount I might give it a go.
My usage isnt quite high enough to justify a diesel and I'm seeing about 35mpg average with the T5 so far, though thats dropping as the temperature drops
The spec was what won me over compared to the E-class/5 series tourings that were also in the running. Heated seats, screen and wheel, adaptive cruise (that I got the dealer to add as the v60 doesn't have it as std - a disappointing initial test drive when I found this out) car play and a hidden factory tow bar. It took me ages to get the drivers seat set up but it's there now.
I see Volvo have the polestar optimisation on a discount I might give it a go.
Another Midlands-based V90 owner here; albeit, a standard non-CC model.
Mine is a D4, bought largely for the same purposes - I wanted an estate over the SUV, standard kit was high, and it’ll be used primarily to haul the family and their stuff around, so the size and safety were more valuable attributes than chassis dynamics.
Following with interest. Looking ahead, I’d possibly be replacing with a V60 CC.
Mine is a D4, bought largely for the same purposes - I wanted an estate over the SUV, standard kit was high, and it’ll be used primarily to haul the family and their stuff around, so the size and safety were more valuable attributes than chassis dynamics.
Following with interest. Looking ahead, I’d possibly be replacing with a V60 CC.
Chris_i8 said:
Nice choice OP, looks really smart.
It's funny as I'm not a fan of how a normal V90 looks but jack it up a little and attach some plastic body cladding and it transforms it..well to my eyes at least.
Chris
Thanks Chris, I prefer the Cross Country too but mostly for functional reasons - the bigger tyres and longer suspension make it more comfortable on the roads the car lives on, and the additional ground clearance helps with the winter months and a particular series of roads that flood badly.It's funny as I'm not a fan of how a normal V90 looks but jack it up a little and attach some plastic body cladding and it transforms it..well to my eyes at least.
Chris
The normal V90 in r-design is quite fetching to my eyes!
Mammasaid said:
Nice choice OP, I still miss my T5 CC that I had on the absurdly cheap lease deal in 2019, but not the 26 mpg fuel bills.
Magic blue over tan is still the best colour choice (sorry OP)
Not at all, if I could've got a more interesting colour combo I would've! Although they offered three interior colours for this MY - charcoal, maroon brown and slate - very few seem to be anything other than charcoal. Magic blue over tan is still the best colour choice (sorry OP)
It was your posts on some older threads on here that helped me choose diesel btw
jwwbowe said:
Great choice OP. Like these a lot thinking about one to replace our venerable 7P Touareg when the day comes.
Though I am torn, for me these sort of things need a 6cylinder of some description, but I m trying to step away from the black pump. So either I m dropping two cylinders for a V90 CC or going for an import C7 Allroad. I m totally in agreement that a E400 All Terrain would be the perfect wagon but then we re back to an oil burner. There s the left field Outback but they come with a rather asthmatic 2.5 NA now the H6 is no longer a thing.
How s the ride? Have terrible potholes around my way (most do now) does it crash or is it well damped?
Thanks. The C8 Allroad came with a TFSI (petrol) engine that makes for an appealing package.Though I am torn, for me these sort of things need a 6cylinder of some description, but I m trying to step away from the black pump. So either I m dropping two cylinders for a V90 CC or going for an import C7 Allroad. I m totally in agreement that a E400 All Terrain would be the perfect wagon but then we re back to an oil burner. There s the left field Outback but they come with a rather asthmatic 2.5 NA now the H6 is no longer a thing.
How s the ride? Have terrible potholes around my way (most do now) does it crash or is it well damped?
I am particular about ride - north and west oxfordshire has roads ravaged by potholes, missing road surfaces and a year of HS2 dump trucks driving through and adding to the party. The car spends all it's time on these roads; the benchmark for me is the L322 RR (air sprung) and the old XC70 which had 65-section tyres and very long travel/soft springs with good dampers...
The V90CC rides very well and it's suspension insulates the worse of the road surfaces particularly well. The only time a sudden movement becoming noticeable is on double wheel droop then bump e.g. a traverse expansion joint or utility trench, which does come with a damped thud too. It was supplied by Volvo on new Continental EcoContact5 which are OK but quite noisy on different surfaces - other V90CC I drove had softer, quieter tyres. I'll be swapping to my preferred Michelin CrossClimates as soon as these wear out.
Some of the earlier V90CC's I tried felt a bit floaty at speed (i.e. underdamped), even ones with low mileage. I don't know if they revised the dampers for the facelift or if those ones were just tired.
TurboRob said:
Mammasaid said:
Nice choice OP, I still miss my T5 CC that I had on the absurdly cheap lease deal in 2019, but not the 26 mpg fuel bills.
Magic blue over tan is still the best colour choice (sorry OP)
Not at all, if I could've got a more interesting colour combo I would've! Although they offered three interior colours for this MY - charcoal, maroon brown and slate - very few seem to be anything other than charcoal. Magic blue over tan is still the best colour choice (sorry OP)
It was your posts on some older threads on here that helped me choose diesel btw
TurboRob said:
Thanks. The C8 Allroad came with a TFSI (petrol) engine that makes for an appealing package.
I am particular about ride - north and west oxfordshire has roads ravaged by potholes, missing road surfaces and a year of HS2 dump trucks driving through and adding to the party. The car spends all it's time on these roads; the benchmark for me is the L322 RR (air sprung) and the old XC70 which had 65-section tyres and very long travel/soft springs with good dampers...
The V90CC rides very well and it's suspension insulates the worse of the road surfaces particularly well. The only time a sudden movement becoming noticeable is on double wheel droop then bump e.g. a traverse expansion joint or utility trench, which does come with a damped thud too. It was supplied by Volvo on new Continental EcoContact5 which are OK but quite noisy on different surfaces - other V90CC I drove had softer, quieter tyres. I'll be swapping to my preferred Michelin CrossClimates as soon as these wear out.
Some of the earlier V90CC's I tried felt a bit floaty at speed (i.e. underdamped), even ones with low mileage. I don't know if they revised the dampers for the facelift or if those ones were just tired.
Thanks, your local roads sound about as bad as mine, I can live with what you describe and non-air sprung cars do tend to be a little less painful to run long term. Will have to drive a couple, I’m skeptical about hybrid stuff long term would prefer purely ICE. I am particular about ride - north and west oxfordshire has roads ravaged by potholes, missing road surfaces and a year of HS2 dump trucks driving through and adding to the party. The car spends all it's time on these roads; the benchmark for me is the L322 RR (air sprung) and the old XC70 which had 65-section tyres and very long travel/soft springs with good dampers...
The V90CC rides very well and it's suspension insulates the worse of the road surfaces particularly well. The only time a sudden movement becoming noticeable is on double wheel droop then bump e.g. a traverse expansion joint or utility trench, which does come with a damped thud too. It was supplied by Volvo on new Continental EcoContact5 which are OK but quite noisy on different surfaces - other V90CC I drove had softer, quieter tyres. I'll be swapping to my preferred Michelin CrossClimates as soon as these wear out.
Some of the earlier V90CC's I tried felt a bit floaty at speed (i.e. underdamped), even ones with low mileage. I don't know if they revised the dampers for the facelift or if those ones were just tired.
Agree on the Michelin CCs we have a set on the Touareg winter wheels. Much better ride, though take a small hit in consumption.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff