XC90 T6 or B6 (circa 2018/19)

[Username888]

I've decided on a XC90 (circa 2019 model). Just what I am looking for. I'm having difficulty deciding on the engine. Hoping PH may help me decide?!

T6 - supercharged/turbo charged petrol (+ polestar)

B5 - diesel hybrid (I'd probably get polestar added)

I've only owned petrol cars, - my journeys are mixed; probably 6 short journeys a (1 - 2 miles) + 2 longer journeys ( 50 - 80 miles) - per week.

Will I miss that overtaking speed that a petrol has when the revs build, - ie, will a diesel running out of puff at 5k be that annoying?

Am I right that the diesel clatter is only really noticable on cold starts? And not that audiable from inside the cabin? how about in traffic jams at slow speeds with the window down.

Obviously it's a cruiser, - but I dont want to feel frustrated because of tardiness!?

[Glitzy Mitzy]

I wouldn't have said there was any justification for picking a diesel at such low weekly mileage. Indeed, it'd probably harm the engine unless the diesel-hybrid gear resulted in the car always using electric propulsion. If that was the case, one has to question what the point is.

Would a smaller, petrol car not work better for such use?

Edited by Glitzy Mitzy on Wednesday 4th March 14:32

[Username888]

Yes, i'm sure it probably would, however I dont want a smaller car, - I need a big boot to carry a lot of stuff on these weekly shorter journeys.
My logic was that the regular longer journeys would negate any dpf issues

[Muddle238]

We have a D4 V70, VEA engine which I think is the basic architecture of the diesel in that age of XC90.

Honestly, it's a bloody awful engine, IMO. Clattery and sounds like a tractor, totally unsuitable for a Volvo (5 cylinders would have been perfect, 2nd Gen XC90 is only available with a 4-pot)

We've been considering an XC90 next, but the engines are really putting me off Volvo at the moment. We've had them in the family constantly since 1993, however I think sadly our next vehicles may not be Volvos.

If you're doing short journeys, I'd suggest buying a cheap petrol estate and fold the seats down. An XC90 is a total barge, unless you need the space in which case buy a van.

[Glitzy Mitzy]

Just to add: can't think the compound-charged whizzo engine in the petrol Volvo would like such treatment, either. If it regularly isn't put through a proper warming cycle, bits like the bearings in the supercharger and turbocharger are going to get gummed up with thick oil.

Do turbochargers still have variable vanes? Remember there being a problem with variable vanes getting stuck in the engines of cars which weren't frequently put through their paces.

The above assumes that either the turbo or supercharger get used during the mile long journey! If the car is cold, neither should.

[BlackStang5point0]

I have an XC90 B5 mild hybrid diesel and its more than adequate performance / economy wise. I think as intimated above your very low mileage may not be ideal for longevity.

Not sure I agree with the poster that describes the engine as 'awful'. I was sceptical about a 4 pot in such a large vehicle but I've been pleasantly surprised with it's ability to do the job. Having had the same motor in a V60 D4 neither have been particularly diesel'y and clattery maybe the one referenced above was a bit broken

Take a test drive in both and decide what suits your needs best.