Hard downshift on 2011 S 80 T6 with 6 speed AWD

[buster]

Took factory delivery of my S80 in May of 2011. Right from the beginning, noticed that I often feel a hard downshift at around 1K RPM. Had it back to the dealer at service intervals, can find nothing wrong. They did one software upgrade, but next day it went right back to same old problem. They say they have driven it, but can't see any problem. I like everything about this car except this transmission. Sometimes it feels like you are downshifting manually. Am I crazy or what. I have never had any vehcle, in all my years of driving where you actually feel it downshifting. Now have 28K on this car. Anyone else out there wit this problem?

[renzo86]

Let me share what happened to me. I went from a 2000 s80 T6 (front wheel drive) to a 2004 s60R (all wheel drive). I wasn't used to weird downshifting from AWD Volvo's so from the moment I purchased my s60r I thought something was going on inside the transmission so I took it back to the dealer where I got it from 4 times and even argued with them about my purchase. After visiting a Volvo dealer and an independent Volvo shop I had the same answer: body valve along with an update.
I wasn't so sure about it and the place where I got the R from wouldn't do anything else for me (they also took it to a Volvo dealer), I found another Volvo specialist who works with AWD and even better owns a s60r. After inspecting my car and test driving it and talking to him he told me AWD's feel totally different from FWD or RWD's.

So I think it's just about what we get used to drive and not something bad with the car.

Hope this helps..
Hope you get to like your car!