Introducing my 2016 XC90 T8 R-Design

[vivaperformance]

Hi all,

I'm excited to introduce you to my 2016 XC90 T8 R-Design in Passion Red!
I purchased the vehicle in October 2016 from Galpin Volvo in Van Nuys, CA (if you need a referral, let me know!)






I just recently broke the 1000 mile mark on the odometer, I am thoroughly enjoying this vehicle and have no major complaints.
22" Heico Sportiv Volution wheels were recently installed, along with 285/35-22 Eagle F1 Summer Tires. The car handles like it's on rails, which is impressive given the size and weight of this car!

Future plans include: Radar detector, Dash Cam, Polestar tune, Black trim/mirror covers/front grille, Heico lowering springs, and some other surprises

[matthew1]

That is one exceptional XC90, George. I was just thinking the other day that red XC90s of either generation are too rare.

For first-gen XC90s, I don't think red was available with the 5- or 6-cylinders, only on the 8. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Whatever the case, it's good to see red is available again. I find myself driving behind or next to lines of grey SUVs all the time. SUVs are extremely popular here in Colorado for obvious reasons, and I suppose buyers tend to get shy when it's time to pick a color.

Another thing about SPA XC90 models is that, here anyway, EVERY ONE is a T6. In fact I've never even seen a T5 or T8 on the street.

If it was my money I'd be buying a T6, so I'm not knocking these drivers. The entry level T6 is right at $53k, and it's a heck of an automobile for the money. For me it's the sweet spot. AWD, 7 seats, and midlevel 316-hp engine, plus a host of other treats.

I'm a fan of either a wagon (non-crossover, like a V90) or a full SUV, or both . I think if you're going to get driving dynamics, get them on a V90 with its lower center of gravity. And if you're going to get all-weather capability, go with a full SUV (XC90) with ground clearance. The crossover is kinda doing a little bit of everything and giving up a little bit of everything at the same time.

For what it's worth, I'd also look at one of those new Mazda CX-9 SUVs. http://www.caranddriver.com/features/be ... s-and-suvs

[abscate]

Love the red!! That's a nice ride...maybe I should go to Europe and look.

[jimmy57]

The T5 model is very nice also. It obviously gives up some oomph compared to T6 but it is so much more rewarding to drive than 3.2L P2 XC90. Better MPG too. I drove a base model for a few days and it had few options. It had the base instrument cluster without the full TFT display so it can't show NAV on cluster. I am not much of a NAV user so that feature was not missed at all. The base cluster does have temp gauge, remember those? (I have a BMW E60 and had some P3 models prior to the TFT display, all models with no temp gauge)

[matthew1]

Do they have a dipstick?

[jimmy57]

No dipstick. Oil level sensor and on dash display if you access it. Warnings when it gets low that are more urgent as it gets lower.