I have lost faith in Indore service centre. Why did they change the master cylinder ?

BHPian sumukha recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Issue with the brakes- Problem remains even after 6 Months

Dear BHP family. I am facing a serious problem with my 2014 model Volvo XC 60 D5 AWD and seek help.

In sept. 2023 I gave the car for 80 K service even though it was done only 71 KM to Martial Motors Motors Bangalore as it was serviced with them since beginning.The was in excellent condition till than. When it was delivered I found some thing wrong with the Brake as the peddle was not holding firm and going down, I refused to take delivery and pointed out to the service guy who said he will check. The next day the car was delivered to me telling that there is nothing wrong and they have bleeded the BRAKE AND NOW ITS OK.

The very next day I started my pre planned trip to Indore. Reached Aurangabad for a night halt without any incident. Next day morning I started my journey towards Indore, within 30 minutes and about 40 kms drive realised that the brake pedal is slowly loosing its strength and I had to press it very hard to slow down. Reached Indore driving very carefully and took the car to Indore Volvo dealership. That was the nearest dealership.

The mechanic in INDORE again did the same process of bleeding the brake and said all OK, after one week of driving the same problem reappeared. After doing this for three times finally they said we have to change the Master cylinder. As this part was to be imported from Sweden, the car was parked in the workshop for one month.

The new master cylinder was fixed and the service head declared that the brake is Ok. Drove for 400 Km's and the problem started showing up. For some reasons the service guy decided to again bleed the brake. NO use. The car is not fit to drive practically since last September.

When I visited them today( INDORE) they were trying to bleed the whole braking system again. I asked them to check whether there is any slow leak in the brake callipers, checked absolutely no leak. Today they are in contact with the technical guy from the factory.

Since every time I took delivery of the car hoping that all is well, I have to clear the bill, resulting in paying the service centre nearly 80k so far.

I have lost faith in Indore service centre. Why they changed the master cylinder ? and what now ? Is this a issue which is very unique to my car ?

Appreciate members suggestions and help please.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Volvo is also offering a cash discount of Rs 1.78 lakh on the XC40 Recharge.

Volvo is offering discounts of up to Rs 6.95 lakh on the XC40 Recharge and XC60 as part of their ‘Festive Delight’ campaign.

The XC60 is available with a cash discount of Rs 6.95 lakh. As a result, the SUV now costs Rs 60.90 lakh (ex-showroom), down from Rs 67.85 lakh.

Powering the 2023 XC60 is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, developing 250 BHP and 350 Nm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Volvo is also offering a cash discount of Rs 1.78 lakh on the XC40 Recharge. The electric SUV is priced at Rs 55.12 lakh. Additionally, customers opting for the electric SUV can get a complimentary 3-year service and warranty.

The XC40 Recharge uses a dual-motor setup producing 402 BHP and 660 Nm, allowing the car to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The EV is powered by a 78 kWh battery pack that offers a maximum range of 418 km on a single charge.

It is only BMW which makes it clear as to what type of leather they use ( Sensatec, Vernasca, Merino, Dakota etc).

BHPian we_pull recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

We have been looking to buy a SUV, from either the value luxury or luxury segment, in a budget of about 70 L (preferably closer to 60).

After having searched I zeroed on XC 60, XC 40, Q3, GT 6, 3 GL, X1, GLC and Kodiaq. Bear with me please - I know these options are all over the place.

To keep things short a lot of these got taken away from the list as we realised that these cars have seats which have animal leather, which me and my Jain family disapprove of and while I can still make peace, my parents and spouse won’t sit on them. So with this following are out: XC 60 and 40, Q3, 6 GT, 3 GL, GLC and Kodiaq. It is only BMW which makes it clear which type of leather they use ( Sensatec, Vernasca, Merino, Dakota etc.). As for others - I checked and Volvos use animal skin leather. There is some confusion for Kodiaq as no one knows for sure - I have three different answers from three different dealerships and cities.

This leaves us with only X1 - I have driven only the petrol version and I like it. There is a bit of block in my head on the power having read on it so much however in real life driving it (the lack of power) doesn’t shown up much. A bit of block is also because I drive a 2 litre Elantra petrol right now and it’s fast.

My wife will drive the Elantra now and we will let go off her Santro. I started looking for a change because I wanted her to drive a safer car. She hardly drives a 1000 km a year and I thought a five year old Elantra will now start making sense as our second car while we can get an SUV now.

I am letting go of the EVs for now - not ready to handle range anxiety as of now for what will be our primary car. Although, for sure, the next one will be an EV.

Please weigh in on the above quandary. Any things I am missing or may be not thinking straight - analysis paralysis is what I feel now.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:

To the best of my knowledge, Merc has genuine leather only on the S Class nowadays. Everything else has fancy kinds of leatherettes and alcantara, not real animal skin. Kodiaq also does not have real leather. Of course, nobody is going publicly admit that.

You should tweet to the official handles of the respective companies about this, for formal clarification of this specific query.

Here's what BHPian nirmaljusdoit had to say on the matter:

Most luxury cars nowadays including Lexus have switched over to synthetic/art/artico/sensatec..blah blah leather for sustainability, vegan aspects etc.

Highly doubtful any luxury cars except maybe the S/7/A8 series comes with genuine leather as standard.

Here's what BHPian androdev had to say on the matter:

You can ask the dealers to provide detailed build data sheet of any car. It runs into few pages listing everything that's gone into the car. This would be the most definitive way to find. You can also do google search for each option code to find more details about that option or request their technical team to more details about the option codes.

Here is a sample for Mercedes, but similar stuff exists for other brands also.

• 1U1 - Protection valve for activated charcoal filter
• 205B - Owners manual and service record - English
• 210A - Leather
• 214A - Leather - Brown
• 218 - Rear-View camera
• 223 - Rear back rest adjustment and head restraints, ele
• 230 - Parking guidance
• 236 - Adaptive rear interior light
• 249 - Inside and outside mirror automatic dimming
• 275 - Memory package (driver seat, strg. col., mirror)
• 276 - Memory rear seat
• 289 - Leather steering wheel with trim insert
• 297 - Electric roller sun blinds in rear door LH and RH
• 2U3 - Air filter with water protection
• 301 - Ashtray package


Here's what BHPian abaliga had to say on the matter:

Kodiaq sportine most likely does not get genuine leather seats, I checked their UK website and it clearly says it is equipped with Leather ventilated seats for L&K while Sportline feature list just calls out 'Sport seats'

Being a vegetarian myself, I personally do not prefer to buy any product that is made out of genuine animal leather, not sure if we can completely avoid it though, let alone seats, almost all cars get steering and gear knobs wrapped in leather today, I think cars costing upwards of 35 lakhs get at least this one wrapped with genuine leather, I'l be happy to be proven wrong on this. With so many quality synthetic options, it's time manufacturers leave the customer's to spec it as per their tastes and preferences.

Here's what BHPian Cresterk had to say on the matter:

Real animal leather is expensive. All the mid tier luxury cars have been using fake/synthetic leather in our markets for a long time now. I don't think you can get real leather in a car unless you are spending 1.5 crores or more.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

By a turn of events we booked a Volvo C40 EV which gets delivered later this month.

BHPian V.Narayan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

The brown mare crossed 100,000 kms earlier in September. I even got a full serving done - the 10th to be precise. Then by a turn of events we booked a Volvo C40 EV which gets delivered later this month. My hope and aim was to transfer the XC60 to Raipur to an NGO I am associated with. Raipur has a Volvo dealer and I would be quite happy paying for the maintenance for my beloved car. But the transfer fees itself is in the order of Rs 7 lakhs and the risk that if the transfer isn't done the Delhi-NCR rules will terminate the registration of the car in 12 months or so. All rather messy.

So, with a heavy heart and a lump in my throat I have agreed to sell the XC60 today to my regular secondhand car dealer. His advantage is that he gets the transfer paperwork executed within a week. This will be my fourth car being sold via him.

My thanks to every member who contributed to this thread with posts. Thank you for sharing your views, questions, knowledge and appreciation.

Alas! My car has fallen victim to Delhi-NCRs (in my opinion) misplaced 10-year rule on diesels. Some may understand this trait of mine, and some may think I'm nuts but I talk to my cars, pat them, stroke them etc. For me a car is a pet in the house to be loved and cared for.

Some old photos of the Brown Mare one last time. Farwell dear friend. May you ride the roads with glory. May you serve the new owners with the same reliability you served me:

Here's what BHPian Hayek had to say on the matter:

Fully empathise with you and wish that Team BHP had a emoticon instead of just a Thanks button.

But I think you made the right decision - from an economic point of view, the NGO you back would be better off with your getting them an easier to maintain car and using the balance funds for other activities. The only good news is that you have used the car extensively - your mare has done 100,000 Km in 9 years - my own car just crossed 55000 in nearly 7. I do hope you received a decent price for the Mare - there will be plenty of folks in smaller towns perhaps in South India who would love to own this car.

Thanks once again for an outstanding thread and look forward to your thread on the C40 turning up soon.

Here's what BHPian DicKy had to say on the matter:

To think that this is what a smoking, badly maintained old car is according to our milords in NGT.

That said, with this mint condition, your cost no bar approach to pampering/maintenance and your driving style, the secondhand dealer just got himself a good deal, while there is a lucky 2nd owner waiting for your XC60.

Congrats on the C40 and can't wait to see an ownership report. Pretty sure it will also get a pet name like Mare and Bagheera.

Here's what BHPian Dippy had t o say on the matter:

Dear Narayan Sir,

It breaks my heart to see the XC60 go. I have followed your thread from day 1 and I have quite loved this gen of the XC60 even though the new one is leagues ahead in terms of tech and other things. I think Im just old school.

Your gen of the XC60 was a robust machine and a tough nut.

Wish you many happy miles with your new C40 Recharge and looking forward to your ownership review soon.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Reliability of the car & quality of after sales service and availability of parts is important

BHPian V.Narayan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Dear Team BHPians,

The brown mare, my Volvo XC60 will soon cross 9 years of age. During the course of its 10th year I intend to move her out of Delhi-NCR and transfer this rugged and loyal horse to an institution, outside Delhi, so that she can continue to render yeoman service for several more years. She has proved reliable as reliable can be and Volvo’s after sales service gets full marks from me.

The role the Volvo XC60 plays in my family’s life is as follows – long distance runs, runs to the airport/station with loads of bags, doubling up as the utility vehicle for household chores, transporting plants for my wife {very important, mind you}, my personal drive and the car the kids are allowed to drive when in town {we are now empty nesters}.

Which brings me to the advice I need – which car to buy to replace my Volvo XC60.

I am open to any mid-sized, super mid-sized SUV in the Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 70 lakhs range. This may seem like a rather wide range to some readers. The lower end of Rs 20 lakhs is determined by the minimum benchmark for quality of interiors. The upper number of Rs 70 lakhs is determined by my willingness to spend on a car. Of course one option is to simply go for the new Volvo XC60 mild hybrid and stay with the familiar and proven. But I am open to change too.

The key parameters laid out below are different from what most on Team BHP would go for. Maybe it is because I am in my 7th decade of life and hence have priorities suited to my age.

What I am looking for in the Volvo XC60 replacement:

Primary needs:

• Rear seat ingress and egress – ease. Is it friendly to passengers who are older, fatter or convalescing. Does the door open to 85 degrees or to only 65 degrees. High seat bench, wide door sills and doors that force you to enter at somewhat an angle will all be unpopular as my wife and I get older
• Rear seat ride comfort, cushy ride, NVH, leg space.
• Safety. Important but I’m not paranoid because neither I nor my driver go much above 80 kmph even on a highway. Still 3+ stars would be nice.
• Quality & looks of the interiors. Important to have plush looks. I like classy but muted looks. Don’t like the all black looks. Interiors with tan/beige/sage green decor are preferred.
• Reliability of the car & quality of after sales service and availability of parts. Last several years my cars have come from Lexus, Volvo and Honda. So I am rather spoilt from an A.S.S. point of view.

Secondary needs:

Big dickey space. My relatives love travelling with several big suitcases.

Spare tyre. Can’t live with run flats.

Petrol or Petrol-Hybrid. With Delhi-NCRs 15 year rule the car would last me till the end of my self-driving life.

Not important:

• Vroom, vroom, speed, ‘handling’ – in my eyes all cars these days are very good on handling and engine power. For the first decade and a half of my driving life I drove Padmini’s, Ambassadors, Heralds and occasionally the Maruti 800. So my yardstick is different.
• All electric won't work due to the car being often needed for cross country runs to slightly remote places
• Gizmos and overdose of electronics don't matter to me. I need a car to be a car not an infotainment device on wheels.

I am willing to look at the whole range of mid and upper mid sized SUVs from Mercedes, Volvo, Lexus, Kia, Hyundai, Toyota. Audi & BMW I’m not so sure but we can add them into the fray too. Not included Tata or JLR due to their weak reputation on A.S.S.

This is round one of my enquiries. Based on the advice coming in from fellow Team BHPians I’ll do some test drives over the next two months, then share my feedback on this thread and then in mid-2024 make the selection and go for the purchase. Maybe by June 2024 one or two more models might come in.

Thank you in advance for your inputs and advice and the trouble you take to share your suggestions.

V.Narayan

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

You should go for an MPV, depending on which you really like and your intended spend.

VFM replacement = Innova Hycross.

Splurge a little bit = next-gen Kia Carnival. Will be here in a couple of quarters.

Go all out = Toyota Vellfire.

I have a feeling you'll like the BMW X7 with captain seats too.

Here's what BHPian Axe77 had to say on the matter:

Here is what I think can be a decent starting list (edging marginally beyond your limit), in no specific order.

Mercedes GLC (petrol)

For your driving needs, this could perhaps be the top contender in fact. If upkeep cost is not a concern, I do believe a well maintained BMW / Mercedes can do duty for 10 - 12 years easily.

BMW X3 (petrol)

(If you can get one under 2 years old or if they relaunch it any time soon). German but reliable. Coming from a Volvo, it’ll continue giving you the whole luxury experience)

Volvo XC 60 (petrol)

Why fix what ain’t broken. More of the same is not necessarily a bad thing.

Toyota Innova Hycross (strong hybrid)

The practical choice. This will likely be the most comfortable of the lot, won’t attract attention if going to remote places and clearly one that will most easily do duty for 12 - 15 years. Only down side is its really going to make its utilitarian look and feel felt. The price of comfort and reliability.

Skoda Kodiaq (petrol)

The value luxury choice. It’ll give you European luxury at half the price. Well built and should easily do duty for 10 years if upkeep cost is not a concern. I know the reliability can be iffy but it may actually just be that top choice that doesn’t break the bank and still ticks most boxes. With a multi car garage, the contingency down time hopefully won’t be a deal breaker.

Here's what BHPian saikishor had to say on the matter:

Though I am not really an expert and have experience no where as close as the OP does, I would strongly suggest the Innova Hycross. Frugal MPV with the legendary Toyota reliability and service support. Other option I can think of is staying within the Volvo family and get a XC60 hybrid maybe? Volvo's have a certain class which no other brand has IMO. These two vehicles should match the OP's requirements I feel.

Happy shopping!

Here's what BHPian Rahul Lal had to say on the matter:

Couple of years back I was in the same situation when I will looking for a vehicle to replace my XC60. After a long search I found that the only replacement to a Volvo is a Lexus product. The level of comfort & peace of mind in after sales service will only come in a Lexus after getting used to Volvo.

In fact you are already a very respected & well recognised customer of Lexus so it will be an added benefit for you. As you know Lexus has now quite a number of models to choose from.

Here's what BHPian lamborghini had to say on the matter:

Given you're happy with the Lexus - why not consider the new NX?

Alternately, a friend got a very good deal on a Q7 in Delhi - though still out of budget at around 85, the space, comfort, etc. on offer is very tempting!

Personally, nothing in the 50-70L bracket is really exciting unless you will self drive and thus appreciate the handling, power, nicer interiors / features.

I think the Tucson, new Kodiaq to be launched, etc. will be all the car you would need for your requirements; and if size isn't a concern - then the new Kia Carnival : however, I remember reading Sahil's post where the Kia wasn't as easy for ingress/egress for his mother as say his CRV. Of course he was referring to the current gen, not the new one - but something to definitely think about.

The Innova Hycross is somewhat a mid-way, but coming from the Lexus / Volvo : the interior quality + the ingress maybe a little bothersome.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information

I am having difficulty finding a competent RTO agent who can organize the transfer of the vehicle.

BHPian V.Narayan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Folks May I request the advice of the experts on our forum on my situation described below regarding my NCR (Gurgaon, Haryana) registered diesel powered Volvo XC60 that completes 10 years in 2024.

As we all know in Delhi NCR a diesel powered vehicle cannot operate after 10 years. The Volvo XC60 is in jolly good shape and easily has another 10 years of life in it. My plan is to shift it to Raipur as a gift to an NGO operating there that I am very closely associated with and the NGO can then use it for its own activities till the end of life of the car.

I am having difficulty finding a competent RTO agent who can organize the transfer of the vehicle to the NGO & Raipur. So the question is, given the hassle of transfer across States, do I need to transfer the vehicle to the NGO's name at all. What if I hand it over to the NGO but let it stay in my name. Given my association I'm not too worried about the accident/traffic violation challan piece. My concern is does the Haryana RTO make registrations void on diesel cars over 10-years old and go looking for them? Is there an RTO problem if I just let the car run in my name in Chhattisgarh for several years with the current Haryana registration?

Here's what BHPian Turbanator had to say on the matter:

HR26 or similar NCR RTOs like HR29 may not issue NOC after 10 Years. So, it's best to get an NOC done now for any other RTO where you may have an address within Haryana. In case you want to gift to an NGO, you can get NOC done directly in their name.

I am not sure about the RTO registration charges in Raipur, as some states do charge re-registration fees. If you have an address in Haryana (outside NCR RTO's) easiest will be to get the car transferred in your name at that address and let the NGO run the car without transfer.

Here's what BHPian ghodlur had to say on the matter:

You can initiate the online transfer of the vehicle ownership on the Parivahan website and hand over the relevant forms to the NGO for transferring the car to their RTO jurisdiction. I wouldn't suggest to keep the car still in your name for various reasons - local cops enquiry for out of state cars, any liability related to car (maintenance, insurance policy etc) or any TPL claims against the car since the car would still be in your name. I hope the location where the car is intended to be shifted can service a Volvo car or else the NGO might face issues with the same.

Here's what BHPian libranof1987 had to say on the matter:

It is best that you avoid a last minute change in registration, especially since this policy itself is very haphazard and you can't trust them to be consistent year-on-year with the specifics.

The ideal option is to sell the Volvo this year. You get a good price, don't have to worry about state and ownership transfer, and don't put an overhead on the NGO (/yourself) of the Volvo's maintenance. [You can be reasonably sure the next 10 years of ownership won't be as rosy as the first 9 have been, isn't it].

You know this best, but the XC60 might not be an ideal candidate for the NGO? A slightly more versatile (space, seating configurations), abuse-friendly and locally fixable might be more convenient.

In fact, someone from NCR letting go of their 9/10 year old Innova might be a good idea, in case you want to be frugal with this expense.

Lastly, I understand this suggestion throws your planning out of the window. We're not sorry

Here's what BHPian condor had to say on the matter:

Sir, best to get the NOC -and- transfer to recepient. Saves lot of hassle down the road, including the no-NOC-after-10-yrs. With out the NOC and transfer before the 10 year mark, the car is as good as legally-scrap. Also, if this transfer is not done now, the car wont get a FC renewal at the 15 year mark in the new place.

If you are not getting an agent, suggest to take a one year membership of Automobile Association and get the NOC through them. The annual fees would cost about the same as the agent charges. I could also check for an agent thru an old team-mate who is based in DL

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

It took us sometime to accept the insane pricing of the new cars but now that we've swallowed that bitter pill, we are ready to make a decision.

BHPian 3rdAttempt recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

We're looking to get a car for my Dad who recently reluctantly let go of his long time love - a Nissan X Trail. He'd done about 73000 kms in 11 years.

It took us sometime to accept the insane pricing of the new cars but now that we've swallowed that bitter pill, we are ready to make a decision.

We would be very grateful if some of the more experienced members could share their inputs to help us arrive at a conclusion. Many thanks in advance!

We started with looking at the new X5 and GLE but soon Dad was clear that he wanted one size smaller.

Dad will keep the car for at least 5 years, will drive about 7000-8000 kms per year in Mumbai city, and I will occasionally borrow the car for weekend getaways with friends/family. Our parking is all mostly open to sky and the car will almost always be self driven.

The cars we've considered so far:

Mercedes GLC

• We test drove the new GLC. New gen with beautiful interiors and design language. Burmeister sound setup was pleasing too. Exterior is almost the same as the outgoing GLC - nothing special but nothing of concern either.
• I didn't like the fact that the transmission tunnel makes it impossible to have a 3rd passenger on the back seat. The mild hybrid ISG motor causes the car to have a lag till it shifts up to higher gears and the side rails make it a bit of a stretch to enter and exit (especially if it has any grime that you want to avoid). I dont see the point of the side rails on this car.
• A 4 zone climate control for a 86L car would've been nice too. If it wasn;t for the big transmission tunnel, I think this car would've been our first choice.

Lexus Nx350

• 2.5 ltr strong hybrid engine. CBU. Lots of tech and safety features. Looks good on the outside but the cabin inside fails to impress. I was particularly put off with the large volume of plastic on the sides of the back rests of the rear seats - the demo car had scratch marks all over that plastic from the seat belt buckle hitting it over time. Ruled out this car.

X3

• We have a BMW in our garage (the 630 d gt) and I guess that caused us to be a bit under whelmed with the X3 cabin. Also we hear that it's due for an upgrade in the coming months. The drive and size otherwise were excellent. Ruled out the X3.

Discovery Sport

• This car felt solidly built with a roomy cabin and enough space in the back row to seat 3 adults if needed. The car has no frills otherwise and failed to excite - didn't get a "new car" feeling, if you know what I mean. We haven't ruled it out, but aren't too excited about it. The boxy shape & not so encouraging feedback on JLR service is a concern. Leaning towards ruling out this car.

XC60

• It has more tech that any of the other cars with massaging seats, an amazing sound system, nice interiors, 4 zone climate control etc etc,
• The lower transmission tunnel allows for a third passenger in the rear but the rear seats felt a bit upright with insufficient thigh support. Anyone else felt the same way?
• Also, I am wondering if the fact that there's only one dealer covering all of Maharashtra, will servicing etc be an issue?
• The pricing and servicing costs of the XC60 seem to be very competitive and in fact lower than all the cars we've seen so far - their 5 year service package costs about 1L only! The XC60 is amongst our top contenders at the moment because of having lot of tech & attractive pricing and maintenance.

Macan

• After reading a few reviews about the Macan on here, we decided to have a look at it this morning. Fabulous drive. Most insulated cabin.
• But no fun tech. And literally everything needs to be added at a cost including things like a 360 degree camera, sun roof & even power steering!
• All in, a basic specced car (remember no ventilated seats, wireless car play/charging, no 360 degree camera etc), comes to about 1.15cr on road + extended warranty + maintenance package.
• I loved the drive and the fact that it brings so much exclusivity to it makes it very attractive.
• I am just unsure if at the price it makes sense?
• The Macan is also a top contender at the moment.

Velar

• Since we saw the Porsche and are exploring the 1cr+ options too (albeit still in the size smaller than the X5/GLEs), we are wondering whether we should look at the upcoming Velar which will launch of this month. It is priced similar to the Macan and will cost the similar amount to maintain as well.

Should we consider it?

Summary:

Looks like the XC60 and Macan are our top contenders at the moment. Tempted to see the Velar and my gut feel is that it will add to our dilemma.

To our more senior & experienced members:

• Thoughts on the XC60 vs Macan? (tech & pricing vs exclusivity & driving pleasure). Any other pointers?

• Thoughts on the upcoming Velar? on JLR ownership experience? We find even the current shape beautiful to look at and a definite head turner. We haven't driven it yet though. It offers exclusivity and is slightly larger the the Xc60 but still smaller than the X5 and GLE.

• Any other car that we should've considered but haven't?

Excitedly looking forward to your feedback and suggestions and sharing the purchase journey with you all.

Here's what BHPian lamborghini had to say on the matter:

The X3, Q5, Discovery Sport do definitely feel a little long in the tooth as they're fairly old models. Since you want tech and have the budget : it's probably better to get something newer which will feel fresher.

Between the XC60 & the Macan - you've pretty much nailed it. If it will be primarily self driven - the Macan is the way to go and will feel more special despite missing many features, but if you plan to give it to the driver : you would be better off looking at other contenders.

The Velar should be a good option. It has the style and charisma. After sales is a hit or a miss, but to be honest - I still have to find one premium brand which is not in the business of ripping customers off / is able to diagnose issues properly / offers a premium experience.

Just a point on the GLC: Do check out the build quality. I wasn't too happy with the way our W205 has aged in terms of creaks, rattles, noises - and saw the same with the V213 E Class, and a few other C Classes.

Other cars to consider : a Q8 since you've increased your budget could be an option too IMO. Classy interiors, well equipped, well built, but average service (extended warranty is a must and even then you want a second opinion at times - but to be honest I'd say the same for most if not all of the Euro brands).

Since you'll enjoy tech - any thoughts on getting an EV? Audi & BMW have some competent options that you could explore as well & at a lower cost but offering all the tech and niceties without the allure of a German brand is the Kia EV6 & Ioniq 5.

Here's what BHPian aseem23 had to say on the matter:

Hello, I am in the same boat where we are choosing between GLC and XC60. We basically want a comfortable 4-seater as we rarely have 5 people in the car. The new GLC is amazing but I feel it is more inclined towards people who drive themselves, for people who prefer to be chauffer driven XC60 has an edge. We are now inclining towards XC60 but will make the final call over the weekend. Some dealerships across India also have MY2024 Volvo cars too, which added some new tech. Recently on Team-bhp, someone shared their MY2024 XC40 delivery experience, and MY24 XC40 now comes with a 360 camera which was missing earlier. Similarly, there should be some difference between MY23 and MY24 XC60, but I am yet to confirm.

Also, since we already have a couple of Mercs and XC90 in the Garage, I feel Volvo cars are cheaper to maintain as compared to Mercs.

If you are looking to extend the budget, then I personally believe for the same price the new X5 looks fab. BMW has revamped the X5 and is currently offering a more tech, space, and powerful engine. In terms of Dimensions, I think X5 and the upcoming Velar will be similar. The best would be to take the test drives and then decide. You can also take a look at BMW iX or the latest Audi Q8 E-Tron for a luxury EV, or KIA EV6, or Ioniq 5 for something between 50-70l. I don't have any charging infrastructure near my place, so EV options are discarded for me otherwise EV6 would have been my first choice.

Here's what BHPian androdev had to say on the matter:

I'm guessing there is no chauffeur involved and the car will be driven by just your dad and you. You should explore Macan more seriously as it might be the perfect car for your needs.

A big negative of Macan is that the equipment level feels underwhelming. Do a deep dive on options + price to see if you can get a satisfactory configuration.

Since your usage is low, you can venture into "higher segment" brands like Porsche and RR as the maintenance costs and reliability risks will be palatable. Most people tend to blindly associate maintenance and reliability with the brand without taking the usage into account. If you are doing 1 lakh KM in 5 years, then yeah Volvo might be better but 35-40K km in 5 years on a Porsche/RR won't be so bad.

I'm a bit disillusioned with MB and BMW. I suspect MB has created two sub brands: regular models and AMG/Maybach models. If you have an eye for the detail, you will notice the lack of premium feel in the regular lineup. I guess that's their strategy - to nudge people towards their AMG/Maybach models. BMW is doing something similar based on engine size.

So instead of paying for AMG/M to get their premium package, say X3 M40i, you might as well go for Macan. Just do your homework on the configuration+budget before you rule it out. You might find a way to make the cabin look premium without spending a ton of money - maybe forgo things like 360-deg camera, wireless charging, 18-way seats etc. I think full leather package, basic electric seats, premium steering wheel, matching seat belts and instrument cluster, etc. should really spice up the cabin. Actually you can have a lot of fun configuring the car on their portal even if you are not serious about buying it :-) If I were your friend, I would rather sit as the 5th passenger in a Macan than in a recliner of a Vellfire.

Like others mentioned, Velar is more comparable to X5 in size.

Here's what BHPian anabanka had to say on the matter:

We’ve a Velar, and at the time of buying, we were considering with alongside the X5 as it fell in the same price range.

In my opinion, really, the only thing going for Velar is how beautiful the car looks. The engines, handling and interiors do little to justify the price tag of the vehicle.

If absolute driving pleasure is not on your list of priorities and vanilla (or timeless, depending on your point of view) interiors are okay with you, the Velar would be a nicer car than the X3 or GLE, but still not worth the money.

Considering the service and quality, my experience hasn’t been bad. You may have the occasional issues and misdiagnosis that you’d face with any other dealer in your city. It hasn’t been a dealbreaker for me.

Hope this helps!

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The XC60 is practical for the city, did not feel like I was driving a huge car; has all the necessary bells and whistles

BHPian cos.sec recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Dear all,

We are in the midst of deciding on a luxury but go anywhere SUV, with the dreams of taking it to up north(Leh) and eastbound (Arunachal). Towards this end, have been evaluating cars (SUVs). We have been able to narrow down on a few and would love to hear your views on them:

• XC60 - Practical car for the city; did not feel like I was driving a huge car; has all the necessary bells and whistles; massage seats and the sound system are amazing here; lower badge value at 80 lakhs.
• Grand Cherokee - Slightly larger in dimensions is the main worry(almost 2m in width); super power delivery; priced higher by 5 lakhs.
• Evoque - Ride quite was not appreciated by the middle seat passengers + no sunroof(vetoed by daughter).

Please do let me know if you have any thoughts or if I should be evaluating/reevaluating any more cars.

Here's what BHPian Turbanator had to say on the matter:

You haven’t mentioned budget and any other requirements. Taking it to some far places is not a routine and I will not pick a vehicle just for this purpose. Usually most of SUVs will take you across any roads or broken patches without a concern including Volvo or Mercedes/ BMW.

I briefly checked Cherokee, came as pretty common. High price is another concern besides you can find a lot of Jeep owners disappointed due to quality issues.

I will look at some of the options from BMW like an X3 or X5 (based on your budget). Don’t know about current options on Mercedes’s as they hardly have any deliveries and on most models they have smaller engines.

Another option can be to buy a Jimny for your adventures and pickup an electric car like XC40 or something similar for your daily runs.

Here's what BHPian lamborghini had to say on the matter:

I am not too excited by the Jeep Grand Cherokee - Turbanator pretty much hit the nail and it just doesn't feel as nice a place to be as it's rivals.

The XC60 too is a little long in the tooth now as well in my opinion though a great cruiser.

But if a cruiser is what you want - have a look at the Lexus NX350H as well.

For a more spirited drive the X5 though a little bit of stretch could be an amazing vehicle to drive too!

Lastly, check out this thread for some options.

Here's what BHPian jfk1975 had to say on the matter:

You didn't specify a budget, but looking at the 3 options you listed, it would not be unsafe to presume a 1 Cr budget. SUV, luxury, and taking to Leh/Arunachal etc, especially the go-anywhere/Leh/Arunachal requirements, pretty much knocks out the 3 options that you listed. My reasoning is that none of them have a massive dealership network, not exactly true blood SUV (body-on-frame, full time 4WD, reliable etc). You'd be in a pretty tight spot when these sorts of vehicles breakdown) when you go off the beaten path.

A bit off-the-wall suggestion: Have you looked at pre-owned Land Cruisers (200 series)?

Here's what BHPian pratyaksh had to say on the matter:

I for one, love the Volvos of the new. This is definitely the go-to-car for anyone who is a family man (I see that you have a daughter). I have extensively driven the XC90, & the XC60 (2022), and I do believe these cars are perfect esp. for tall people, and for families. The space offered on the 90 and the seat set up is just fantastic.

These cars have great interiors, and offer driving pleasure to anyone who is not Schumacher, and icing on the cake is the safety (which is paramount for a family traveling the hills et. al. on the regular).
Hated the BMW X3s comfort levels, and if you are not a boy racer, don't bother about that 'driving pleasure' of the BMVs as you can enjoy a sedately driven XC any day more than the pleasure you will derive from one day of pedal to the metal in a BMW on our broken roads!

Happy hunting!

Here's what BHPian madhukarmohan had to say on the matter:

With great styling and capability, Land Rover Defender is a very good option if your budget is around 1 crore. It is muscular with go anywhere capability without compromising the luxury.

On the other hand, if your budget is around 50 lakh, then Skoda Kodiaq is a great car to have with excellent driving comfort and amazing build quality.

Here's what BHPian sirjokhi had to say on the matter:

As a XC60 owner, I would suggest not going for one. I have a Xc60 D5 which I bought in 2018. One of the first cars in India I'm guessing. I have driven it for more than 109XXX kms and the car has had some troubles. It hasn't been the most reliable. Have had issues with the suspension since it has air springs. Recently, we have discovered an oil leak from the gearbox. The interiors rattle a bit. We've spent a lot of money on repairs and mind you the car has always been serviced at volvo service centers. Also, the ASS isn't great and Volvo isn't much inclined to help either. Additionally, I feel my car was a CBU and it has all the gizmos like air suspension, massaging seats, ventilated seats and a lot more which doesn't come in the new car. I wouldn't want to pay the same amount or more after price hikes for a car with less features. Hope you can get the idea. I have nothing against the brand. I own 2 of their cars but i just feel the ASS could be better and the cars more reliable. In terms of safety, there is none to compete honestly. IMO the safest cars in the world are Volvos. Hope you find the right car soon. Why don't you check out new BMW X5. It will be launched soon if you can wait.

Checj out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The car is easy to maintain and very reliable. Maintenance costs are reasonable for a car at this price point.

BHPian V.Narayan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

10th Service - 90,000 kms - 8 years - Costs are beginning to tell:

Two weeks ago the Brown Mare completed her 10th service. Total cost Rs. 226,000 including taxes. Next week she will complete 8 years with an average of 940 kms a month. Normally by now she would have crossed 100,000 kms but for the slowdown imposed by the various lockdowns.

This time my two big expenditures were 3 shock absorbers of ~Rs. 87,000 including labour & taxes and the exhaust gas recovery valve costing ~Rs 76,000 including labour & taxes. Two of these 3 shockers were changed 3 years ago so I'm a wee bit scratchy that they needed changing again. But after some argument let it go. Other than these the costs were the routine servicing, wheel balancing, polishing, fluid changes and minor part replacements. I like to go for the maximum work rather than the minimum work possible. This I believe rightly or wrongly, helps keep the car in the best possible mechanical trim as well as looking and driving its best. It also means I spend somewhat more on upkeep than some others might.

Total cost of maintenance, spares & upgrades so far is Rs. 903,000/- over 90,000 odd kms or R.s 10.03 per kms. This does not include the Rs 48,000 invested on the polestar upgrade to add more zest and smoothness to the driving experience. In terms of time this works out to a little over Rs 9200 a month. The big items in here are – all four brakes twice, tyres once, battery twice, drivers side ORVM, transmission oil, polestar upgrade, replacement of the alternator, replacement of 3 shock absorbers and a new exhaust gas recovery valve. For a car at this price point I believe this is reasonable and probably a lot less than a German luxury vehicle.

The car continues to serve the family and me very well. Touchwood.

Showing off after a polish job.

The part marked needed changing on one door. It controls the 3-step door opening mechanism. It could easily have continued till the next service but I prefer keeping her in top trim.

The leather has remained ship-shape except for the drivers seat.

Harness to separate the passenger compartment from the baggage compartment. Actually we haven't used it often.

Both the side vents needed fixing as they had got loose.

I am understandably proud of this car and the way she has aged gracefully.

What I love:

• Easy to maintain and very reliable.
• Excellent A.S.S.
• Maintenance costs are reasonable for a car at this price point. Total cost of maintenance including a tyre change is around 18% of the original purchase price or 2.25% a year.
• Torque, muted growl, high ground clearance, 4WD.
• Interiors have aged very well even by my own fussy expectations.
• Parts have always been available on time.
• Drives well on bad roads.

What I don't like:

• Too many buttons placed in an unergonomic manner.
• Hard suspension like a typical European car.
• I wish the rear doors opened a full 90 degrees to ease ingress and egress. This is a wish I have for all cars.
• Navigation system from the Paleolithic age.

If you want a reliable understated luxury car without your neighbours knowing it then this is the car for you.

The car feels royal especially from back and front. It is a true luxury car with all the creature comforts you would expect at this price point and which are largely ignored by the German trio.

BHPian deepak_bajaj recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Finally on 23rd June 2022, in the late evening, we bought home our first “true” luxury car Volvo XC60 B5 Inscription AWD, a mild hybrid, in Crystal White Pearl shade. And on 24th June 2022, early morning, it was gone! Read on to find out.

I decided to pen down this ownership review, a first for me so that other prospective buyers and casual readers can get acquainted with the XC60. There are very few reviews and ownership threads on XC60 but perhaps none on the latest B5 mild hybrid. I do not possess technical knowledge unlike other fellow BHPians so my ownership review is simpler and more aimed to explain my experience to a common man rather than a techie. At the time of this writing, the car had done 2500 km within 60 days (mystery explained below about how come 30 days between June to September).

Please excuse me for very few photos as I felt that general photos of the car are readily available and posting them again will not serve any purpose. I will try to add photos later to this thread as I keep updating it with my experience.

Note to Team Bhp: There is no review of Volvo cars recently and for sure not on XC60 B5 AWD. If possible, please review the car and if required, I will be more than happy to lend mine for review. Volvo as a brand is largely unknown in India and this forum is also read by casual car owners/lovers for accurate information. A detailed review might help them make an informed decision.

Quick Pros and Cons of XC60

Pros

1. Brilliant overall product loaded with features missing in other makes at a similar price-point such as ventilated seats, massage options, four zone climate control AC, and luxurious interiors draped in a premium material. Good value for money in comparison to the competition.
2. 2.0L turbo petrol with mild hybrid tech is super smooth and silent. Single drive mode keeps life simple and sorted. The car adjusts to the driver's inputs without having to dive into drive modes. Easily tackles city stop-and-go traffic and highway runs with complete ease.
3. Very comfortable front and rear seats with front seats adjustable in 16 ways. Best in a class suited for those long road trips. Lumbar support is very effective.
4. Bowers and Wilkins 1100W, 14 speaker sound system is best in class with no competition.
5. Built like a tank with a host of safety features, reminders and ADAS.
6. Excellent customer support of Volvo India (based on my experience detailed below).

Cons

1. Not a fun-to-drive car like the X1 or X3.
2. No diesel or higher powertrain is available. Only one 2.0L turbo petrol mild hybrid option. Competition provides more options.
3. Google Automotive, although a great initiative, is still in its infancy and needs a lot of improvement. Losing a GPS signal or Internet connection for maps is a frequent issue.
4. Ride quality is somewhat bouncy or "springy" due to soft suspensions. It is not uncomfortable but not compliant either.
5. No badge value like Germans.
6. Very thin service network.

Selection Process

We (me & my wife) were quite happy with our white X1 20d. It was about to turn 5 this year in August. However, the extended warranty would have expired in August and the new warranty for the 5th year was quoted at around 86k excluding GST and 2.7L for the sixth year. We were not in the mood to spend that kind of money on an extended warranty which is a diesel car, we were also apprehensive about its resale after 6 years given 10 years restriction in Delhi NCR. We were also not comfortable maintaining the car without a warranty as three shockers had been replaced in warranty within 26k km and I can assure all that I’m not a rash driver hitting potholes. A few other minor repairs had also been carried out in the warranty. So, we decided to move ahead with a new car.

This time we both were very adamant about buying an Indian car with the following criteria:

• Safety
• Reliability including ASS
• Worry free. Can travel anywhere in India. (Had to be very careful with X1).

Tried both Tata and M&M but failed to materialize a purchase. The Tata’s ASS and horror stories of issues in new cars at delivery time, within months of delivery and horrible sales service, kept me away from them (No offence to any of the owners. This is purely a personal choice). Being in a manufacturing line with extensive customer service experience, wherever I feel that my business and satisfaction are not important to a company, I simply take my business somewhere else where I’m more important and I’m treated well. We were very much interested in Harrier but due to the above issues, did not even go to check the car.

Next in line was XUV700. The moment we entered Prime Mahindra; we were told that it was on the waiting list for 18 months. The SA was remotely interested in showing the car forget any test drive. Anyways, we checked the car standing in the showroom and were pretty impressed with the interior quality. But waiting 18 months is not our cup of tea. No product can justify that long a wait. So, this was also deleted from the list.

There goes our resolve to buy an Indian car and we were soon scouting for Europeans.

BMW X3

Was not very inclined but anyways went for it to complete the process. The experience was lacklustre. Deutsche Motoren, Mathura Road was not interested in X3. There was no car on display. The SA took us down to the basement where we were asked to look at the car. We, just for the sake of it and confirming our decision that X3 is not for us, checked out the car. The top-end M Sport variant was shown that still lacked most of the creature comforts at that price point. We did not find X3 to be a suitable upgrade to X1. We were hardly gaining anything except the fat invoice. The showroom experience made our decision easy. Rejected.

Lexus LX300h

Was very enthusiastic about Lexus so booked the appointment at Lexus New Delhi. Very impressive showroom with lots of elements. But LX300h was nowhere to be seen. We reached a little early at showroom so we had to wait. We did not mind enjoying excellent coffee served with cookies. The car was outside and shown to us along with a test drive. We were not very impressed, especially with wifey. The interiors looked luxurious with lots of leather and the HUD was very crisp but that is all about it. The interiors somehow looked dated even though bathed in leather. I did not find the car enjoyable to drive due to the CVT rubber band effect although it is much less than Honda City. The AC could not cool the cabin in approx. 20 minutes of a test drive. The sound system was really hopeless (again no offence to owners. Personal opinion). The central console unit was tilted more towards driver than required. BMW has perfected this. It came with RFTs (a strict no-no for us) and no spare tyre (another no for us). The ride was harsh due to RFTs and stiff suspension. I soon lost interest and when told that it is on one year of waiting, the decision was clear. Rejected.

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Wifey had soft corner for MB and somewhere I also agree to this. When we were kids, luxury cars meant MB. So felt good that we are going to try the MB (the second time. We tried while purchasing X1 also). GLC is much better than GLA in many aspects. We were treated promptly at the showroom and offered coffee. Although we had the appointment, the car was not immediately available which was ok with us. We enjoyed coffee with cookies here too. Had a discussion about various loan facilities, maintenance packages and extended warranties. Good to know that MB offers 10 years maintenance package. Our car arrived and we commenced the test drive. There was no restriction on the test drive and we were told to drive as per our requirements. Nice. The car’s interiors really look uber-cool and modern and not overdone (I still feel ambient lighting is over the top for me). The ride was very comfortable and most of the bad patches were quietly absorbed. However, I did not enjoy driving. Even in sports mode, the throttle response was not accurate. Twice the engine roared too much without any increase in power. Never happened with my X1. Even in comfort mode, you floored the pedal and the beast will never disappoint you. Heck, it never happened in Eco mode too. The car, as a whole, offered little more than X1 like better interiors, massaging seats (it was good in my second test drive), a central console, manual thigh support, ambient lighting, a slightly better music system and a very comfortable ride quality. However, I did not find it worthy of an upgrade. The car also comes with integrated running boards which I found fouling while stepping out and in. At least I did not find it useful in this size of the car.

At this price point, I wanted more. I also had in mind that a new version of GLC will be announced soon after the C-Class. But wifey was almost sold on it.

Volvo XC60

It was never on my mind but I had a soft spot for it somewhere back in my mind. So, this time, I asked my wife if we will try Volvo too. She was also surprised but was quickly ready for the same. So we paid a visit to Scandia Volvo, Mathura Road, in mid-afternoon after the test drive of GLC. The moment we enter the showroom, I saw Thunder Gray XC60 standing there in all royalty. I was smitten by its looks at the first glance itself. Upon entering the car, I was almost sold pending the driving experience. Wifey found it a little bigger than GLC in looks but was equally impressed with the interiors and build quality. Volvo showrooms generally showcase the contribution of Volvo in safety aspects. Wifey on reading those stories had also made up her mind as we both were looking for a safe car.

Within 15 minutes, a test drive was arranged for us. That was quite impressive. We, all in all, took 4 TDs of the vehicle out of which one was more than an hour comprising of city traffic and Greater Noida Expressway run. We were very impressed with the features offered by XC60. It is still not equivalent to X1 in driving dynamics but in no sense a slouch. It was way better than what we had already tested and a genuine upgrade from X1. It has no driving modes (yes you read it correctly). You simply drive and when you need that surge you put your foot (right one !!) down and the car does the rest. The features and creature comforts offered in this price band far exceed the competitors. We finally zero down on this and decided to go ahead with the XC60 mild hybrid.

Booking Experience

The booking experience was weird. The initial SA, who was attached to us from the beginning and had been very professional and forthcoming while arranging test drives, a day after taking the booking cheque from us from our home, called me not to book it as the car is having issues such as sudden stop, parking sensor to name a few. To cut the long story short and keep the negativity at bay, we feel that were played by him as resigned on the same day. And our booking was delayed. Finally, the car was booked on 9th May 2022. We were sold on Thunder Grey colour but that had no availability for another four months. We did not want to wait so long as we had already sold our X1 and we were without a car for our road trips. So white with amber interiors was booked. We were promised delivery by end of June.

First Delivery Experience

The car was delivered to us on June 23rd, 2022. An email invite was sent to me on the previous evening confirming delivery. We, very excitedly, reached the showroom around 17:30 hrs and they were ready with all the paper works. There was a small ceremony comprising of cake cutting, and the unveiling of the car followed by a box of chocolates and a flower pot. A proud moment and a very nice feeling. We both were elated and jumped with joy. The whole delivery process took about 40 minutes. Fast and efficient. The car was spotlessly clean including the engine bay and all promised accessories (mud flap and mats) were installed. All controls were functional. The car has done about 8 km.

Took the car straight to mandir for pooja. It took us approximately 35 minutes to reach the mandir in the choco-block of evening traffic. During the drive, I felt that the engine is making more noise than required and somehow car was not smooth to drive (the first signal was ignored by us). I checked with wifey whether the TD car was also making that much noise and she confirmed no. The TD was much smooth and silent. I thought maybe the Google drivetrain logic issue and ignored it to enjoy the happy moments. But I made a point and informed my SA at Scandia who also told me not to worry and that if it persists, I can bring the car for a check-up later (because the next day, we had planned a short trip to Rajasthan). Satisfied, I ignored it but in the back of my mind, it was always there. Unfortunately, the pooja also could not be completed because on Thursday, the mandir was overflowing with a crowd and there was no parking nearby. We went home without pooja (the second signal which was also ignored).

The next day morning, we left for our two days road trip to Rajasthan, ultra-excited but I had that annoying feeling at the back of my mind. The car was not smooth during this drive too. To cut the long story short, the car developed a snag (can’t reveal that) and we had to abort the trip. The car was towed back to the service station (the first in my life).

We were very very disappointed. During our selection process, I was very vocal with my wife that does not want a car that can leave us stranded or is unreliable. For me, peace of mind is most important. And here we are staring at the very same issue I did not want to happen to us. But the good part is Volvo India took care of us right from the beginning. Volvo RSA was constantly in touch with us and updated us on the time frame when the cab will arrive. I was reluctant to leave the vehicle there but RSA assured me that it is now Volvo’s problem and not ours. We were impressed and relieved that at such moments at least somebody is on our side and taking care to resolve the issue. Scandia motors were also very helpful and understanding. They also had dispatched a loaner car from their showroom and we were also offered to take it on our forward journey but I guess you will agree that this was not an option for us.

Together they proved that we are really part of the Volvo family. They inspected the car the next day and told us the fault and assured us that it will be fixed. However, we were not happy with the sequence and the snag in a new car. We asked Volvo India to replace our car with a new piece. I myself was not convinced as the car was already registered (temporary) in my name and loan papers were through. However, Volvo replaced our car!! Hats off to them to stand with their customer and take extra initiative to satisfy us. Volvo along with Scandia took care of everything and our new car was approved and delivered within 30 days.

I would like to highlight here that not even once, we had to raise our voices at any moment or write any harsh communication. Everyone involved was very polite, professional and understanding. Reading all the horror stories of other manufacturers, was extraordinary for us and Volvo has won a customer for a lifetime.

The Second Delivery Experience

The new car was delivered to us on 28th July 2022. This time car was run for about 80kms. We denied any kind of ceremony as we were very sceptical with fear at the back of our heads. But Scandia did not let us go without the chocolate box and plant. A very sweet gesture from their end.

We drove the car and took it straight to the mandir again. This time, the car was butter smooth and there was no noise from the engine bay. A day after, we took it on a short 500km drive to test the car and we were satisfied that that old problem was not present in the car. We were happy again.

General

Keeping the negative aside, let’s talk about the car, the Volvo XC60. Volvo has stopped producing diesel engines and they are shifting to petrol with an aim to end ICE by 2030. The car looks royal, big yet not overly big like Fortuner or Endeavour. I love the car from all angles, especially when viewed from the front. The car looks really long from the side profile. The car comes with AWD which is managed by the system. I have not got the chance or opportunity to test it.

The amber interiors look luxurious with perforated Nappa Leather on the seats and door. The fit, finish and quality of material used are excellent. They have used real crystal on the gear knob with a small LED light inside that produces a faint glow in the night. The small Swedish flags on the seat look cute. The interiors feel very plush and distinctive from the three Germans.

The cabin is very silent and cuts you off from the outside completely but for the honking from trucks or nearby cars. You are in your own zone and you can peacefully have a conversation or listen to your premium sound system. The tyre noise and wind noise are very much in check and up to 120 km/h, the cabin remains silent. Very silent. Volvo has not provided an under hood lining in the engine bay because of a petrol engine but I feel adding that noise-absorbing lining can bring down the NVH to even lower degrees. There were no vibrations or noises felt in the cabin. Very slight vibrations are felt sometimes on the pedals due to road undulations.

The seats are very comfortable both at back and front. The front seats are 16 ways adjustable (driver as well as a passenger) with five massage options and are both ventilated and heated. I have not checked heating but ventilation is a boon in summer. We took the test drives in mid-afternoon with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees. Our back and bottom were in total comfort due to ventilated seats. During this 2,500km run, the ventilated seats have been a blessing. Both front seats are offered with memory storage for up to two settings. The massage functions are not gimmicked and are really useful during long drives, especially during lower back and waves. The lumbar support is excellent and has helped in reducing my leg pain during long drives. The extended thigh support also helps. The leather feels very soft to the skin and the seats are soft and firm.

The four-zone AC chills the car in no time and without having to increase fan speed above three. The rear has AC vents on the door pillar as well as on the central console. Each passenger can adjust the temperature independently. The reclining angle of the rear seats along with the broad armrest makes you comfortable in no time. There could be a little more thigh support at back but it is not bad. You will not feel tired. During my last trip of approx. 300 km one way, my mother-in-law slept like a baby in the rear.

The Bowers and Wilkins sound system are mind-boggling. The 1100w, 14 speaker system including a sub-woofer can put any home theatre to shame. My wife, who is not a music buff understood sound quality but within five seconds of playing music, she was sold. She herself told that it sounds better than our Bose system at home. And she was sitting at the rear and music was being played using Bluetooth (low quality). I have never heard of such a system in any car and I love music. This has been a significant upgrade for both of us in terms of music quality. The music sounds a little better in front but the rear is equally impressive. With support for wired car play, the lossless music through Apple music sounds brilliant.

Driving Experience

The driving experience is a mixed bag in comparison to X1. The car has no drive modes and works best when pushed slowly in a linear manner. If you put your foot down, the car takes about a second to react and then a sudden surge of power. The power is then delivered linearly. I never found overtaking an issue on highways or in the city. You do not need to plan for overtakes. The best way I have found is to build up speed in a linear fashion, with increasing accelerator input steadily. If you suddenly push it down, the power surge will be nonlinear and the engine would be loud. The passengers would be jolted and pushed back to their seats.

The suspension is on the softer side and unlike X1, the suspension remains busy on highways. There is small up-down movement even with slight undulations on the road. The X1 was compliant due to its stiffer chassis and suspension and there was no “springy” feeling. The ride is by no means uncomfortable or irritating but due to my X1 background, I feel it more. My wife is comfortable.

The side-ways movements are very controlled but you cannot attack corners like X1. The car is not meant for that purpose. I tried a few times but then backed off when I did not get a response from the car. But it also does not mean that you need to slow it down like a body-on-frame SUV. The overall experience is satisfactory and ride quality is good, not plush.

Unlike X1, small bumps and potholes are quietly absorbed and are not felt in the cabin. The car came fitted with Michelin Latitude Sport 3. The tyres are on the softer side and absorb bumps and potholes silently. These may also be the reason for a soft comfortable ride, low noise but no corner handling and a “springy” feeling.

Continue reading BHPian deepak_bajaj's ownership review for more insights and information.