2018 Volvo XC60 T8 Hybrid First Drive Review

[@Jluislive]

Volvo hit a home run with their interiors.

[@dnyalslg]

Your reviews are the best. I always try to come to you for information on car models because your reviews are very comprehensive and you narrate them in a very concisely and engaging manner, and I love how you compare them to other vehicles in the same segment. so thank you!

[@vitaliy7539]

as xc90 t8 owner I commend you on this excellent review, especially on driving home the point that despite horsepower and 0-60 times, t8 is just not a sporty vehicle, although it will certainly be cross-shopped with the other crossovers you mentioned. I would also highlight that in the real world, xc60 t8 drivers are likely to see their mpg to be double that of their competitors. thats right, double. low 20's vs mid 40's, as we are averaging 50mpg over 13k miles on xc90 t8 due to mostly short distance errand driving. quirks that you missed were lack on front fog lights due to battery radiators occupying their place and a puny 13.2 gal fuel tank compared to t6's 18.5 gal.

[@CMC5961]

Alex is my favorite reviewer for Volvos. Love the 2018 XC60 T8, it would be a dream SUV to replace our current 2010 XC60 T6 AWD.

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

Marvelous job with your vids anyway Alex.

[@mariozamora6742]

The best car test channel in the WEB. Congratulations.

[@MeniMilstein]

One of the best reviews I've seen lately :)

[@user-bn9dp7ps4w]

More in depth and more informative than other reviewers. Well done.

[@land7776]

26 MPG combined not enough for a hybrid..

[@dennismclerran5221]

One thing the review completely leaves out is how often you can use the purely electric mode or the electric assisted mode. Many people could do their daily commute in fully electric mode and achieve the equivalent of 50 mpg or better. I am considering this vehicle to replace an aging Prius and to add to my BMW 330e plug in hybrid. I have been very pleasantly surprised at how little fuel a plug in hybrid can use. I have 18,000 miles on the BMW and 70% of those have been electric according to the vehicle computer. My overall fuel economy is better than 73 mpg as a result. I have used about $200 worth of electricity but have saved the equivalent of $1,000 to $1,200 in gasoline expense. I expect the Volvo will not do quite as well but the article should have pointed out that many owners will do far better than 26 mpg.

[@joedoe7936]

Is your BMW plug in been reliable? Any major issues? the 330e is on my short list of plug-ins.

[@JamesCilia73]

I like that it looks a lot sharper, bulkier, and if I may more masculine.

[@JulezWinnfield]

James Cilia Your profile pic, not so much.

[@JamesCilia73]

J High Damn dude judging others on their profile pics. 🤗 the redesigned XC60 looks more squared off, therefore more masculine than its curvy predecessor. Lol that's all.

[@JulezWinnfield]

James Cilia :^)

[@krissk77]

Drove an xc60 2017... and was impressed how volvo takes corners.... a very comfortable and unassuming suv... did 600km in Kenya and felt like is was 100kms.. the newer models must be something... I will get a white one when ready. 😊

[@markgeller5900]

Amazingly detailed review and thank you for the fluidity with which you give it. Terrific.

[@dlg5485]

Excellent review, as always. I'm a big fan of Volovo's new design language and engine tech. The long-term reliability of these dual induction engines is still unknown, but I give them immense credit for innovation, especially for having such a small market share.

[@weirdshibainu]

Thank you alex. .great review

[@AakashNarang]

The best review on the KZbin! ❤️

[@alwaysgrowing369]

your reviews are truly useful and very informative. I hope a lot success for you.

[@JC-tz8ls]

Superb review. Informative and delivered at a good pace!

[@luftlinie811]

Great review. Very authentic. No scripted jokes. Thanks!!

[@joelponken313]

gets a volvo ad before watching 👌👌

[@apexxxx10]

*Sutt Yoooot! As we say here in South East Asia. Bangkok-Jomppa CarSanook Media THAILAND* kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIDKmHSshdp_o68

[@happybuddhaa]

Thanks Alex. I wish you would start in cluding the safety features and safety ratings for these suvs

[@MeniMilstein]

One of the best reviews I've see lately. Kudoz!

[@PaulHo]

I really enjoy the graphics and comparison stats, it's really helpful and insightful for a more well-rounded and informed perspective, especially for us car nuts who consume the entire canvas and landscape of cars, and not just an individual model.

[@williampettersson7909]

I just picked up my Volvo in Sweden and now I have it here in the States its XC60 T8 Inscription and I runs perfectly, my gas mileage is 25.2 in the city and the best on the highway as been 32.2 the massage seats are awesome and the car does a great job of keeping in the center of the road I have not tried the self park yet . The seats are one of the best in any car I have had and the nappa leather is a very goo quality this will be my fifth Volvo and they all have served me well

[@larryg716]

Great review. I looked at many of your other reviews, including XC90, earlier in the year. Test drove a lot of luxury SUV's. Wound up deciding to buy the brand new XC60 T8, received in November. Actually owning and driving the car, I can agree with all you say in the review.

[@williampettersson7909]

I loved my Volvo Xc60 T 8 2018 inscription and boy was it fast 4.7 sec denim blue and tan leather and even massaging front seats it drove itself parked and if you dropped your hands off the steering wheel the car would slow down pull over and STOP BY ITSELF..TOP SAFETY FEATURS ONLY BAD THING IS THAT IF YOU NEED A NEW BATTERY IT COSTS a lot. I can't drive anymore so I traded it in.. But was the best car I have ever had.

[@stevensmith5784]

Do you set your own white balance on your camera, Alex? That can help with the white wash.

[@tkamel18]

Alex I love your reviews. They are thorough and I especially like the consistent scoring format (ie acceleration, braking, handling, ride, cabin noise, fuel economy) across all your reviews. Can you please please please do a similar review on the 2018 XC60 T5 Inscription. I have test drove that vehicle against most others in the segment and my only concern with it is the cabin noise. It seems very very noisy compared to others in the segment. My wife tells me it isn’t that noisy so maybe it’s just me. Your review would help me to finalize my decision. Also, I wonder if changing the tires would help with the cabin noise as I feel most of the noise comes from the road as opposed to the engine.

[@myslecinaczej8674]

For a sporty performance you can look for the Polestar treatment which let the car to be more "firm" on the curves, react faster and speed up eagerly !

[@davidraymond8994]

I am looking at buying a used one of these Volvo's but have heard the 2018 Infotainment system is very slow to boot up. Can you verify for me if that is the case when you were testing?

[@killacamfoo]

really special car. very good review as always!

[@InvestBetter.]

A lot of great competition in this class. The Lexus NX has taken over sales leadership from the Acura RDX, but obviously it doesn't offer a power package in this league.

[@pearlfamily9861]

Would you please review the T5 trims as well and compare it with equivalent base engine Q5 & X3. Also I know it may sound silly, but I need to know your idea about fully loaded mainstream like touring CRV or the new VW Tiguan top of the line trim compare to relatively base trim of xc60 T5 or Q5. Thanks

[@lisola]

I also can't find too many T5 videos. It seems like all the press and demo cars are the T6 or the T8. But I want to compare the T5 XC60 to the new Q5 and BMW.

[@BrotherRey]

That's exactly why he doesn't have more popularity... Why review the hybrid that few people will actually purchase?

[@Trades46]

A great balance between performance & frugality. I do admit I wished the EV only range was a bit higher, but with a 10.4kWh battery I think Volvo intended for the car to be mainly operated as a hybrid like a Prius more than a EV like the Volt. However in the compact premium SUV segment, I have this as my first pick.

[@afcgeo882]

Trades46 I actually wish this hybrid drive was instead paired with the T5 engine instead. There is no need for a 400hp engine here. The supercharger on the T6 and the electric drive both achieve the same purpose of peak torque at low RPMs. Paired to the T5, it would provide good performance and better overall MPGs while being more reliable and cheaper.

[@TMS5100]

volvo xc60 manual tilt/telescoping is bizarre considering it has seat position memory. competitor vehicles offer power tilt/telescoping with seat+steering wheel memory for much less $$.

[@kenkarsonn]

Where in Oregon was this filmed?

[@RasRubul]

alex can i get the normal orange turn signal light?

[@afcgeo882]

BN Entertainments Not in the U.S.

[@jollygreen4662]

So the hybrid comes in t8 trim only? I can't get a hybrid t4 trim?

[@mystikal518]

great ,informative review as usual

[@ColberDM]

Great review as usual.

[@stevensmith5784]

Will you be doing a review of the 2017 Hyundai Sante Fe Sport? Been looking at other reviews but would trust a review from you more lol.

[@Phrancis5]

A small PHEV SUV that looks great is exactly what I wanted. If only this were more affordable and I could trust the reliability...

[@adrianna2780]

Can you do a car seat with 3 across

[@goons123flofy]

Fantastic review!

[@SteveDouglas77]

Alex - Great review. Does the XC 60 have Volvo's Pilot Assist II like the 2018 XC90 and S90, or does it have Pilot Assist I?

[@NickGonsalves]

It does

[@YoshandStan]

So if rear wheel drive in EV mode the handling on ice would be poor, correct?

[@GOINFINITI]

Love it how you do your reviews by also providing comparison figures and charts. Keep up!

[@prieststocker]

Great car... Thanks for share these info...👍👍👍

[@Ap-Man]

Great review. In your comsumption numbers you mention an EV range of 18 miles or just under 29km. When I look at this car on the Volvo website (atleast the Austrian version) - it mentions a max EV figure of 79km, or just over 49miles. A considerable difference. Volvo being overly optimistic, I assume.

[@fbp452]

The 2018 xc60 t8 reviewed in this video has a battery capacity of 10.4 kwh. Volvo upgraded the battery to 11.6 kwh for the 2020 model. The battery is going to be upgraded to 18.8 kwh for MY22.5 and MY23. The 79km you mention corresponds to the upcoming 18.8 kwh battery.

[@reko3103]

I wonder if smaller wheels (with thicker profile tires) would be better in terms of ride and handling

[@Wasabi9111]

Reko Sri I doubt it. The new generation of Volvo cars seems to have jittery rides. Its a common complaint for the xc90 and s90. The air suspension helps but not sure it's worth the extra money for only an ok ride. Another common complaint is a Noisier than average interior. Which is also disappointing.

[@reko3103]

Well, that's unfortunate...

[@afcgeo882]

Actually, both are the results of overly aggressive wheel sizes paired to poor, low profile tires. Lots of owner testimony online about downsizing the wheels and getting a better ride and less noise.

[@starbees]

Next! Its important because its important!!!

[@FurrKnight]

Excellent review, Thank you

[@Zhenocnra]

I've been seriously considering this as my next daily driver purely because of the fact that almost all of the boxes (for me at least) are checked with the new XC60. The red turn signal is a definite disappointment but given the XC90 has the same design for taillights, I wasn't surprised. And the fact that the T8 hybrid's AWD system is limited by the motor. It may not be as limited as the Lexus hybrid systems thankfully, but unfortunately it isn't the same as the mechanical AWD from the gasoline-only trims :(. Thank you for specifying that in your videos as I'm always interested in more AWD information especially in crossovers. AWD is a huge deal for me out here in Colorado. @Alex In the video you delved a bit into the comfort of the air suspension vs the Lincoln SUV models. Does that mean the Volvo XC60 T8 in comfort mode is still a bit firmer than the Lincoln entries but softer than the rest of the competition (even the GLC with air suspension)? Also, do you happen to know if you'll get to test the Land Rover Range Rover Velar soon? I'd really like to know your thoughts on that model and all of the new things Land Rover is doing with the Velar like the flush door handles pros and cons (in cold/icy weather, for hand safety reasons, etc.), a dual screen infotainment that looks great but can be distracting, the air suspension in comfort mode vs competitors, etc. Thank you as always for providing information on the turn signals and showing what they look like too. I love the way Volvo does their turn signals up front. I've never liked that asymmetrical look when turn signals are engaged on competitors.

[@tazwarhossain5283]

Could you please tell me what's the official paint name of this car??

[@Balunliinfi]

Hi alex the only missing is xc40 please review it

[@jakubcintl5053]

does anyone know, what is this colour? sand metalic? crystal white?

[@venus9675]

Hello Alex I love your reviews. Could u pls review a BMW X5 I performance. I want to compare it to this car. Thank u very much

[@nali2190]

Wich one should i buy? This volvo or bmw x5 (2018)

[@biggmaki]

looks amazing

[@andrewk8636]

3:15 look at those tail light. If they left just the bottom portion and cut off the part that goes up it'd look way better

[@daimhusain9603]

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[@memberofthetribe1]

I'm ordering one.

[@stricken101]

Great review! Would love to know how the R-Design drives/compares as the body s apparently 30% stiffer than the more luxury-oriented Inscription.

[@Paul_Y_T]

Are you sure about that? I've seen that the springs are 30% stiffer, which is an easy thing for volvo to change - stiffening the body by 30% would be pretty major.

[@sly9263]

5:20 so it isn't a real AWD vehicle???? I don't get it.

[@afcgeo882]

Bobby it is a real AWD vehicle, but it’s not a surprise that you don’t get it.

[@hastensavoir7782]

This or Lexus RX 450h?

[@irbyrowland7122]

Review Xc40 T5 R-Design

[@Hakltz]

As always a great review! Not sure why they have you a T8 to review when so few people will but them? The cost difference to the T6 is huge!! Can you please do the T6 R Design? It’s a great looking car!!

[@bennbecker2972]

The cost difference is $3000 when factoring in the tax credit.

[@afcgeo882]

Benn Becker not everyone in the world gets tax credits. Even in the U.S., not everyone qualifies for it.

[@brianwinkler8183]

I think the T6 would be my choice. The T8 setup is not ideal for the XC90 or this. I think the T8 should be a new 5 cylinder Polestar type engine.

[@paulthompson5834]

26mpg combined? don't think that is correct. official figures state 122.8 combined.

[@adamwiraszka5800]

Seems to be very good car. Ugly outside and inside.

[@blitzbbffl]

Volvo defining a drive mode as "Pure EV" is completely misleading many buyers. Alex, I wish you would include in your road test a demo of how frustratingly difficult it is to propel a 5,700 Lb vehicle by nursing the throttle to keep only those 87 ponies working. I dare you to post a 0-60 time for that Volvo without ICE assist.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

We cover that in the video. As I said the motor isn't there really for a pure EV mode but mainly to offset your fuel consumption to electricity. Honestly it doesn't matter unless you have a very short commute. For most Americans with a 30 mile or so a day drive it wouldn't matter if you did 10 miles or 15 miles in pure EV followed by hybrid mode or just started with hybrid mode and consumed the same electricity in a more distributed way, you've still reduced your gasoline consumption.

[@blitzbbffl]

Alex on Autos Thanks Alex!

[@ZVEnvy]

Hi Alex, I need your help to clarify something about the 2018 XC60. I hope you can help. Since T8 has no mechanical linkage between the front and rear, and the rears can only get power of 80some horsepower from the battery, is it true to say that the T8 can never function as a true AWD vehicle with equal power to all 4 wheels? I specifically need to know this because I ski and drive in snow, and cannot compromise AWD capability. Would the T5 or T6 be a better handling car in snow? Thank you, Zoltan

[@skol101]

Allow me. I think t5/t6 should handle better in slippery conditions as the 5th gen borgwarner system (ex-haldex) should redistribute up to 50% of power from the front wheels to the rear wheels.

[@afcgeo882]

Alex has explained this in this review and the XC90 T8 review. Watch and pay attention.

[@jollygreen4662]

Less than 20 miles on full ev????

[@JazzKnight15]

@Alex! I love your reviews. Looking forward to your review of XC40. Also, please let me know if you want me to make a new intro music. Your videos deserve better music! :-)

[@Mr.Carter777]

XC90 T8 Jul 2016 Replaced plug-in vehicle charger. Sep 2016 6452 km Check engine light was on. Software update supposedly resolved (turned out to be incorrect; see next repair trip). Nov 2016 9652 km Check engine light came on again. Diagnosed as faulty fuel sensor. Dec 2016 12903 km Brake service required warning had come on. Checked out brake system and updated software in the vehicle. During this visit the tech installed the fuel sensor ordered during prior visit. Jan 2017 12903 km Battery had died. Applied software update and reversion to resolve. Parking brake switch replaced. Climate system not putting out appropriate temperatures. May 2017 19355 km Brake service required investigation. They thought that a software update resolved the issue, but it persists. It's going in for another service visit. Squeaking noise during low-level AC use. Replaced heat exchanger per Volvo technical bulletin. Jul 2017 22581 km Charge port replacement. Sep 2017 27418 km Hybrid system failure. Replaced battery control unit You been warn. Alex as always great review.

[@killacamfoo]

Captain Carter yikes. that is a lot of technical issues. too much tech is in these cars. including the hybrid systems.

[@OlaJustin]

Holy shit! Seems Volvo has to up their game. OK, it's a brand new car and give it a few years and they should fix a lot but that is unaccepteble.

[@Curryolla]

HOLY CRAP!!! I was actually cross shopping against the 2016 Lexus RX 450h. Ended up getting the Lexus for the reliability...but I had no clue the Volvo was that pathetic. Sure glad I got my RX!

[@rfm357]

That’s unfortunate, I’m glad my 2016 XC90 t8 didn’t suffer the same fate. I had some issues with mine as well. That center touch screen rebooted while I was driving which means the screen turned black for a few seconds, losing climate, navi and intertaiment control, this happened twice. I’ve also seen “check engine “ & “brake service required” warning lights came on a few times. Remote start through volvo app failed a few times. Turned out all issues were software related. So far, after the software update some months ago, those issues never showed up again. It’s almost I year now, the car is great at around 14k miles. This XC60 is a great addition to the volvo line up. Excellent review Alex., thanks

[@GOINFINITI]

Must be really frustrating. Volvo is no superstar when it comes to quality, but mainly; buying "first-off-production-line" is always bad. Being an early adopter of this Volvo really sucks. I bet you that later year models will have all the quirks ironed out.

[@myslecinaczej8674]

back seats scoring is too high- the seats do not have inclination function, something which really provide some comfort. It can be found on many other vehicles like Subaru Forester or Outback. The XC60 is advertised as a premium car and such omission is not acceptable. No matter how the back seats are comfortable a long journey comfort is compromised w/o such feature. Nice materials are always welcome as long as real value functions are on board.

[@skol101]

kids will do just fine without reclining seats, me thinks.

[@myslecinaczej8674]

You think so but I have 4 kids (now no longer small kids ) and it is not true - sure they can do without that feature but I had it on my VW (7 seater) and during long journey they made the real difference. We are talking a about premium brand here. But premium seems to be worn statement for many applications these days. The difference between some non-premium models and those traditionally perceived us the premium ones is marginal and barely can be attributed to interior materials look and even in this discipline the difference is marginal with no real practical value added.

[@thedevincrutcher]

Turbocharger, supercharger, hybrid system,... that is a lot to go wrong and I'd be terrified to own this. Lease, maybe... own, no thanks.

[@lexusfan100]

whos that person sitting next to you...lol

[@mynamehaschanged]

Makes it look like a rear wheel drive, but is it?

[@afcgeo882]

Danny C you made it look like you watched the video, but did you?

[@akila219]

the side of it looks like the mazda cx5/9, i prefer the look of the mazdas

[@georgesnyder5337]

No - it doesn't. The CX-9 might have a hint of Volvo in it from certain angles, but not the side and it came out AFTER the XC90.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Looks too short to have any of the driving height many crossover buyers look for. 26mpg combined isn’t very impressive for a Hybrid. The expected reliability is also low when considering the XC90.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

26 MPG for 400HP is pretty good. You have to think of this not as hybrid for efficiency, but hybrid for power with efficiency as a side benefit.

[@willriley1619]

Great car bunch of Audi guys hating in here because their jelly

[@aa122100]

They could have made a hybrid that has better fuel efficient with less power. I really do not want 400 hp hybrid in such a car...

[@Trades46]

CaptainAT take a look at the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Very similar powertrain ideology but it comes it significantly cheaper.

[@afcgeo882]

Yea! Just pair it with the turbo-only T5 engine instead!

[@brucec43]

All this complexity, cost, and most of all, huge weight increase, could have been avoided had they simply retained and honed the existing, already paid for, I6 turbo T6 engine. I got 21.5 avg in an XC60 with one for 4 1/2 years, and the same engine in the S60 R design is delivering 22.5mpg combined. It would weigh 400 lbs less, cost $5,000 less. They will kill their brand with the strategy in the US. They use diesels in Europe.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

They couldn't. Even though Volvo paid for the design and despite it being related to their 4 and 5 cylinder modular engines, Volvo did not own the rights to the engine after Ford sold them. In the break up of the PAG, Ford retained rights to Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo engine designs so that they could retain a profit stream. That's why the 3.0L engine was built in a Ford factory despite being a Volvo design (it was supposed to have been used in a variety of JLR vehicles but only one ever got it). This is why Volvo put their new engine family's development into overdrive so they could escape the cost of paying Ford for their old designs.

[@daniellee7178]

Bruno TaTa well you don't have to buy the t8

[@CMC5961]

Thank you Alex for the insight information on the old 3.0L T6. It was used on in my 2012 S60 Polestar and XC60 T6 AWD, IMHO. It is one of the best engines Volvo have ever made (used) so far. I used to think Volvo dropped it as they wanted to minimize the quantities of engine models in its system to keep manufacturing cost low. I did not know that Ford still retained the rights for the wonderful 3.0L T6.

[@brucec43]

Interesting.

[@MrJualsu]

Bruno TaTa ä,kisa

[@priyananthpremakanthan9655]

You mean audi q3

[@boci11]

I like Volvo, but this time Volvo tried too hard, too many components and systems, supercharged,turbocharged, hybrid and only gets 26mpg at its best ????

[@SDav21]

Looks same as XC90. Oh that's okay. Mercedes or Audi or BMW models look similar....everyone loses their shit. Hmmm....

[@lewisreford9465]

Shame about Volvo's strategic shift to luxury . . . this XC60 T8 with bells and whistles costs >$70k . . only the 1% can play in this bracket . .Volvo used to be a bread-and-butter middle income earner's family car, not any more!

[@afcgeo882]

Lewis Reford was it though? Really? Volvo was always priced closer to Mercedes than a Chevy or Toyota.

[@afcgeo882]

When you drain your battery, you lose AWD, so keep that in mind.

[@bluesmokegamer272]

Nice car, but not digging the poop brown leather.

[@verygood7155]

Almost attractive but they missed the mark.

[@yzdeaner]

Hmmmm...."The electric battery precludes a mechanical AWD system"...I then stopped watching the video. That's ridiculous.

[@workhardforit]

God that intro music is just awful.

[@alfredvalrie5541]

Kevin Go I love it. It’s very 80s tech like you’re about to play Atari.

[@lannylanuel7714]

I cant say I love it but I agree. I think its retro on purpose but I came fer the review. Music is moot.

[@SDav21]

Do North Americans really prefer a red turn signal? Why? It looks weird. Many cars flash the brake lights in an emergency stop. Having a flashing brake light as a turn signal is therefore silly. Also, Volvo engines are just inadequate. They don't actually appear to use less fuel than some good German 6 cylinder engines especially the diesel one. They can also never get their engines to sit behind the front wheels like Mercedes and BMW does and that's with longitudinal engines. Lazy engineering from Volvo's side...and Audi too. Audi engines also sit on or in front of the front wheels which is why it always feels like driving a whale.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Volvo's dedication to transverse engines has to do with several things, safety, efficiency and interior packaging. Comparably equipped the Volvo engines are slightly more efficient than the engines in the competition but comparably equipped is difficult because of the varying equipment. The Volvo XC60 and XC90 are obviously not as well balanced as the BMW X3 and X5 but the difference is actually not that large and the XC60/XC90 are better balanced F/R than the Audi Q7 or SQ5. Also remember that weight distribution is not the only factor in terms of handling. Car and Driver for instance recently reviewed the X5, Q7 and XC90 and the Audi and Volvo both beat the X5 on the skidpad, in braking and in the slalom.

[@SDav21]

Alex on Autos I get that. But when a 6 cylinder diesel Audi or Mercedes uses less fuel than a Diesel 4 cylinder Volvo, it's quite embarrassing. Also, a Mercedes isn't less safe by virtue of its engine layout and still manages to do well in terms of interior space like the GLC. For me, i just think Volvo could have put more effort into making a good 6 cylinder. The reliability of these also worry me.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Well, the Volvo does give you 1.5 inches more legroom and about 15% more cargo room than the GLC in addition to more roomy footwells and much of that can be attributed to the drivetrain layout. I cannot comment on diesel efficiency as neither are offered in the USA at this time. When it comes to crash testing, both perform well but Volvo claims that outside the standardised testing that a transverse layout provides more protection vs a longitudinal layout. Remember that Volvo used to use a longitudinal layout like BMW/Mercedes but switched a while back. It's difficult to comment directly on the safety claims as it's not really possible for many folks to independently test however Volvo does spend considerably more of their budget on safety research than any other company and also provides crash testing for other companies as well so I would tend to err on the side of believing them that there must be some benefit. Obviously driving dynamics loses in this as the GLC is the more dynamic option in this comparison.

[@SDav21]

Alex on Autos Not so sure about the safety thing. Mercedes has also been a leader in safety having had pre safe back in 2002 and making collision warning on all their cars standard before most other manufacturers. Same goes for their pre safe sound and pre safe impulse side and inflatable seatbelt for their S Class. Pre safe on particular because this was years ago when in an emergency situation it would close windows, move seats etc before an impending collision. They also have post safe which is several measures the car takes after the crash like opening all windows slightly, unlocking doors, flashing the brake lights etc. And then the QR code they started sticking in places like the fuel filler cap so that in a very severe collision, emergency services take a snapshot of that code and get a full diagram of where to cut. Mercedes I'll argue spends just as much as Volvo on safety and if I'm not mistaken, they had systems like presafe that do pre defined things before Volvo did. I trust a Mercedes more safety wise than a Volvo. I think people just go with the old Volvo is the safest thing which isn't necessarily true. When Tesla launched the Model 3 they even used a Volvo S60 to try and make people think the Model 3 was safer but the S60 is old and its competition performs much better in a side impact test with a pole. Just my thoughts. I've also found Mercedes radar cruise system more fluid than Volvo's.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Mercedes supposedly spends about the same as Volvo on safety R&D, however as a percentage of their budget it's much less which was more my point than the dollar amount itself. Both brands as I said have been very dedicated to safety research and each have areas where they are trying to push the envelope. Volvo was the first company to make collision warning and auto braking standard rather than optional although Mercedes had some optional systems first. Volvo's research is an interesting read, they have one of the most advanced safety test facilities in the world and they are the only car company that works with the local government to obtain, investigate and research actual crashes and then follow up with the occupants of the vehicle long term to get a better idea of injuries. They work with the Swedish police and should an accident that meets their research interest occur Volvo rolls out to investigate. Mercedes and Volvo aside, the biggest improvement to active safety would actually be Toyota. Volvo and Mercedes sell so few cars in the USA that autonomous safety systems won't have a big impact on net accidents, but every Toyota model being equipped with collision warning and autonomous braking from 2017 is likely to have a much bigger impact on deaths and accidents in the USA.

[@brucec43]

Good luck in 6 years selling this vehicle with 90,000 miles on it. Get one if you wish, but be done with it in 4 years.

[@DonLee1980]

These upper end T6 and T8 engines are a reliable mess. Volvo's used to be bulletproof, and now they are throwing away in pursuit of "fuel economy" and stubbornly sticking to 2.0L engines.

[@newfguy1826]

Does it seem hypocritical that Volvo claims to care about environment yet does not offer choice for non animal skin upholstery?

[@SolGuy42]

Newf Guy what do you want me to with the ‘wrapper’ for the steak I had for dinner?

[@Zohirul-Jewel]

lol

[@johndunne]

Super review, thank you.