2019 Volvo XC90 T6: Quick Drive and 8 Observations (Love and Hate)

A few observations as I drove this car for a few hours.
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[@ivanlowjones]

I have a 2017 Volvo XC90 T6 R-Design and my wife has a 2016 BMW 435i hardtop convertible. The BMW infotainment and even the climate controls aren't the least bit intuitive compared to my Volvo. I avoid driving her BMW as much as possible because I end up frustrated by the controls for everyday functions. Just setting the climate controls to get a comfortable interior temperature takes several steps as opposed to my Volvo. Test driving any modern car for only a few hours isn't near enough time to become acclimated to its technology. It took me about a week to become fully comfortable with my Volvo infotainment system whereas we've had my wifes car since 2016, and it still annoys the heck out of me.

[@TommyLGarage]

Maybe it’s a matter of preference then

[@RaGeAlucard]

are u serious?

[@kris-annhumphrey1369]

This gentleman has a bit of user bias which influenced some of his negative experiences. It's like an Android user stating that iPhone sucks or vice versa. Both systems work well if you're willing to put the time into it and go into learning it with an open mind. Yeah you may have a preference but it doesn't mean it sucks. For example @2:58 when you stated the screen wasn't responsive, it did respond. I just can't take this video seriously.

[@TommyLGarage]

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Good points!

[@kml.]

The infotainment is really good with the recent Over-The-Air updates. I love how low key, safe, and comfortable the Volvos are.

[@TommyLGarage]

I actually agree

[@Private289]

@volvo spends their time on safety - this is the reason I drive my xc90 . The technology is also top notch in safety. I prefer to walk out of an accident with top notch @volvo innovative safety techs

[@TommyLGarage]

That’s a very good point

[@DivaniKingston]

Tested my volvo and went home with it that day. Unreal experience...

[@TommyLGarage]

Agreed !

[@TheStig515]

i drove an s90 last month in cali and the multimedia screen was one of the easiest i´ve ever use, i thought that would be something you´d like lol, the transmission felt a bit sluggish when you actually pushed it but those cars aren´t meant to be driven hard anyway and the thor´s hammer DRLs looked pretty nice. overall i actually quite liked it.

[@TommyLGarage]

Omar0722 maybe I’m just an oddball hhmmm

[@catgbar]

I must agree with Omar. I had a 2018 S90 and just picked up my 2019 XC90 and the system is one of the easiest I've used I had owned BMW, Nissan and Alfa Romeo before) but a suggestion for the transmission is to have Volvo Polestar tune it - totally changes the driving dynamic.

[@TheDefenderSisu]

I just ordered a 2019 XC90 for European delivery I get mine in April of next year

[@didinos]

Aaaaand 9 months later you own one! :)

[@TommyLGarage]

Haha yup. Video update coming soon

[@bimmerbuds]

I'm watching this and realized I knew all the roads you're driving on. Then watched the exhaust install video and realized we live in the same neighborhood and you're the Blue M3 I've seen on 27! Small world.

[@TommyLGarage]

Bimmer Buds haha perhaps!! There is one other blue M in the area. But there’s a good chance that’s me - I Daily it. Thanks for watching and maybe we run into each other one day!

[@DocentUSA]

LOL

[@keeptrying5962]

I'm so glad to have listened to this. I am debating between XC90 T6 and BMW X5 (X drive). I have been having a helluva a hard time . BMW X5 is hard to get right now (most dealerships only have very few, mostly in the color black). Lots of XC90s available and overall better price (for what I want). I think the XC90 has better leather, higher quality than does BMW. To me, right now the XC90 is more beautiful overall, design-wise than X5. I drove an XC90 yesterday and I LOATHED THE CLIMATE CONTROL. I did not like their approach (virtually no manual controls, including music). I have driven various X5s since 2008 and I LOVE the iDrive controller. I almost never have to take my eyes off the road to change climate or music. YOU HELPED ME with your honest take on the controls. THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO.

[@TommyLGarage]

I’m glad I was able to help!! Having said that…I bought a 2018 xc90 T6 for the family. Great car, very roomy but engine doesn’t have a soul. But it’s the best out of the competition in my book.

[@Tonybagadonuts27]

Nice review Tommy! My buddy just bought this truck and loves it!

[@TommyLGarage]

m3summ thanks. Wish your buddy luck!

[@scotiajinker8392]

The rear seats are for people up to 1.7m & how can you drive from the 3rd row? How can anyone take a review seriously when the reviewer is wearing a woolly hat indoors? Surprise surprise a Volvo dealership has Volvos 😱

[@TommyLGarage]

And I was not wearing underwear. Go figure

[@scotiajinker8392]

Tommy L Garage go figure what?

[@seungchullee7729]

Many thanks. this video really helps me to make a decision.

[@TommyLGarage]

Nice! Happy to hear that

[@alg7096]

Hey Tommy, I have a 2016 xc90 and I'm trying to remember ever having trouble with the infotainment system even at the very beginning and I cannot. I think maybe if you would have spent just a little more time with it maybe it would have grown on you. My wife does not like complicated stuff at all and she feels like it is very easy to navigate.

[@TommyLGarage]

I own a 2018 xc90 now and I stand by my comments. Infotainment is terrible. But Apple car play rocks !

[@alg7096]

@@TommyLGarage Terrible?? Really?? lol ok. Well I guess ignorance is bliss for me because it seems to work well for me and my family. Guess I better stay away from BMW or I might want that elite infotainment.

[@TheDefenderSisu]

I forgot to tell you something I found out today the XC90 is the safest car so far this year with no fatalities.

[@TommyLGarage]

Hector Camacho yes I heard that. Pretty amazing!

[@aerotus888]

Does anyone know how luxurious the suspension comfort is in comparison to a BMW X5 with adaptive M Sport or a Range Rover Sport? Some people say the air suspension on XC90s isn't very decent, but the 2019 onward reviews seem to be much more positive about it feeling like a luxury ride. I test drove one before on steel springs and it was an awful ride.

[@TommyLGarage]

I owned an xc90 for 2 years and was happy to let it go. I drove an Audi Q5 after and that was much better

[@Redbirdsfan1970]

The ride comfort in XC90s from 2019 onward with the air suspension is great. It's very smooth and compliant but it's not floaty boaty either.

[@robari2410]

You obviously have no idea how complicated and at times unreliable is the technology in the BMW 5 series and 7 suv's.

[@TommyLGarage]

I own an M3. I have an idea

[@Joel-knives]

Inscription? Or Momentum?

[@TommyLGarage]

Joel Herdell Momentum

[@YourUglygod]

If you are upgrading from a 1974 Ford Bronco to this 2019 V, you will not like the central console neither.

[@TommyLGarage]

Hahaha. Nice one

[@wilp5991]

I have a BMW M4 and I absolutely hate our infotainment system. Granted mine is the 2015 model without apple carplay. I'm not a big fan of idrive and that knob they have to control it. It's slow and it's distracting when you're driving and want to go to certain menus.. They should have just made it touch screen. Oh and their back up camera is joke.. Why design a system where you can't see anything on the screen at nighttime? I have Alpine White for my car and the camera exposes for my rear bumper and not the ambient lighting outside... Other than that I love my M4..

[@TommyLGarage]

Wil Pelayo the newer idrive is much better. 2015 was a bit difficult to use

[@josephflowers5683]

Volvo is better than bmw or Audi and is equal to if not better than a Mercedes Benz! Stop dissing Volvo

[@TommyLGarage]

Calm down. I ended up buying an xc90

[@jpthsd]

These car's infotainments are just like kids toy vs new apple carplay LOL!!! mehhh Europe infotainment getting suck now or what??? Luckily I didn't purchase this car although it's safety is best of the best !!!

[@TommyLGarage]

I actually ended up buying one

[@ericmamadou4735]

click bait video

[@TommyLGarage]

Please elaborate