Hi Guys:

Well, the front center armrest in my 2011 XC60 drove me crazy! Too low and too far back. Could never use it as an armrest and was quite uncomfortable on longer journeys!

I checked out some 'accessory' type armrest extenders but didn't think much of any of them, so here's what I did.

I had my Volvo dealer remove the armrest and I took it to a local auto trim shop. They added a top section to it, made of a wood base, with a new foam top and charcoal leather covering the whole new section. They added approximately 2 inches to the height of the original and about 4 1/2 inches to the length. The new section is bolted onto the original armrest.

The dealer charged $50 to take out the armrest and I installed it back myself. I could have removed it myself had I known how easy it was, as just 6 clips hold the back frame in place but it is still a very fiddly job to do. Re-install was straightforward but time consuming. The auto trim shop charged $150 for the new armrest, which is not cheap but, to me, well worth it.

To say I am delighted with the outcome is an understatement!

On the downside, I can now only use one cup holder as the new armrest blocks the rearmost cup holder (unless I lift the armrest up) but, in my opinion, this is a small price to pay.

Check out the pictures here: www.photobucket.com/armrest

Regards - Roger