I am about to purchase an XC60 plug-in hybrid and the dealer was kind enough to let me drive their service loaner on the weekend. So I was parked next to a curb and lightly felt the sidewalls against the cement. To my surprise I scratched the rims!
Are the wheels on these cars more susceptible to damage? If so are there any good alternatives? I know I shouldn't be parking by braille so please be kind, I'm new here......

 

What level are you purchasing? (core/plus ultra) The sidewalls of the tires used on the 19/20/21 inch wheels - are shorter than the average curb. That equals = curb rash.

Solution - smaller wheels / taller side walls - (that's not an option, but you can get 18's on the core model - does anyone know if those sidewalls are tall enough to avoid curbs?
(on my wife's car I'm getting 3 wheels "derashed" wednesday before lease turn in, and had 3 fixed on the previous lease. Next car is going to have taller sidewalls!)

 

Every car I've ever owned has been subject to curbing. Its really the rim and tire design - as you will see for most cars, the rim is slightly outboard of the tire rubber so its likely to hit the curb first. Rims can be fixed - most are painted so they can be repaired using body filler and color matching paint. Hardest part is finding the correct paint code for the wheels. :-(

 

Curb rash isn't a "Volvo", "model" or a "tire size" thing, it's a "driver" skill thing. I've owned my factory ordered 2020 V90 Inscription for over 5 and 1/2 years with no curb rash (and yes, I've parallel parked it many times). Not sure what tech was in the XC60 you test drove, by my V has tilt-down sideview mirror when backing up and 360 camera.