I am currently talking to local South Florida dealers about leasing a new 2019 XC60 or 2019 XC90 (immediately) and have a few questions I would like to post to this community (where I used to be pretty active back when I owned my S60R and my S80 V8 Sport).

1. Price aside, XC60 or XC90? I do not need the extra row, but do tend to like the XC90 visually marginally more. That said, I am leaning towards XC60 because I read it handles better due to weight difference.
2. Price aside, T6 or T8? Sure, I'd LOVE those 400 HP and instant acceleration, but the fact that it will barely give me enough power for one way of my daily commute and that I would need to fully charge the battery twice a day just to be able to use them give me great pause. Plus once you get used to the 400 HP and don't have them (every time battery runs out), the 316 HP will probably feel inadequate. Or, probably my biggest gripe here. In the T8, rear wheels get power only from the electric motor, meaning once it's depleted, the car drives 100% as a FWD and one of the reasons I am going with a Volvo SUV is AWD. Would you agree this is a show-stopper for me for the T8 or am I overlooking something?
3. Other than the cool factor of lowering or raising the car on command, is the air suspension any better than the standard one when it comes to driving?

Thank you all in advance for your feedback!

 

size is based on your needs and self image. I prefer smaller, my wife likes larger cars so that's why we keep a Highlander and a sport sedan. In terms of T6 and T8s, See how much of a test drive you can get. The T8 did get called out in various reviews for not being as seamless in the EV functionality (ie the regenerative braking coming on etc). On quibbling over 300 or 400 HP... The two most fun cars I've ever owned (a 73 BMW 2002 and an 84 Audi 4K Quattro) had 110 and 130 HP respectively but both had impeccable road manners. Unless your driving has lots of short hauls or you want a Green badge for primo office parking, my preference would be the T6 for the smoother feel. I am not sure about the air suspension - the value there again may be more about your driving requirements. Do you live in New England or the rust belt states where roads generally are beat up or down south? Do you plan on towing? do you drive a lot of twisties? Again, I'd lean on the test drive to see if its really a worthwhile add. If you plan on keeping the car long term (ie 10+ years) then the added complexity means more stuff to break. If you are a 3 year and trade person, then its whether you notice the benefits.

 

Thanks a lot.

 

I love the air suspention. Don't have it on my Volvo but on my S550 Mercedes and there is a big difference. Keep in mind it will be expensive once out of warranty.

 

You are correct, the T6 is overall a better all around option. However, you can have the best of both worlds by adding the Polstar option to the T6. I bet you will out perform the T8.