Since I previously had the 2019 XC90 T5, I thought I would highlight some of the differences between the features compared with the new 2023 T8 Recharge, and my opinion on the logic behind the changes and the “value” to me for the added expense between T5 and T8.
I recently sold my 2019 XC90 T5 AWD 7-seater, which was loaded with nearly every available option. Leather, heated front/rear seats, HUD, HK Audio, Rear Window retractable shades, Built-In Booster seat, Polestar Tuning. Some of these options are now only available on higher Trim levels, which was to be expected…
Differences and Logic/Value judgements:
1. Addition, then Deletion of the Wireless Charging Pad in the center console. Reasons given for deletion were customer complaints of overheating phones. An odd thing for Volvo to do, but personally I prefer my phone to be elevated anyways, so I have a good vent-attached charger for my iPhone.
2. Covering up of the Tail-pipes. Volvo really wants to look like an all-electric Car company, which is their ultimate goal, so they are covering up the tail-pipes with an expanded bumper, with the pipes facing downwards instead of directly out. Meh…
3. The Recharge Range has dramatically increased. Upon a full charge, the 2023 Recharge indicates 41 Miles remaining. This is of course a bit optimistic, and reality is more like 35 (depending on driving habits and outside temperature). My work is 8 miles away and I can get back and forth to work 2 days without needing to recharge. This is game-changing for me. I will rarely need to fill up; only for longer family trips out of the area. The $7500 EV Tax Credit basically pays for the RECHARGE option, so is an obvious buy compared with the T6.
4. The Concave Grill. Pretty and adds a more modern feel to the style.
5. USB C addition, USB A deletion. Of course an expected modernization feature, but a little annoying since all my cables are USB A. Hard to tell if the USB C data transfer rates makes much of a difference with Carplay… The Addition of built-in USB C in the middle row is welcomed, and saves the $10 Cig. Lighter Adapter.
6. Crystal Shifter (Electronic) compared with mechanical shifter. Very pretty! It’s arguably faster to shift back and forth between reverse/drive, but purists may miss the mechanical shifter. The smaller shifter also makes it easier to access center/front storage, and is much more attractive. It’s also lit up which is cool. Oozes luxury, and is one of the most defining features of owning a luxury Volvo.
7. Interior Ambient lighting. This was a feature I also really missed not having in the T5. It looks very cool, and is also quite practical. One difference for 2023 is the deletion of the ability to change colors though… I can’t figure out why they deleted that feature; really an irritating disappointment.
8. The ceiling control panel has been changed to touch-sensitive controls, rather than buttons. Mixed feelings about this; it’s cleaner and more modern, but takes away ability to partially open/close the sun shade. Learning curve is reasonably high to figure out how to just open the roof for airflow and/or the sun-shade.
9. Tailored Dash and open-pore wood. YES! Just beautiful, and one of the main reasons I decided to upgrade from a T5. Very high quality/luxury look/feel!
10. Finally, the MOST significant change is the Google Automotive system that replaces the legacy SENSUS system. I have mixed feelings about this one. Visually, I like it better, in both the center and driver’s screens. The integration of Google Maps is very good, but would be cooler if it had Satellite Maps instead of just the Cad-style maps; hoping they integrate that as a future software update! The system is noticeably faster, with no lag, compared with significant lag in SENSUS. The Google App Store has a much larger selection of Apps than the previous system, but not as many as I’d hoped; this will also increase with time I suspect.
A quick criticism about the both the old and new system (which I had hoped would have been fixed with new system) is the spotty connection of internet sharing from the phone to the system. In the States, this is probably a non-issue since you can get a built-in SIM, but having a US-spec in Germany makes sharing the phone internet connection a must. Also, why hasn’t Volvo upgraded to Wireless Carplay?? That was an obvious modernization upgrade they apparently didn’t feel was necessary or cost-effective.
New Options purchased (that I didn’t have on the T5), and value judgement:
1. Air Suspension. A significant improvement in the ride quality! Definitely worth the added cost compared with the stock suspension, which was outright jarring over broken/rough pavement. The added cool features of being able to raise/lower the vehicle is also welcome; I like that you can set up the car to automatically lower the chassis for easier ingress (activated upon exiting and locking the vehicle). Time will tell if the air-pump system will hold up over time.. have seen some reports that this can be a reliability area.
2. Napa Leather seats with ventilation, thigh extenders, and massage function. YES! This was something I really missed in my previous XC90. It comes as part of the Lounge package, which also adds the Nubuck headliner (also very nice!). Lounge package is a MUST if you’re going high-tier.
Overall I’m very satisfied with my upgrade from T5 to T8. The cost difference is eye-watering, and not a reasonable value for many. The T5, which is now the B5 is really an excellent value with the improved mild-hybrid tech, making it a sound buy if you’re looking for entry level luxury! But the T8 with all the beans in it is truly a marvelous top-tier family hauler. The quality of the materials and the understated luxury is something that sets it far apart from the competition in my opinion, especially in this price-range.