[yyc2000705]

I currrently owned a F80 M3 and used it as a DD. It was a completly disaster to daily it in NYC. So recently I'm thinking about getting a DD car for work. I've test drive the Volvo XC90, impressive, the BW sound system was amazing and the power is not bad at all. I drived my friend's M340 before and B58 is a great engine and that's why 540 also in my list. I'm considering 540, Volvo S90, XC90 and a 330 maybe. Any advices maybe? Thank you so much!

[yyc2000705]

Some pics of my F80

[NGT2]

I’d take the 540 over the S90 or the 330.

If you are looking for a comfortable DD to relieve the M3, then for me the 330 would be out. Same size as your weekend car and not a very comfortable car. Harsher seats and suspension. Fun and agile, though. But you have fun and agile covered.

For the other two sedans, I’m going 540 all day. Volvos aren’t very powerful and are just too boring. I actually like the exterior styling a lot but the interior less. Both are very comfortable, I’m sure. My 540 was very smooth and comfortable and that engine has plenty of power. As a M3 owner, I assume you enjoy a more fun drive and I doubt the S90 does much in that area.

XC90 is a nice SUV. I’m not going to take time to compare it because you either want an SUV or a sedan.

Not to throw a wrench in, but the only Volvo I’d buy is the V90. That would give you the drive of a sedan with the cargo utility of the XC90. Something to think about.

[yyc2000705]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I’d take the 540 over the S90 or the 330.

If you are looking for a comfortable DD to relieve the M3, then for me the 330 would be out. Same size as your weekend car and not a very comfortable car. Harsher seats and suspension. Fun and agile, though. But you have fun and agile covered.

For the other two sedans, I’m going 540 all day. Volvos aren’t very powerful and are just too boring. I actually like the exterior styling a lot but the interior less. Both are very comfortable, I’m sure. My 540 was very smooth and comfortable and that engine has plenty of power. As a M3 owner, I assume you enjoy a more fun drive and I doubt the S90 does much in that area.

XC90 is a nice SUV. I’m not going to take time to compare it because you either want an SUV or a sedan.

Not to throw a wrench in, but the only Volvo I’d buy is the V90. That would give you the drive of a sedan with the cargo utility of the XC90. Something to think about.

Thank you so much for advices! V90 is also a great vehicle. I will not require so much handling for the DD since I got the M3, does it mean Volvo might be a better choice to be safer and comfort?

[G30M]

would you like an apple or orange sir?

i suggest the XC90 PHEV or X5 50e

[JTV]

Hi,

IMHO, I would definitely get a 540 as a daily driver...never have been a Volvo fan. I doubt you would regret the 540.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by yyc2000705

Thank you so much for advices! V90 is also a great vehicle. I will not require so much handling for the DD since I got the M3, does it mean Volvo might be a better choice to be safer and comfort?

G30 is very safe and you can find one with all the driver assist features if that’s attractive to you. I just can’t imagine what the Volvo would offer to entice me away from a 540. The 540 is very comfortable, it just also offers power and acceleration when you want it, as well as some nice engine noise and other tangible driving things that most BMW drivers appreciate.

You should definitely go with what you want. Frankly, if practicality and comfort in a sedan is what you want, with no desire for sporty acceleration etc, I’d also look at the Lexus ES or a used Lexus LS.

And for that matter - maybe a Lexus RX 350. We had one for years and it’s a great vehicle in that space. Just not a sporty drive. But neither is the Volvo.

The thing that would make me lean Lexus over Volvo is the reliability. Volvos are just as much of a pain in the ass to fix as a Benz or Bimmer or Audi. If you’re putting sport to the side and looking for comfort and practicality, some of the Lexus models are worth a look. The GX drives like a truck, though.

[fastgoat]

I can chime in as I had an F80 M3 and X5 and now have a G30 m550i and an XC90 PHEV. The XC90 is a great SUV, particularly if you get the lounge package and B&W surround. However, I’m not a huge fan of the 2.0L engine even in hybrid form. It’s my wife’s car and she loves it. But from a driver perspective, I’d go with the G30 with a B58. The 5 series is very capable, comfortable, and refined in every sense.

[MelbourneFinn]

Can you get Volvo with a proper engine… No, therefore 540 is the way to go! Tbh, I had 540 after an F06 M6 and 99% of the time I didn’t really miss the M6, the 540 is an amazing car and the engine is pure gold - no Volvo can touch it. Easy decision!

[NVRfollo]

I have had both the 5series and the
XC90. Do yourself a favor and avoid the Volvo unless you want to drive an underpowered tank. Even though I got a deal of a lifetime on the XC90 lease, the wife complained so bad after 6 months I had to get her an X7.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by NVRfollo

I have had both the 5series and the
XC90. Do yourself a favor and avoid the Volvo unless you want to drive an underpowered tank. Even though I got a deal of a lifetime on the XC90 lease, the wife complained so bad after 6 months I had to get her an X7.

You could just replace “XC90” with “Lexus GX” and tell my story.

[iamcc88]

Originally Posted by NGT2

You could just replace “XC90” with “Lexus GX” and tell my story.

At least the GX has a V8. My wife drives a 4Runner and we love that thing but holy crap it cannot get out of it’s own way. My old Honda Accord seemed like a RACE car in comparison.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by iamcc88

At least the GX has a V8. My wife drives a 4Runner and we love that thing but holy crap it cannot get out of it’s own way. My old Honda Accord seemed like a RACE car in comparison.

It’s big. It’s sturdy. It’s indestructible. It will climb a damn mountain.

Holy shit, it’s slow as hell and clumsy as can be.

I know it can run on hopes and dreams with water in the oil tank, but that’s got to be the most inefficient V8 engines in modern use. Awful power delivery and worse gas mileage.

[iamcc88]

Originally Posted by NGT2

It’s big. It’s sturdy. It’s indestructible. It will climb a damn mountain.

Holy shit, it’s slow as hell and clumsy as can be.

I know it can run on hopes and dreams with water in the oil tank, but that’s got to be the most inefficient V8 engines in modern use. Awful power delivery and worse gas mileage.

The funniest part to me… I drove my co-workers GX and I was like HOLY CRAP THIS THING IS FAST AS HELL! Compared to the 4Runner… lmao

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by iamcc88

The funniest part to me… I drove my co-workers GX and I was like HOLY CRAP THIS THING IS FAST AS HELL! Compared to the 4Runner… lmao

Oh wow… hahaha. That’s terrible

[G30M]

Originally Posted by NVRfollo

I have had both the 5series and the
XC90. Do yourself a favor and avoid the Volvo unless you want to drive an underpowered tank. Even though I got a deal of a lifetime on the XC90 lease, the wife complained so bad after 6 months I had to get her an X7.

the PHEV has over 400hp

[overcooked]

Skip the Volvo, I have a 2018 XC90 T6 Inscription and that damn thing’s powertrain is trash. Always huting for gear and always in the wrong gear. I bought it new and it’s been giving me CELs or air suspension issues every 15K miles ish.
I also have an Audi and a Mercedes. I feel that these 3 German brands build cars on a higher level than the Volvo does.
The Volvo wasn’t cheap though. 80K after tax, should’ve got a Q7 or X5

[Numark318i]

For what it’s worth, my parents have an XC60 PHEV. It is a 2021 and has 60,000…they drive a lot.

It is showing it’s age at 60,000. Lots of cabin noise/rattles, the car is way too heavy (and I drive a 530e…), drive train is eh. It has left them stranded twice with electronics issues. They have been buying Volvos since their ‘94 940 wagon,they don’t think they will buy another.

I almost bought an XC90 right before COVID, and I’m glad I didn’t.

[Warp Ten]

Like many others here. I will chime in as a booster of the 540. Love mine. Great combination of performance and comfort. My son has a 2020 XC90 and it was eventually recalled for an engine replacement due to excessive oil consumption--I think some problem with piston rings, well documented issue. He likes the Volvo but didn't like the engine problem. My guess is that if the OP posted his queries on a Volvo forum he might get some different answers. --Bob

[ted99]

My DD is a 530e. The EV mode is very smooth in traffic and 18 mi EV range adequate for most of my trips, with daily Level 1 charging from a 110v. outlet and the included BMW "convenience" charger. 2024 "might" see an EV range increase. Acceleration off the line to 40 mph leaves all other cars (except Tesla's) in the dust because of the instant response. All the comfort of a 5-series if you ditch the RF tires. Highly recommend the adaptive suspension for potholes.

[Sxs1687]

Are you hauling anything daily? My only complaint...if I had to complain that is...is that my G30 trunk is kind of small, esp because I have the space saver spare option. Well not small but it's not very deep so I sometimes have to awkwardly shove things back there, if I'm hauling a bunch of stuff.

I'd def go 540i though. It's a great, comfortable, and attractive car!

[xander_g]

Always had a soft spot for volvos however a couple people I know that drive them currently cant wait for the leases to end. General reliability issues keep coming up and some minor creaks and rattles.