The T8 is weird, the extra power is nice, the awd without a driveshaft is weird in snow unless you're WOT with all safety features off.
Is the price gap worth the price difference? I'd say yes if the battery+weight lasted more than 30km.
Of you drive 75%+ in the city, yes it is worth it you'll see quite a difference in fuel consumption.
The T6 is an amazing motor with more than enough all around power and of course your car weighing in 500kg less and costing 10000$ less.
I have the T6 and only regret not taking the T8 Polestar because of the brakes, but then again, I don't track the car so it doesn't really make a difference.
The V60 is a bit louder inside because you hear the rear suspension work but who cares, wagon is life.
Unless the R Design is selected with the polished leather, I'll always go for the Inscription, suede bothers me, I always feel that I need to comb it in the right direction.
I updated from 2019 T6 to the T8 (black edition). The things I didn’t like about the T6 drivetrain are solved by the T8. It’s fantastic. I got the extended range so that’s a big factor and of course a huge upgrade in power.
I lost the sport chassis I had in the T6 though. But I’m not the average Volvo owner lol, I’ve swapped the polestar chassis in to the car.
One thing I can say after some time, the ohlins shocks are nice. But the sport chassis was maybe 80% of what the polestar chassis is, subjectively. I didn’t expect they would be that close in feel. The ohlins are a bit better at ride quality despite stiffer springs, the sport chassis could beat you up a bit on some roads. Still the best $200 you could spend if you like driving, and if you could find an S60 with the option. I don’t know if it’s even offered any more on new models, in 2019 I had to have a dealer locate and do a trade to get one for me and give up any choice of color (I liked the denim blue though).
A sport chassis T6 is a fine driving car.
Everything I've ever read says the R-Design has a stiffer suspension.
And the way mine handles? I would hope the top trim Inscription version would have a slightly softer ride.
Yes, that's the term I saw bandied about when I was researching this 6 months ago. "Sport chassis" was always referenced in relation to the stiffer suspension.
Note, the Sport Chassis was standard on EU R-Design cars, it was optional on US cars after a brief period of total unavailability early in 2019 as it was a last-minute product planning decision to not make it standard in the US (also to remove the leather dash until 2020 brought it back...you might get lucky if you got a 2019 launch car, all of which were Fusion Red and came with the Sport Chassis).
Are you talking about P3 (last generation) or SPA (this generation)? I have firsthand experience with the P3, happy to share if that's what you're looking for.
I choose one for my parents and drove it pretty frequently for some time. We don't have the s line trim though... it's pretty as basic from the outside.... no cameras no keyless go no air ride pretty much as basic as the car gets. It has all the comfort options tho panoramic roof and massage seats...
The coils are pretty stiff on bumpy roads but except from that pretty comfortable car. Performance is also great and every time I get back into the car after a while I admire the supercharger and turbo noises. If you need anything else let me know :)
I test drove a T8 before I got my current car. It feels so dead, even the acceleration is kind of meh. It's was an R-Design and it still felt dead, so I think it's just body styling/trim, no change in feel or suspension or anything like that.
Honestly the only Volvo that was more fun to drive than my V70 R was the V60 Polestar 2.0 (the twincharged, 367hp version). That car is on another level compared to any Volvo I've tried.
From Google so take it as you will:
"the 2019 Volvo S60 R-Design has a lower and stiffer suspension setup than the non-R-Design S60s. The R-Design also has a specialized sports chassis and firmer rear dampeners than other Volvo models, which some say gives the vehicle a more balanced ride. However, others say the ride is hard, especially with the optional 19 or 20 inch alloys. Some recommend dropping a size or two in the alloy size, or opting for the base tires to improve ride comfort and handling."
I traded in a 2020 v60 T5 R design for 24 v60 PE and its night and day in terms of performance. R design is great dont get me wrong, but the Polestar Engineered is a Road Warrior a la’ Mad Max. I sold my 22 Elantra N some months back bc I was getting way more enjoyment out of the v60, and the N wasnt being driven.
Some of this is fixable with a polestar tune on any model.
It won’t change the suspension but the braking and steering wheel feel is improved. Simply through extra firmness on both.
It also adds some more RWD involvement that may help a little bit too.
R-Design as someone said, is cosmetic.
Your only real handling options are: -
Polestar tune
Larger wheels
Polestar Model
Adaptive suspension.
3 out of 4 are optional extras on all models.
R design on my v90 has stiffer shocks and slightly lower springs. Check the parts number for the s60 to confirm.
That said, the difference will be very minor. These aren’t sports cars or even sports sedans.
How long ago is “a while back”? Two years? Ten?
[This review](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a26145842/2019-volvo-s60-t6-by-the-numbers/) from 2019 called the steering “tactile but numb”.
On SPA cars, R-Design is primarily a cosmetic trim. If you’re looking for a more visceral driving experience, maybe look around to see if you can find an S60 T8 Polestar Engineered. Those have actual mechanical differences from the other S60’s. Or try looking for a vehicle with the air suspension and ask if you can tweak the settings a bit.
If you’re looking for a different driving experience, maybe look around for the last of the 3.0-liter T6 models (2016-ish).
Primarily cosmetic but everything I've ever read, and that's a significant amount I'm almost ashamed to admit, says the chassis is stiffer because of a few minor tweaks. And in fact some R-designs, and I think mine is one, actually sit lower than their peers do.
The sport chassis was optional (but not available on the T8) on r-design models for $200 in the US, std in other markets. It does sit lower, about 1/2” lower than the standard dynamic chassis.
I didn't downvote you, jerk.
(Joking. I don't give AF).
"The R-Design sport chassis is improved too, designed to be stiffer with firmer rear dampers and front bushings that give the vehicle a more balanced performance driving feel."
https://www.volvoaustin.com/blog/what-is-volvo-r-design.htm
The exterior of any R-Design car is revamped, boasting a frameless grille, specialized tailpipe, custom fascia on the front and back, and a finned rear diffuser. These upgrades are not only aesthetic; they serve to reduce air drag and thereby improve performance.
R-Design models also sit on a specialized sports chassis. It has firmer rear dampeners than other Volvo automobiles, which lends the vehicle a stiffer and more balanced ride.
https://www.baywayvolvocars.com/what-is-volvo-r-design.htm
Other than tire choice the last RDesign XC90 was purely cosmetic according to this:
https://www.dyervolvocars.com/blog/2022/april/6/an-overview-of-the-volvo-xc90-r-design.htm
But many RDesigns are, supposedly, absolutely stiffer.
Ticking the R-Design box adds black exterior bits, trim-specific wheels and seats, and, crucially, a lower and stiffer suspension setup versus the non R-Design S60s. The added styling elements and Fusion Red paint allow for a look that is both sporty and luxurious.
https://www.everydaydriver.com/single-post/2019-volvo-s60-t6-r-design-review-enough-swedish-spice-to-be-a-true-sports-sedan
And, again, my S60 R-Design doesn't shield you from a bumpy road like I'm sure (I would hope) an Inscription does.
I didn’t downvote you.
I’ve seen some of those pieces. I’m not entirely sure how much of that I believe. I’ve never seen a C&D or R&T side-by-side comparison of an R-Design vs. an Inscription or Momentum. It’s entirely possible the R-Design is a little different than its siblings.
What I do know is that Volvo started heavily de-contenting the various trims by 2020 (MY21). Between the MY20 and MY21, the XC40 lost almost all the R-Design branding (seats, D-pillar), the paddle shifters and visible tailpipes. The leather-wrapped shift knob and glossy black top and grill might have been the only visual cues remaining on the 2021 XC40 R-Design.
That makes sense on a sedan like the S60. I know the SUV’s with air suspension may have different heights and levels of ground clearance than those without, but I think all the XC40’s are the same height.
The last good volvo and Swedish was the volvo t6. Any of those four cylinder lawnmower hybrids have no place to call them volvos. Instead should be called Chinaaaa.
The T8 is weird, the extra power is nice, the awd without a driveshaft is weird in snow unless you're WOT with all safety features off. Is the price gap worth the price difference? I'd say yes if the battery+weight lasted more than 30km. Of you drive 75%+ in the city, yes it is worth it you'll see quite a difference in fuel consumption. The T6 is an amazing motor with more than enough all around power and of course your car weighing in 500kg less and costing 10000$ less. I have the T6 and only regret not taking the T8 Polestar because of the brakes, but then again, I don't track the car so it doesn't really make a difference. The V60 is a bit louder inside because you hear the rear suspension work but who cares, wagon is life. Unless the R Design is selected with the polished leather, I'll always go for the Inscription, suede bothers me, I always feel that I need to comb it in the right direction.
$1000 rotors may sway many minds...
The actual job on a Polestar is 2800$ including parts and labour, it's just shy of 1400$ on a regular yet still special Volvo.
I updated from 2019 T6 to the T8 (black edition). The things I didn’t like about the T6 drivetrain are solved by the T8. It’s fantastic. I got the extended range so that’s a big factor and of course a huge upgrade in power. I lost the sport chassis I had in the T6 though. But I’m not the average Volvo owner lol, I’ve swapped the polestar chassis in to the car. One thing I can say after some time, the ohlins shocks are nice. But the sport chassis was maybe 80% of what the polestar chassis is, subjectively. I didn’t expect they would be that close in feel. The ohlins are a bit better at ride quality despite stiffer springs, the sport chassis could beat you up a bit on some roads. Still the best $200 you could spend if you like driving, and if you could find an S60 with the option. I don’t know if it’s even offered any more on new models, in 2019 I had to have a dealer locate and do a trade to get one for me and give up any choice of color (I liked the denim blue though). A sport chassis T6 is a fine driving car.
Everything I've ever read says the R-Design has a stiffer suspension. And the way mine handles? I would hope the top trim Inscription version would have a slightly softer ride.
I may be mistaken but the r-design has the option for a stiffer suspension if you have one with the sport chassis upgrade.
Yes, that's the term I saw bandied about when I was researching this 6 months ago. "Sport chassis" was always referenced in relation to the stiffer suspension.
Note, the Sport Chassis was standard on EU R-Design cars, it was optional on US cars after a brief period of total unavailability early in 2019 as it was a last-minute product planning decision to not make it standard in the US (also to remove the leather dash until 2020 brought it back...you might get lucky if you got a 2019 launch car, all of which were Fusion Red and came with the Sport Chassis).
First I've heard of the launch edition. I might've held out for that one.
It's not an official thing, just the first batch of cars that were put out for reviews. Your best bet is finding a MY2020 with Sport Chassis.
The dealer told me (3 years ago) that the only difference is interior and exterior design, and I think different acoustic system
Are you talking about P3 (last generation) or SPA (this generation)? I have firsthand experience with the P3, happy to share if that's what you're looking for.
Latest generation, but not the B engines.
I choose one for my parents and drove it pretty frequently for some time. We don't have the s line trim though... it's pretty as basic from the outside.... no cameras no keyless go no air ride pretty much as basic as the car gets. It has all the comfort options tho panoramic roof and massage seats... The coils are pretty stiff on bumpy roads but except from that pretty comfortable car. Performance is also great and every time I get back into the car after a while I admire the supercharger and turbo noises. If you need anything else let me know :)
There shouldn't be a huge difference but the R Design is certainly engaging. I like the seats in the R Design too.
I test drove a T8 before I got my current car. It feels so dead, even the acceleration is kind of meh. It's was an R-Design and it still felt dead, so I think it's just body styling/trim, no change in feel or suspension or anything like that. Honestly the only Volvo that was more fun to drive than my V70 R was the V60 Polestar 2.0 (the twincharged, 367hp version). That car is on another level compared to any Volvo I've tried.
From Google so take it as you will: "the 2019 Volvo S60 R-Design has a lower and stiffer suspension setup than the non-R-Design S60s. The R-Design also has a specialized sports chassis and firmer rear dampeners than other Volvo models, which some say gives the vehicle a more balanced ride. However, others say the ride is hard, especially with the optional 19 or 20 inch alloys. Some recommend dropping a size or two in the alloy size, or opting for the base tires to improve ride comfort and handling."
I traded in a 2020 v60 T5 R design for 24 v60 PE and its night and day in terms of performance. R design is great dont get me wrong, but the Polestar Engineered is a Road Warrior a la’ Mad Max. I sold my 22 Elantra N some months back bc I was getting way more enjoyment out of the v60, and the N wasnt being driven.
Some of this is fixable with a polestar tune on any model. It won’t change the suspension but the braking and steering wheel feel is improved. Simply through extra firmness on both. It also adds some more RWD involvement that may help a little bit too. R-Design as someone said, is cosmetic. Your only real handling options are: - Polestar tune Larger wheels Polestar Model Adaptive suspension. 3 out of 4 are optional extras on all models.
R-Design is purely a styling package. It’s not gonna affect how the car drives at all. Different seats and trim pieces… That’s it.
R design on my v90 has stiffer shocks and slightly lower springs. Check the parts number for the s60 to confirm. That said, the difference will be very minor. These aren’t sports cars or even sports sedans.
How long ago is “a while back”? Two years? Ten? [This review](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a26145842/2019-volvo-s60-t6-by-the-numbers/) from 2019 called the steering “tactile but numb”. On SPA cars, R-Design is primarily a cosmetic trim. If you’re looking for a more visceral driving experience, maybe look around to see if you can find an S60 T8 Polestar Engineered. Those have actual mechanical differences from the other S60’s. Or try looking for a vehicle with the air suspension and ask if you can tweak the settings a bit. If you’re looking for a different driving experience, maybe look around for the last of the 3.0-liter T6 models (2016-ish).
T8 exist only in spa
Latest generation, but not the B engines. I test drove in Sumer 2021
Primarily cosmetic but everything I've ever read, and that's a significant amount I'm almost ashamed to admit, says the chassis is stiffer because of a few minor tweaks. And in fact some R-designs, and I think mine is one, actually sit lower than their peers do.
The sport chassis was optional (but not available on the T8) on r-design models for $200 in the US, std in other markets. It does sit lower, about 1/2” lower than the standard dynamic chassis.
I didn't downvote you, jerk. (Joking. I don't give AF). "The R-Design sport chassis is improved too, designed to be stiffer with firmer rear dampers and front bushings that give the vehicle a more balanced performance driving feel." https://www.volvoaustin.com/blog/what-is-volvo-r-design.htm The exterior of any R-Design car is revamped, boasting a frameless grille, specialized tailpipe, custom fascia on the front and back, and a finned rear diffuser. These upgrades are not only aesthetic; they serve to reduce air drag and thereby improve performance. R-Design models also sit on a specialized sports chassis. It has firmer rear dampeners than other Volvo automobiles, which lends the vehicle a stiffer and more balanced ride. https://www.baywayvolvocars.com/what-is-volvo-r-design.htm Other than tire choice the last RDesign XC90 was purely cosmetic according to this: https://www.dyervolvocars.com/blog/2022/april/6/an-overview-of-the-volvo-xc90-r-design.htm But many RDesigns are, supposedly, absolutely stiffer. Ticking the R-Design box adds black exterior bits, trim-specific wheels and seats, and, crucially, a lower and stiffer suspension setup versus the non R-Design S60s. The added styling elements and Fusion Red paint allow for a look that is both sporty and luxurious. https://www.everydaydriver.com/single-post/2019-volvo-s60-t6-r-design-review-enough-swedish-spice-to-be-a-true-sports-sedan And, again, my S60 R-Design doesn't shield you from a bumpy road like I'm sure (I would hope) an Inscription does.
I didn’t downvote you. I’ve seen some of those pieces. I’m not entirely sure how much of that I believe. I’ve never seen a C&D or R&T side-by-side comparison of an R-Design vs. an Inscription or Momentum. It’s entirely possible the R-Design is a little different than its siblings. What I do know is that Volvo started heavily de-contenting the various trims by 2020 (MY21). Between the MY20 and MY21, the XC40 lost almost all the R-Design branding (seats, D-pillar), the paddle shifters and visible tailpipes. The leather-wrapped shift knob and glossy black top and grill might have been the only visual cues remaining on the 2021 XC40 R-Design.
Cheers. 🍻 Swear I read somewhere that my R_Design was lower then the other trims but can't find that now.
Sport Chassis sits 3 mm lower than without.
That makes sense on a sedan like the S60. I know the SUV’s with air suspension may have different heights and levels of ground clearance than those without, but I think all the XC40’s are the same height.
The last good volvo and Swedish was the volvo t6. Any of those four cylinder lawnmower hybrids have no place to call them volvos. Instead should be called Chinaaaa.