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#1 |
195
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 24,612
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V70 T5 impressions
Took a long road-trip in a new V70 T5 over the weekend. I've driven a bunch of Volvos before (the V70 2.4T, the XC 70, the previous generation S70 T5, etc.) but never the current generation T5.
Overall, this is a very capable family hauler. It has plenty of power, even with the slushbox, and it's freaking enormous inside. We had four people loaded up for an 800 mile roundtrip, and there was plenty of space. The seats are among the most comfortable in automobiledom, and I like the high-quality, elegant interior. Compared to the V70 2.4T and XC, the increased power is very evident (and welcome). On the highway especially, the T5 has a lot of reserve, and can easily maintain 90 mph in the mountains even with four passengers and a giant cargo bubble on the top (ask me how I know). The T5 also handles more confidently than these other cars, especially the XC. Drawbacks? Yes, there are a few. The turbo 5 has a lot of grunt, but not much in the way of smoothness. At high revs under heavy boost, the T5's engine emits a stuttering, thundering blat that is only cool if you're into industrial chic. You floor it to generate Gs, not to hear the engine wind out. There's not really lag, per se, but the high-pressure turbo generate more power up top than down low, meaning that the fun stuff starts to really happen higher in the rev range. The steering is probably the biggest downside--it has variable assist that is very noticeable, and is pretty numb at all speeds. Very little road feel makes its way to your hands. Moreover, there is not enough self-centering, and the car feels just as happy continuing along with 5 degrees of steering angle as it does with 0. Finally, the comfy seats have a very flat bottom cushion, and while they provide decent lateral support on the upper body, driving aggressively sort of feels like playing GT3 from a Barca lounger. Bottom line? This isn't really a sports wagon like the 325iT. It's a big, comfortable family car with space that shames most SUVs and the ability to erase vast highway distances quickly and easily. Next to the V70, the M3 feels like a fighter jet, but if I had to pick one to take on a trip, the Volvo is the obvious choice. I'm very interested to drive a Saab Aero to see how it compares. |
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#2 | |
Founder emeritus
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Maryland
Posts: 21,007
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Re: V70 T5 impressions
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Although it would be the "lowly" 230HP version not the newer 250HP version. |
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#3 | ||
195
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 24,612
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Re: V70 T5 impressions
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-quick trip to carpoint- Actually (surprisingly) it isn't. The V70 T5 is a veritable lightweight in this class; Carpoint gives it as 3488 lbs, which is exceptional for a mid-size wagon (the much smaller M3 coupe is 3415). The manual transmission 9-5 Aero wagon is 3620. Huh. |
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#4 | |||
Solving problems
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4
Location: Metro Boston
Posts: 25,266
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Re: V70 T5 impressions
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#5 | ||||
195
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 24,612
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Re: V70 T5 impressions
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I would buy a V70 T5 over an E320 in less time than it takes you to say "247 hp." ______ *In contrast, the E500 that I drove was pleasant, given the stiffer air suspension and the giant horsepower increase. But it's still not worth what they ask for it. |
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#6 | ||
Solving problems
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4
Location: Metro Boston
Posts: 25,266
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Re: V70 T5 impressions
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If we get that cheap SUV and push off the wagon purchase to 2007 and after, then hopefully the 320CDI with 369 lb-ft of torque will be available. That should start at under 50K (still a lot, but more bearable). I am not thrilled with all the electro-crap they have put on that car, but it would be a luxury family wagon for my wife primarily, so it will be her call. I find the E-wagon to be beautiful and very practical and BIG. I always keep the Volvo T5/R in my back pocket because they are cheaper and combined with ED and my corporate savings I could get a new R or T5 for what I would pay for a 2-3 year old E-wagon. We'll see. I am yet to drive either since we are a ways off. If the E320CDi is available and we can afford a 50K+ wagon, odds are we will do ED on one. Otherwise, it will be between a used E320/E500 or a new T5/R, and I have a feeling the $$$ saved alone will point us to the Volvos. They will likely be a new generation by then anyhow. |
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#7 |
The user formerly known as rwg
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: Z4
Location: Vegas baby!
Posts: 8,261
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If you think the M is like a fighter jet compared to the T5, you should try it compared to the V70 without the turbo. The Dog Hauler is not powerful, it is just big. The manual transmission helps though. You feel like you have *some* control.
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