Before you start in on an “XC90 hybrid at half the cost” rant, this past weekend we actually had dibs on a XC90 2024 Ultimate, non-loaner, with the wrong color, no air suspension, no B&W and it had 22s. Dealer actually had two, with the other being a 2024 Plus and it also was a non-loaner. Don’t PM or ask where as they are both now sold/leased.
Had them down to $380 and $350 with $0 DAS and no MSDs respectively but they both rode awful, were too big on the road and for us with zero kids at home. For the Ultimate (now Ultra) with the 22s and no air you could feel how every bump was transmitted to your ass, back and hands on the wheel. 22s swapped out was not an option and I would have to buy new 21s on my own dime. Then the Plus just did not have the stuff my wife wanted and only rode slightly better on 21s but not great. I confirmed her thoughts driving both XC90 setups as well. Ridiculous size and space we did not need, handling was not great with huge body roll and it just was not the right SUV for her.
Instead of having two SUVs that we didn’t want at $730 per month total I made the mistake of letting her drive a 2025 XC60 T8 AWD Ultra Plug-In Hybrid and that was pretty much it. Color was right, ride was far more comfortable with the 21s and the air suspension, Bowers and Wilkins blew her away and everything else worked for size, handling and options.
Had already shopped, driven or previously owned pretty much everything else in the CL SUV segment and the XC60 was the winner for her. Hybrid system works for her low daily mileage @ all electric, all the time with an overnight charge but a gas backup/assist when needed, and it also works for two people (rare) and two dogs (often) in the back as well. She’s happy and I think the XC60 in this spec was money well spent. Volvo has done a great job with the XC60 hybrid and the value proposition is there for sure.
Could I have found a cheaper ride with a lower payment? Of course I could. Did anything else check as many boxes for her at that monthly with the fit/finish, ride quality, options and Volvo safety? No, and she was just was not interested in another MB, BMW or even a stripped Macan even if you could strike the balance with a hybrid vs EV or gas.
2025 XC60 T8 AWD Ultra Plug-In Hybrid, Crystal White
Bowers & Wilkins Premium + Air Suspension + Climate + 21" Black Diamonds
All in @ $758/m, $76,875 MSRP, 10.83% off @ $68,549, $0 DAS, $0 MSDs, Sign & Drive (1st month credit), 36/7.5k, 58%, 0.0026, $12k incentives (Volvo lease cash, Costco, ABA and $7.5k EV), std Volvo acq., taxes, dealer/gov fees, etc.
It was dark when I could take pics from earlier this week so here are some not so great shots. Will post better ones this weekend.
