My 2023 V60 lease returned to 
a year earlier than planned. With about 2 months notice, I started test driving and renting wagon-like replacements that were safe, had a very adjustable driver seat, pano roof that opens, HP/torque+, and hips (D-pillar). In order of preference PHEV > BEV > Hybrid > ICE but it was more about the car feel than the powertrain.
I booked a Porsche experience to back-to-back the Taycan Turbo and Macan Turbo EVs
and also booked the 1-day Car Control Clinic at the BMW Performance Center.
I liked the ZDX Type-S – Supercruise more than I expected to – but got hung up on a paint color and wrap I could live with. On paper a 2024 BMW X3 (pre refresh) was a winner but all that were left were bean-can loaners with 10k miles and long leases with low incentives. The roof on the X1 opened and the base model was sufficiently powerful, it produced as many endorphins as a CX-30. The X1 M3.5 was awful - the sport mode transmission was a lawn mower that was never in the right gear and the M Sport seats are uncomfortable
The iX was WOOF in every regard, they can’t make one cheap enough. The X5+ are too big. Special thanks for @Ashleigh and @BMW_Dave who got me as close as I’ve ever been to BMW ownership. Maybe next time.
The Outback was then unchanged from my 2022, and the 2026 needs ozempic to dream of ever fitting into it’s summer of 2018 wagon jeans 
Which brought me around to an idea so crazy, it was brilliant. On 3/31 I called @Benedetto and gave him a stock number, and my pre-tariff replacement 🇸🇪🥔 arrived from Torslanda on a truck. Checks all my boxes, it was just taller than I fantasized 🚙 🇸🇪
Ben’s broker fee was paid separately and door-to-door delivery arranged by Motown Freight arrived COD, on time, A+. I appreciate how much care Ben puts into screening his drivers.
I hope @max_g is sitting down near an epipen when he reads how much I overpaid for ancient product that nobody wants
$7000 MSDs + First Payment DAS ~ $639 + 7.75% tax = $689/mo
Loyalty, VCOA A-Plan, 70th Anniversary, PHEV lease cash
I had it smogged and VIN scanned last week, just waiting on the CA registration. Insurance difference was nominal for the renewal which just took place. Freshly ceramic-coated:
Rosie has a new VIP compartment
and I just ordered two different steps fron Etsy, this thing is noticeably taller.
I am a glutton for punishment, but I couldn’t be happier with my choice and I couldn’t find another vehicle that made me this happy. Certainly not with one phone call, and e-contract, and a delivery date. I really appreciate the hat-trick, @Benedetto
If you’re in the market, May started another 2-month incentive on new Volvo SUVs for Costco members - happy hacking
