[improvius]

Another thought: having more range would have been nice on my recent trip, but I think the charging network will improve enough over the next couple years that it won't be as big of a deal.

 

[MMK]

My heart was set on Tesla for 6 months - had a folder with ALL printed materials you can imagine, countless hours of YouTube...... then I drove it.....went into depression for 48 hours due to how disappointed I was (coming from 2 Audis before)...gave the whole folder to my co-worker the next day. Few days later, got into the P8 without much material or videos out there....and within 30 mins of driving it, it was love at first sight !

In short, if possible test drive ALL of them.... you will find that very, very quickly through process of elimination, you'd be surprise what you'd immediately rule out in 20 mins! With the remaining few, DEEP DIVE into what what you can live with and without.

What I value of P8:

• The ICE version has been out a few years, so you know what you're getting into.
• Given the accessories for ICE has been out, its easier to find accessories for P8 (90% of them)
• The OPD is sooo smooth.....
• All the internal knobs and buttons are still familiar, a much easier transition from ICE to EV, not as intimidating
• The body and sturdiness of the car is built like a TANK....literally.....coupled with the weight, I cannot get over how comfortable I am when sandwiched between 18 wheelers and then fly by them in a split second with the tires gripping down the road AND the firm steering of it
• The sunroof (I havent studied I5 to know if they have one). Tesla didn't have one, and if I remember correctly, nor did IPace
• The style of the body appears to be timeless.....

Above are core ones that come to mind.....

 

[Evready]

Thanks for the comments thus far; what I find very interesting is perspective is everything: an example...the XC40 design is ~5 years old, for an ICE car. One perspective is, wow, its old and not optimized for an EV; another perspective is, thats great, its a proven, stable platform that will minimize potential issues.....interesting.

 

[Rhughes]

Yes, for every possible feature/usage/capability you will find folks who love/hate, like/dislike, don't care about them. For context find the threads about drilling holes in the front bumper to mount the license plates and the lack of Apple car play. For some the end of the world has been witnessed for others, they just don't care, they have other hills to die on.

 

[Daizyujin]

If I was faced with the decision to choose between the XC40 Recharge and Ionic5, on paper I think I would lean toward the Ionic5. However, I would definitely need a test drive and more deep dive into its feature set before being able to make a decision. We have a C40 and I think it's great as long as you can live with its range (the C40 is my wife's car and she refuses to drive a Hyundai, so Ionic5 was never in consideration).

One question for the OP is whether you live in a location with cold winters (below 40F). If so, I would suggest going for as much range as possible if everything else is roughly equal, especially if this is going to be the primary vehicle. I knew EV range takes a hit in the winter before getting into my first EV last fall, but I was still surprised by just how much of it hit it could take. A 50% hit to the range is very real in places like Minnesota in the winter.

 

[cinnamontoast]

If I was faced with the decision to choose between the XC40 Recharge and Ionic5, on paper I think I would lean toward the Ionic5. However, I would definitely need a test drive and more deep dive into its feature set before being able to make a decision. We have a C40 and I think it's great as long as you can live with its range (the C40 is my wife's car and she refuses to drive a Hyundai, so Ionic5 was never in consideration).

One question for the OP is whether you live in a location with cold winters (below 40F). If so, I would suggest going for as much range as possible if everything else is roughly equal, especially if this is going to be the primary vehicle. I knew EV range takes a hit in the winter before getting into my first EV last fall, but I was still surprised by just how much of it hit it could take. A 50% hit to the range is very real in places like Minnesota in the winter.

Yes, range hit is true (especially here in MN and similar climates). Having said that, the XC40 performed similarly to our old Bolt, so I don't think winter range issues are manufacturer-specific......

 

[Daizyujin]

Yes, range hit is true (especially here in MN and similar climates). Having said that, the XC40 performed similarly to our old Bolt, so I don't think winter range issues are manufacturer-specific......

Yes, I was commenting on EVs in general, not Volvo in particular. I learned about the huge MN winter range hit in my Model Y. In its brief bout with cold temps, the C40 seemed to fare about the same.

 

[A2_]

When I went to the Volvo dealership I went in not wanting to like the Volvo - i just figured it’d be a fun way to kill an hour or so. I strongly dislike Google, range is mediocre, charging speed is so-so, no carplay, no phone as key, … long list. I was basically just there to confirm my negativity.

BUT ****. I couldn’t believe how much I liked it after driving it.

 

[unexplainedbacon]

I drove both. The Volvo feels much more premium and is quicker. The I5 is stylish in a funky way and roomier.

I've had my C40 for a month now and haven't had a single glitch.

 

[He Keith]

One thing for me is which design will age better? I like what Kia/Hyundai are doing, but their designs may not hold up in 3-5 years, where the Volvo will age more gracefully in my opinion.

 

[Speed_Bump]

I wanted the taller hatch/cargo area of the SUV style so my dogs could get in and fit easier. Thankfully my current German Shepherds are normal size so they fit my previous 3 were 34" at the shoulder and could barely stand in my old 4 Runner which is much taller in the cargo area. Plus the taller height of the vehicle is much easier on my back getting in and out. Selling my Porsches and giving away my Audi because they sit too low for me now.
I do like the Hyundai and would consider it as a second EV.

 

[He Keith]

I also think there are only a few true SUV EVs, Volvo c/XC40, ID.4 and Q4 E-Tron that currently provide anything like SUV ground clearance and ride height. I like the height of the Volvos and the fact that due to the low center of gravity does not ride like a typical SUV, rides more like a luxury sedan. The Volvo (at least to me) feels the most premium inside. The Audi would be next, but those capacitive touch buttons hurt it.

 

[improvius]

After reading this review, I'd add the EQB to your watch list.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB First Drive: Miss Congeniality Goes EV

The all-electric 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB is everything we like about the gas-powered GLB, just with more torque and better handling.

www.motor1.com

 

[B-mtrd]

After reading this review, I'd add the EQB to your watch list.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB First Drive: Miss Congeniality Goes EV

The all-electric 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB is everything we like about the gas-powered GLB, just with more torque and better handling.

www.motor1.com

I’ve read in different places that Mercedes has had some reliability issues lately.

 

[houkura]

After reading this review, I'd add the EQB to your watch list.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB First Drive: Miss Congeniality Goes EV

The all-electric 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB is everything we like about the gas-powered GLB, just with more torque and better handling.

www.motor1.com

Should be popular at that price and size. It’s amazing how much more power the Volvo has compared to the other crossover options.

 

[Evready]

Thanks for the suggestion; what I find some what frustrating is that the manufacturers don't seem to understand that some of us would rather have more range than 0-60 performance.

 

[B-mtrd]

Thanks for the suggestion; what I find some what frustrating is that the manufacturers don't seem to understand that some of us would rather have more range than 0-60 performance.

That comment itself should make you rethink the Volvo. Volvo it’s an amazing car but if long range is your concern you might want to look elsewhere.

How soon or how much are you willing to wait?
Would you consider Rivian or Fisker?

 

[Evready]

That comment itself should make you rethink the Volvo. Volvo it’s an amazing car but if long range is your concern you might want to look elsewhere.

How soon or how much are you willing to wait?
Would you consider Rivian or Fisker?

Thanks for the reply; actually, I am in a constant state of investigation and analysis. This whole process is focused on finding the best compromise, given the high state of change. Clearly it includes many variables; like I stated in my original post, I am utilizing a decision matrix tool to help in organizing and prioritizing each factor.

Yes, the range of the XC40 is not ideal, but for instance, as compared to the I5, it's only 25 miles...not a major difference. And since I do have some time (up to roughly a year from now), I have the 'luxury' of enjoying the process.

 

[Homer]

A few of my own thoughts and insights.
1,) Proximity for service should be a factor. If something goes wrong, a lengthy car ride for pickup and dropoff is an issue. I have learned that driving 1 1/2 hours round trip to a dealer is too much of an inconvenience. My Volvo dealer does not offer routine concierge service.
2.) The Volvo form is great. It is a subcompact SUV. It has the shortest wheel base of a luxury SUV. The Volvo is 174 inches in length. The Ioniq is 182.5 inches. I like the smaller size.
3.) Volvo turning radius 18.7 feet . Ioniq 5 is 19.65 feet
4.) The drag or coefficient of drag on the Volvo is abysmal. 0.34. Ioniq 5 drag is .288
5.) Volvo MPGe 92/79. Ioniq 110/87

I like the looks of theVolvo. Who knows about the Ioniq? It may turn out to be long lasting. It is a good looking car in person.
The Volvo has issues in that it is an ICE car turned into an electric car. The Ioniq is built to be electric from the ground up.

The Ioniq Limited has heads up display, 3D reality augmented screens to show the car position.Apple and Android car play, but only wired.

I find the XC40 acceleration great, but the ride can be firm with the 20 inch tires. The Ioniq in the limited edition has the same acceleration and is a little softer.

If you're buying now, the Ioniq limited, (which is the comparable to the XC40) is going for above MSRP by 5-10% in most markets. The Volvo is pretty much MSRP and some discounts.

There appear to be few complaints about GPS/LTE and batteries on the Ioniq forums. There are some mentions of 12volt battery issues, but these appear to be very limited and from the initial release.

Both are great cars. Just realize they are both early production runs and there may be issues.

 

[Evready]

A few of my own thoughts and insights.
1,) Proximity for service should be a factor. If something goes wrong, a lengthy car ride for pickup and dropoff is an issue. I have learned that driving 1 1/2 hours round trip to a dealer is too much of an inconvenience. My Volvo dealer does not offer routine concierge service.
2.) The Volvo form is great. It is a subcompact SUV. It has the shortest wheel base of a luxury SUV. The Volvo is 174 inches in length. The Ioniq is 182.5 inches. I like the smaller size.
3.) Volvo turning radius 18.7 feet . Ioniq 5 is 19.65 feet
4.) The drag or coefficient of drag on the Volvo is abysmal. 0.34. Ioniq 5 drag is .288
5.) Volvo MPGe 92/79. Ioniq 110/87

I like the looks of theVolvo. Who knows about the Ioniq? It may turn out to be long lasting. It is a good looking car in person.
The Volvo has issues in that it is an ICE car turned into an electric car. The Ioniq is built to be electric from the ground up.

The Ioniq Limited has heads up display, 3D reality augmented screens to show the car position.Apple and Android car play, but only wired.

I find the XC40 acceleration great, but the ride can be firm with the 20 inch tires. The Ioniq in the limited edition has the same acceleration and is a little softer.

If you're buying now, the Ioniq limited, (which is the comparable to the XC40) is going for above MSRP by 5-10% in most markets. The Volvo is pretty much MSRP and some discounts.

There appear to be few complaints about GPS/LTE and batteries on the Ioniq forums. There are some mentions of 12volt battery issues, but these appear to be very limited and from the initial release.

Both are great cars. Just realize they are both early production runs and there may be issues.

Thank you for the comprehensive post. Yes, one of the major issues I have with the I5 is that the dealer I would most likely purchase it from (no ADM) is an hour away. Hopefully, as time goes on and supply increases ADMs will fade away and perhaps a dealer closer will emerge. This is clearly an advantage for the Volvo - no ADMs and on line ordering, although I suspect that trade ins will involve the dealer directly.