Question About Seat Options
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Joined: Nov 2025
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Question About Seat Options
Hi all!
After 15 years of driving Volvo wagons (currently a 2020 V60 R-Design) and now their move away from that body style, I'm considering an E450 All Terrain as my next vehicle. One thing I've always adored about Volvo is the seat comfort. We do multiple 8-12 hour drives throughout the year and while the ride isn't as refined, the seat ergonomics with side bolsters, inflatable lumbar, and leg extension support leaves me with no aches or fatigue.
Seat comfort during test drives of the E450 have been good, but I'm concerned that's not necessarily representative of multiple hours. I learned that lesson on a few previous purchases where the seats were great during the test drive, then finding out differently on the first long haul drive after purchasing. I'd rather not repeat that mistake again.
I'm curious, has anyone here come from previous Volvo ownership and might share impressions of how the E450 seat comfort compares? The Multicontour option does look promising.
Thanks much!
- Dan
After 15 years of driving Volvo wagons (currently a 2020 V60 R-Design) and now their move away from that body style, I'm considering an E450 All Terrain as my next vehicle. One thing I've always adored about Volvo is the seat comfort. We do multiple 8-12 hour drives throughout the year and while the ride isn't as refined, the seat ergonomics with side bolsters, inflatable lumbar, and leg extension support leaves me with no aches or fatigue.
Seat comfort during test drives of the E450 have been good, but I'm concerned that's not necessarily representative of multiple hours. I learned that lesson on a few previous purchases where the seats were great during the test drive, then finding out differently on the first long haul drive after purchasing. I'd rather not repeat that mistake again.
I'm curious, has anyone here come from previous Volvo ownership and might share impressions of how the E450 seat comfort compares? The Multicontour option does look promising.
Thanks much!
- Dan
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 133
Likes: 22
E450
Hi all!
After 15 years of driving Volvo wagons (currently a 2020 V60 R-Design) and now their move away from that body style, I'm considering an E450 All Terrain as my next vehicle. One thing I've always adored about Volvo is the seat comfort. We do multiple 8-12 hour drives throughout the year and while the ride isn't as refined, the seat ergonomics with side bolsters, inflatable lumbar, and leg extension support leaves me with no aches or fatigue.
Seat comfort during test drives of the E450 have been good, but I'm concerned that's not necessarily representative of multiple hours. I learned that lesson on a few previous purchases where the seats were great during the test drive, then finding out differently on the first long haul drive after purchasing. I'd rather not repeat that mistake again.
I'm curious, has anyone here come from previous Volvo ownership and might share impressions of how the E450 seat comfort compares? The Multicontour option does look promising.
Thanks much!
- Dan
After 15 years of driving Volvo wagons (currently a 2020 V60 R-Design) and now their move away from that body style, I'm considering an E450 All Terrain as my next vehicle. One thing I've always adored about Volvo is the seat comfort. We do multiple 8-12 hour drives throughout the year and while the ride isn't as refined, the seat ergonomics with side bolsters, inflatable lumbar, and leg extension support leaves me with no aches or fatigue.
Seat comfort during test drives of the E450 have been good, but I'm concerned that's not necessarily representative of multiple hours. I learned that lesson on a few previous purchases where the seats were great during the test drive, then finding out differently on the first long haul drive after purchasing. I'd rather not repeat that mistake again.
I'm curious, has anyone here come from previous Volvo ownership and might share impressions of how the E450 seat comfort compares? The Multicontour option does look promising.
Thanks much!
- Dan
Last edited by webby87; Nov 7, 2025 at 09:48 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 599
Likes: 237
From: Suburban Maryland
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
I have 2023 E450 sedan with multicontour and ventilation in seats. My wife's GLC seats are comfortable, she does not have multicontour or ventilation. My seats are hard and flat. I have a cushion I use if iI will be more than one hour driving. The seat massage is a nice distraction, but not a real massage. Lots of different opinions about the seats, may be better without the massage and ventilation. The dealer should not object to your sitting in the car for an hour with the engine off.
Last edited by smiles201; Nov 7, 2025 at 10:43 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2025
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Lexus
Volvo vs Mercedes seats.
I recently purchased two cars: a Volvo XC60 B5 and an E Class E200 with air suspension. The E200 cost twice as much as the Volvo.
The Volvo seats are perfectly comfortable for both my wife and me. However, I discovered that the E200 seats are not comfortable at all, which was unfortunate because I bought the car without realizing this.
The Volvo seats are perfectly comfortable for both my wife and me. However, I discovered that the E200 seats are not comfortable at all, which was unfortunate because I bought the car without realizing this.
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Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 212
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From: Harrison, ME
2025 S580
I traded my 2018 Volvo V90 Ocean Race for a 2024 E450AT. The OR came with their sport seats which were amazing. A 6+ hour drive was like a 10 minute drive to the Post Office.. I test drove the E with their upgraded seats and they were close to the Volvo's, not as well padded but contoured well. The E that I purchased had the standard seats and I found them just OK. Should have gotten the better seats. But if you're coming from a Volvo, you're really going to be disappointed with the headlights if you don't get the digital light upgrade. The standard LED's don't come with cornering lights or articulating beams and the overall light intensity is sub par in my opinion. I was uncomfortable driving at night, even on very familiar roads. I ended up trading the car in after 12 months, getting an S-class with the digital lights. Those premium S lights are almost as good as what came standard on the Volvo.
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Joined: Nov 2014
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.
I looked at Volvo when shopping for a MB '15 C300 replacement. Unfortunately, Volvo no longer makes any sedans. The only choices were wagons or SUVs. 
Actually, the traditional 4 door small sedans that don't look like a coupe and are not Asian are extinct. My choices so far are an Audi A3 or a MB C300. Have I missed any small 4 door sedans?
Actually, the traditional 4 door small sedans that don't look like a coupe and are not Asian are extinct. My choices so far are an Audi A3 or a MB C300. Have I missed any small 4 door sedans?
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Is it the padding/firmness that's off-putting or something to do with adjustments? I thought I read somewhere Multicontour adds inflatable side bolsters, or is that standard?
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Thread Starter
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I recently purchased two cars: a Volvo XC60 B5 and an E Class E200 with air suspension. The E200 cost twice as much as the Volvo.
The Volvo seats are perfectly comfortable for both my wife and me. However, I discovered that the E200 seats are not comfortable at all, which was unfortunate because I bought the car without realizing this.
The Volvo seats are perfectly comfortable for both my wife and me. However, I discovered that the E200 seats are not comfortable at all, which was unfortunate because I bought the car without realizing this.
Last edited by Abacaxi; Nov 8, 2025 at 10:44 AM.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 7
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I traded my 2018 Volvo V90 Ocean Race for a 2024 E450AT. The OR came with their sport seats which were amazing. A 6+ hour drive was like a 10 minute drive to the Post Office.. I test drove the E with their upgraded seats and they were close to the Volvo's, not as well padded but contoured well. The E that I purchased had the standard seats and I found them just OK. Should have gotten the better seats. But if you're coming from a Volvo, you're really going to be disappointed with the headlights if you don't get the digital light upgrade. The standard LED's don't come with cornering lights or articulating beams and the overall light intensity is sub par in my opinion. I was uncomfortable driving at night, even on very familiar roads. I ended up trading the car in after 12 months, getting an S-class with the digital lights. Those premium S lights are almost as good as what came standard on the Volvo.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
I have 2023 E450 sedan with multicontour and ventilation in seats. My wife's GLC seats are comfortable, she does not have multicontour or ventilation. My seats are hard and flat. I have a cushion I use if iI will be more than one hour driving. The seat massage is a nice distraction, but not a real massage. Lots of different opinions about the seats, may be better without the massage and ventilation. The dealer should not object to your sitting in the car for an hour with the engine off.
Last edited by Abacaxi; Nov 8, 2025 at 10:54 AM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
I looked at Volvo when shopping for a MB '15 C300 replacement. Unfortunately, Volvo no longer makes any sedans. The only choices were wagons or SUVs.
Actually, the traditional 4 door small sedans that don't look like a coupe and are not Asian are extinct. My choices so far are an Audi A3 or a MB C300. Have I missed any small 4 door sedans?
Actually, the traditional 4 door small sedans that don't look like a coupe and are not Asian are extinct. My choices so far are an Audi A3 or a MB C300. Have I missed any small 4 door sedans?
Volvo S60 sedan only recently discontinued, so if you're still in the market you can probably get a great deal on one of those as the year is closing out.
Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 87
Likes: 41
From: Chicago
2026 E53 Wagon
So I had 2019 V90 Cross Country, 2019 V60 Inscription with Luxury Seating Package, and 2021 V60 R-Design in the past.
Based on my personal experience, the V90 seats were garbage. The V60 Inscription seats were nicer but the massaging function is very basic. R-Design seats were sporty and wrap you better.
If you are moving from R-Design to E450, be prepared for less sporty seats, which means you can move a bit more while you sit. Get the multi-contour seating package so you can have a lot more adjustability and the massaging function just makes long trips so much better.
Based on my personal experience, the V90 seats were garbage. The V60 Inscription seats were nicer but the massaging function is very basic. R-Design seats were sporty and wrap you better.
If you are moving from R-Design to E450, be prepared for less sporty seats, which means you can move a bit more while you sit. Get the multi-contour seating package so you can have a lot more adjustability and the massaging function just makes long trips so much better.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 479
Likes: 151
From: DFW Texas
GL450, E450, Porsche 718 GTS
I’ve got the standard leather seats and they’re the only negative I have relative to the car. They’re flat, firm, sufficient and tolerable but not really comfortable. I’d definitely recommend the upgraded seats.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2025
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So I had 2019 V90 Cross Country, 2019 V60 Inscription with Luxury Seating Package, and 2021 V60 R-Design in the past.
Based on my personal experience, the V90 seats were garbage. The V60 Inscription seats were nicer but the massaging function is very basic. R-Design seats were sporty and wrap you better.
If you are moving from R-Design to E450, be prepared for less sporty seats, which means you can move a bit more while you sit. Get the multi-contour seating package so you can have a lot more adjustability and the massaging function just makes long trips so much better.
Based on my personal experience, the V90 seats were garbage. The V60 Inscription seats were nicer but the massaging function is very basic. R-Design seats were sporty and wrap you better.
If you are moving from R-Design to E450, be prepared for less sporty seats, which means you can move a bit more while you sit. Get the multi-contour seating package so you can have a lot more adjustability and the massaging function just makes long trips so much better.
Valid points on the added adjustability to at least get close to what I've been accustomed to, and massage functions (not something I've had in any prior car) may just be the the added cherry I didn't know I needed for longer drives, hah.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 71
Likes: 21
2025 E53 AMG & 2024 EQS SUV
I have an EQS SUV with multicontour seat and an E53 without. I think the multi contour seats are more comfortable but its not a clear comparison because these two are very different cars. I had an EX90 inscription prior to the EQS and I can tell you nothing in the car industry is as comfortable as the Volvo nappa leather seats.
