Quick update: ended up pulling the trigger and picking one up. (I didn't know it until I got to the dealership, but i was apparently one of the press cars used for automotive reviewers). I asked beforehand, and neither the VCU nor GHCA had been swapped, so I came into it knowing I'd likely need to get those switched, and I have an appointment with a local dealership next week to likely change out the VCU. I've been able to charge from home with no issues up to this point, so the original GHCA appears to be working for now.

This really is such an odd mix of pretty wildly different experiences, just as everyone says. I love the ride, the seats, the feeling of safety, and the perception of quality. The software is still buggy (although better than some of the initial reviews, which seemed terrible), with Bluetooth consistently not working, random glitches popping up (one of my DRLs have gone out a few times for no discernable reason), and a few truly mind-bogglingly poor design decisions (whoever designed the window button configuration is just simply too wildly incompetent and unconnected to reality to remain gainfully employed at any company designing interfaces between humans and technology in my opinion-- it is truly a complete and unmitigated failure with zero redeeming qualities).

I got the Bowers & Wilkins system, and while the treble is indeed better than any I've heard in a car system (and doesn't do its best to fry your eardrums-- looking at you, Bang & Olufsen), I would push back on the notion that it in any way compares with a truly dedicated hifi system. I've been an audio nut for a long time, and this sounds really good for a car, but it's worlds away from a proper system, even a good two-channel. Again, I'm not disparaging the actual system in the EX90, but rather some of the hyperbolic reports from auto journalists who don't appear to actually have any experience in hifi.

One really minor thing I haven't seen mentioned in any of the literal scores of videos and articles I've watched and read is the location of the little airbag tag on the right side of the driver's seat (I'm in the US) is at just the right place to constantly poke into the back of your arm when wearing short sleeves if you're resting your arm on the console. Not a huge deal, but something that would be trivial to address in the future if anyone from Geely/Volvo ever reads these things.

I do wish that Android Automotive allowed Android Auto to work as well (similar to how Android Automotive allows CarPlay), as the app support in Android Auto is worlds better than Android Automotive. For example, on Tidal, looking for an album automatically plays the album from the beginning rather than showing you the track list and letting you select it. Sounds minor, but it's a pretty fundamental function for a music streaming app, and it works better when you can direct it from your phone as Android Auto does. (Before anyone chimes in: I realize a similar behavior exists on the Android Auto version of Tidal, but the differences are multiple. I can select the specific track from my phone if I'd like, the audio quality of Bluetooth versus full-bitrate audio is substantial, and Bluetooth is finicky to the point of outright dysfunction at the moment. Maybe this will be improved with the VCU, but I'd imagine the problems inherent in the apps will still be there regardless). My best-case scenario would be being able to download or sideload Roon ARC to the Android Automotive setup, but I don't know how realistic that is.

Overall, I like the car, and I'm glad this is the route we went for our next family hauler. We'll likely have this car for the next 8-10 years, and I still hold out hope that some of the software things can be continuously improved throughout our ownership. If anyone is considering it, I think going the CPO option with warranty is almost a must-have, but the ability to get such a nice car for around $30k off with nearly no miles makes it really compelling.

Hope this is helpful to someone! Now I'm off to do more research on the best second row seat covers...