On the road, the Michelins have given the Volvo the ride quality it's been crying out for, their softer compound and thinner side walls squishing out bumps that used to rattle through the interior. It's still not as insulating as the air suspension on a Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain or Audi A6 Allroad, but it's much closer than it used to be and without the risk of expensive airbag work the Germans will surely suffer from down the line.
Equally impressive is the Michelin's ability to shift standing water; even deep puddles are easily cut through without the disturbing feeling of the steering going light as you momentarily lose a say in your direction of travel. Off-road ability has also improved massively. Now you can tackle mud fields without worrying you'll get bogged down, and, in the snow, the Volvo feels safer than walking.
Okay, so it's not all good news. Steering feel has, as expected, been compromised, and the Volvo is less eager to react to initial inputs, but on a vast, wallowy estate with undersized 18-inch wheels, this hardly seems relevant. Increased tyre roar is more of an issue, spoiling the superb cabin refinement that is a Volvo strength.
Nevertheless, the Michelins have done their job amplifying the Volvo's skillset where it matters while mildly reducing its performance in the areas it doesn't – the right tyres can transform your car in a way no other single part can. Too many overlook the importance of tyres – both in terms of their condition and their specification.