Can't make up my mind on whether I should go with 16" or 17" rims. Would like to hear your experience going from (15" to) 16" to 17" or vice-versa. Would much appreciate it. Thx.

FYI, I've got Bilstein struts and shocks on stock springs if that's relevant.

I agree that you should go with sport springs and shocks if you're going with the 17" wheel upgrade. Changing the springs and stiffer shocks would immediately make the vehicle feel different, adding low profile tires/wheels wouldn't give you as much improvement unless you do it in concert with other changes.

As for the ride, 17" will give you a stiffer ride but how stiff is too stiff is all subjective to the individual. For example, my 850R feels soft after I drive my Corvette Z06. Volvo is still a sedan so don't expect any changes that would turn it into a Corvette killer.
Btw, Yokohama Parada tires (17") are good replacement tires. I just had them installed on my 850R and they handle pretty good. They are not nearly as sticky as Pirelli Pzero I had before on the edge of its performance envelope but the Yokohamas are predictable. NOt bad for $104 each!

Best,
P.

This month's Road & Track has a short discussion on changing wheel/tire size.

The gist of the discussion deals with over-all circumference changes. Too much of a change can cause diverse problems with handling and some automatic systems such as traction control, etc.

Two years ago they tested a BMW with +1, +2, and +3 wheels and tires on a skid pad, on the track, and braking I think. The took care to use the same tires.

The result - best results with stock size wheels and tires.

They asked a BMW engineer why this might be so - his reply "Well, we did design the suspension for that size wheel and tire."

If you do change wheel size, consider Volvo wheels, that way you can get a replacement if necessary. Ask a potential wheel source if you will be able to get an exact replacement two years from now.
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2 8s & 2 7s 600,000 miles total

If ride comfort is of any concern to you, go with 16", it'll give you more rubber to ride on. Because I noticed you have Bilsteins and Struts, I'm assuming it is a very firm ride already. I just installed sport springs and I'm riding on factory 16's and already I feel a big drop in ride comfort. At the end of the day, it's all a tradeoff, looks vs. comfort.
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98 V70 AWD, IPD ECU, 'R' Emblem, K&N, Volvo Strut Bar, IPD Sport Spring (Awaiting Install)

Actually with Bilsteins, my ride comfort improved over the stock Boge: it no longer feels like it's gonna bottom out on dips; it handles the bumps a little more eloquently; and it doesn't feel like it's dragging when I'm carrying passengers or cargo.

I would have gone for sport springs if I didn't think the stock was sufficient. But you're right, it does boil down to looks (and performance) vs comfort--that'll be the deciding factor.

Thanks for the insight.