I have a 2007 (last of the old shape) Volvo V70 sport with 17” wheels.
Although a ‘sport’ model, I’m a steady driver that doesn’t need to corner hard and doesn’t drive with lots of hard braking.

What tyres do you recommend for comfort, safety and longevity?

At the moment it has Continentals that feel like bricks - at about £100 each.
Also, is it worth swapping to 16” wheels and will that effect fuel economy?