The S80 is the largest of Volvo's S-range of sedans, and offers an alternative to the dominant, German luxury saloon rivals thanks to its own distinctive Scandinavian style.
For the latest iteration of the S80 Volvo has created a new grill with a larger logo, chrome trim accents for the taillamps, lower front fascia and lower door side moldings. Volvo also spiced things up with a visible dual exhaust, silk metal inlays on the steering wheel and center console, leather and silk metal gearshift knob, stitching on the door panels, and a plethora of high-tech options.
Designed as a rival to the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the S80 can be ordered in two trim levels: S80 3.2 and T6 AWD.
As its name suggests, the S80 3.2 is powered by a 3.2-liter six-cylinder unit delivering 240 horsepower with 236 pound-feet of torque and, as in all Volvos, is fitted transversely to provide maximum space and improved crash performance with more space to absorb any impact. This engine yields 20 city and 27 highway miles per gallon.
The T6 AWD trim level features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque along with all-wheel drive. The T6 AWD includes 18-inch "Odysseus" alloy wheels, a new Multimedia Package with Dynaudio premium sound, Sirius satellite radio and Volvo navigation.
For road trips the S80 T6 AWD also features rear audio controls and headphones and an optional rear seat refrigerator. This AWD option returns 18 miles per gallon in the city, and 26 on the highway.
Safety technology for the S80 includes a unique Personal Car Communicator (PCC), a collision warning system with automatic emergency breaking, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), active Bi-Xenon headlights and a body structure developed at the award winning Volvo Safety Centre.
The S80 includes an optional key fob incorporating a Personal Car Communicator (PCC) that features technology to remotely check if the car is locked or not, alert the owner if the alarm has been activated, and a heartbeat sensor that warns if there is anyone in the car.
The Collision Warning system alerts the driver, via a 'heads-up' warning display on the windscreen plus audible buzzer, if the gap to the car in front closes so fast that a collision is likely, while the Brake Support system boosts the braking force to ensure braking is as effective as possible.
The car's active Bi-Xenon headlights improve the driver's visibility at night by turning the beam of the headlights in the direction the steering wheel is being turned.
Volvo's Premium Sound audio system for the all S80 models includes 5x130W D-class digital ICE power amplifiers from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound and Dynaudio speakers.
Advanced technology in the S80 includes the option of Volvo's active "Four-C" chassis with three settings which constantly adjusts chassis settings to suit driving conditions and preferred driving styles, plus servotronic steering offering variable steering torque. In addition, there will be All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction, and all models have DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control).
Key competitors
Volvo's S80 luxury sedan finds itself in a sea of competitors, ranging from the slow selling Acura RL, to the recently redesigned Lexus GS350 to the refreshed Lincoln MKS.