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.

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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 three trim levels: S80 3.2, T6 AWD, and V8 AWD.

The first of Volvo's engines for the S80 is the automaker's Yamaha V8, offering 311 hp and 325 pound-feet of torque, which will be combined with all-wheel-drive for maximum traction. Four catalytic converters and advanced electronics also make it one of the cleanest V8 engines available, Volvo says.

The V8 features speed sensitive steering, standard premium Dynaudio stereo, dual xenon active bending lights (ABL) and a new Climate Package that features heated rear seats, heated windshield washer nozzles, Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) and humidity sensor for electronic climate control. The new optional sport chasis is a stand-alone option and replaces speed sensitive steering. This V8 is good for 15 city, and 22 highway miles per gallon.

The second engine is a naturally aspirated 3.2-litre six-cylinder unit delivering 235 hp with 236 pound-feet of torque and like all Volvos will be fitted transversely to provide maximum space and improved crash performance with more space to absorb any impact. The entry-level engine offer will yield 18 city, and 27 highway miles per gallon.

The S80 is also available with the T6 AWD trim level, which features a 281 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 and all-wheel drive. The T6 AWD features 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 will return 16 miles per gallon in the city, and 24 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 new 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 new 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 new S80 will include 5x130W D-class digital ICE power amplifiers from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound and Dynaudio speakers.

Advanced technology in the new S80 includes the options 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 (initially with the V8 engine) and all models will have DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control).