Vehicle Analysis:

The Volvo S80 sedan is indisputably the Swedish brand’s most stylish model yet, with handsome interior trim that marks it as a solid player in the premium niche. The tested 3.2L 6-cylinder alloy engine (Britishbuilt) with DOHC, generating 235 hp, has continuous variable valve timing and a unique variable intake system. The 6-speed Geartronic AT is also at the top in performance, since it features “adaptive shift logic” and a winter mode so necessary in Volvo’s home base of Gothenburg, Sweden.

Base price on tested front-wheel-drive model is $38,705. Adding metallic paint ($475), adaptive cruise control ($1,495), the unique Volvo Personal Car Communicator ($495) that provides 2-way remote messaging of the vehicle’s security status, plus a heartbeat sensor, and destination charges ($695) and the sticker price is $41,865.

Lots of standard features, not the least of which is a power glass moon roof, plus 17-inch Meissa wheels with all-season tires, driver/front passenger 8-way power seats with remote memory and lumbar support, heated power outside mirrors, electronic climate control and foot-operated parking brake to name a few.

The tested model fell below the sticker EPA fuel ratings of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway by 10%, but still not too shabby for a brand flagship.


Safety and Convenience:

Volvo trumps all others when it comes to safety. The advanced side impact airbags and an inflatable curtain head protection system and power foldable rear-seat headrests, whiplash protection in the driver and front passenger seats, plus Dynamic Stability traction control and turn signal indicators in the outside rearview mirrors are all standard. The fog lights are integrated in front and rear, the steering wheel column is “adaptive”, door locks have an immobilizer and an encrypted ignition key. Adaptive cruisecontrol is new, keeping drivers at a safe following distance.

The unibody construction stands out with its high-steel passenger safety cage. The fully independent suspensions have an anti-roll bar and anti-dive geometry in front and a multi-link feature in the rear.

Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering makes the heavier S80 easy to navigate over sharp turns.

The basic Volvo limited warranty runs for 4-year/50,000-miles and includes the powertrain with 12-year corrosion protection and unlimited mileage. Volvo adds on-call road assistance for the first four years.

Observations:

Volvo has literally thought of everything, including a lengthy list of options that can be added to an already long list of standard features. Seating ergonomics, sight lines and long-trip comfort are raised to premium levels in the S80. The leather seats are top-quality and, unlike higher-priced rivals, eschew plastic for real wood inlays. Car is started by push-button on the IP, a neat feature that prevents freeze-up in subzero weather or key breakage.

Test vehicle 6-cylinder was front-wheel-drive only. The V-8 does come with all-wheel-drive. An AWD 6 is clearly an oversight which Volvo says may happen for 2008.

Autos.com:

4 stars for performance/handling, 5 stars for passenger space, comfort and convenience.
“When it comes to ride comfort, feature content and uncompromised safety, the S80 excels, but for those who prefer a little sport in their sedans, the S80 will leave you wishing for more.”