The 4.4-liter V-8 is relatively small but kicks out 311 horsepower.
Acceleration thus is strong in town and fast-moving expressway/highway
traffic. No more life in the slower lanes for the S80 sedan. As the flagship sedan for Volvo, the S80 is supposed to set the bar for the rest of the brand. As for Volvos, which have always set mighty high standards for safety, this new S80 delivers a bit of new-age-sedan altruism by dropping in the first V-8 in the brand’s history.
Ahhhh, safety and power, a novel combo that is up there with peanut butter and chocolate; sweet and salty but when combined in the appropriate proportions they are bliss. While I know few who would not extol the wonders of a Reece’s Cup, many more would fall in love with this S80.
Once thought to be exterior-styling challenged by many who just didn’t get the Volvo signature boxiness, the new exterior is lively and fun and brimming with more soft curves than hard edges. The new S80 has a wider stance and longer wheelbase that not only improves handling but also definitely gives the once docile Volvos a more aggressive stance than balances out with plenty of sophistication.
My tester featured a Gold Metallic exterior color that was borderline exotic and refined. That metallic paint will set you back an additional $475, but don’t hesitate, as it was clearly something special the moment I laid eyes on it. The 17-inch alloy wheels round out a completely refined exterior package that continues inside the cabin.
The first thing you realize when you sit in the S80 and start the engine is the surrounding elegance and likely the push button start. Insert the key fob into the dash slot, press the brake while pressing the round Start button and listen closely for the engine to come to life. I don’t know why I still get a kick out of it, so many upscale models have gone to the button start, but I enjoy the simplicity. (Can’t wait till I can just think “start.”)
The S80’s interior is one made up of clean lines and easy-to-see gauges. Besides the leather seating, the gearshift knob and steering wheel added some refinement while the wood inlays were sparse and not overdone. Sightlines are pretty good and the big glass moon roof further opens up the cabin.
Legroom and headroom are plentiful in the front and rear seats. Rear benches fold down 60/40 to allow for center armrest access to the trunk. Front seats offered 8-way power adjustments with appreciated lumbar support. The standard 8-speaker audio system has six-disc changer and audio auxiliary input for iPods. Sound quality was outstanding.
The S80 has two variations: a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder and a V-8 all-wheel-drive model. My tester was the front-wheel-drive six-cylinder, equipped with a 24-valve engine that generates 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. My tester featured a six-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic sequential shifting. At a base price of $38,705, my tester was well equipped to satisfy the most refined tastes.
I’d be remiss to review a Volvo and not mention safety advancements. Volvo designed the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) to help drivers avoid blind spot collisions and near misses caused when drivers move into the area between side mirror and rearview mirror visibility. BLIS flashed a highly visible amber light on the inside by the side view mirrors each time a vehicle entered into my blind spot. Attentive drivers will be humbled by the sensitivity – families will appreciate it is a Volvo.
My tester featured an enhanced version of the active suspension system, the Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept (Four C) utilizes sensors and shock absorbers to automatically change driving situations to avoid roll, squat and pitch. This is not just safety. This is sophisticated driving control.
Final price for the S80 with minimal options was $41,865. That’s a real deal in this class of sedans with V-8 power and top-of-the-line safety features.
DriveLive around Chicago in a VW Eos
