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In these days of $4+ a gallon gas, Volvo, the legendary Swedish automaker known more for safety than performance, has outdone itself with its top of the line, turbocharged T6, S80 sedan. Coupled with Volvo’s proven Haldex computer-controlled all-wheel-drive system (AWD) the S80 is a star both on the highway and at the gas pump.
I had the opportunity to put the 2008 S80 through its paces for a week in and around Atlanta recently, and came away every bit as impressed with the 6-cylinder version as I originally was with the V8.
Walkaround: The S80 was totally redesigned for the 2007 model year and moved more upscale. While appearing similar to previous models in much the same way Mercedes has patented that ageless look, the restyled S80 boasts a much larger grille, domed hood, larger headlamps, and sportier bumper and under-grille treatment than previous models. An entirely new rear end treatment with larger taillamps and a sportier bumper, as well as a redesigned roofline ala the S60 and S40 significantly reduces wind resistance.
While the overall length is the same as the 2006, the current S80 is taller, wider, rides on a longer wheelbase, sports a wider front and rear track, with less overhang for improved stability and more interior space.
Interior: The interior was also completely restyled, and exemplifies the “Scandinavian Luxury” theme of this car. It’s understated, yet elegant, with clean lines and quality materials in abundance. The sumptuous surroundings are enhanced by amazingly comfortable seats, which are available with plain, heated, or heated and cooled modes.
The freestanding center stack, borrowed from the smaller S40 and V50 and upgraded accordingly, connects the dashboard and console, and is home to a 160-watt, eight-speaker sound system that plays MP3 files and has an auxiliary input for iPods and other music players. A five-channel, 13-speaker Dolby Pro Logic II surround-sound system developed in-house with Bang & Olufsen and Dynaudio is also available.
Instrumentation follows Volvo’s traditional design, but with a more classic and less industrial look than previously. The optional navigation system rises up out of the dashboard las in the XC 90 and XC 70, using either controls mounted on the right rear of the steering wheel or via remote control.
The seats, rearview mirrors, climate, audio, navigation, and, the amount of steering wheel feel in the car’s speed-dependent power steering system can all be personalized and remembered electronically.
Options: Option packages include the Sport package with 18-inch alloy wheels and 245/40R18 tires and speed-sensitive steering with three-way adjustable steering effort. An audio upgrade includes a six-CD changer, MP3 player, auxiliary input and USB. Other options include satellite navigation with remote control, Sirius satellite radio, adaptive cruise control; front and rear park assist, dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, run-flat tires, and pearl or metallic paint.
Under The Hood: The 3.0-liter, turbocharged, DOHC in-line six, boasting 281 horses and 295 pound feet of torque, is certainly big news. Unlike the V8, which is only available with AWD, the T6 is available with front-wheel drive as well as AWD. It’s also a ULEV II vehicle.
Our test vehicle was equipped with the Geartronic 6-speed automatic which features adaptive shift logic as well as a manual shift mode.
Safety and Technology: As you would expect, the S80 is absolutely loaded with safety systems, expanding on Volvo’s worldwide reputation. Beginning with the interesting new key fob dubbed the Personal Car Communicator, it can lock or unlock the car from up to 110 yards away; tell you what state the locks are in; activate the alarm; and sense the presence of a human heartbeat inside the car.
Safety design also includes a patented body structure with a three-zone safety cage. My test vehicle included Volvo’s radar adaptive cruise control that brakes the car without driver action, a collision warning system with pre-braking: and the optional blind-spot information system (BLIS) that senses vehicles in the right and left blind spots and delivers a warning via a red, LED mounted on the interior A-pillars. There’s also ABS, traction control, yaw control; front airbags; new dual-chamber side airbags, with one chamber for the hips and one for the chest. The headlamps are now active xenon lamps that follow the road around curves.
Behind The Wheel: At the high cruising speeds inherent on I-75 and I-85 around Atlanta, the cabin was quiet. I was extremely impressed with the overall performance of the inline 6 powerplant. It delivers rapid, smooth, acceleration and can quickly hit and cruise at 100+ mph.
The evolved 4C Volvo chassis system features adaptive shock absorbers adjusting every second according to inputs from the road and the car itself. The system has been upgraded to three driver-adjustable settings — Comfort, Sport, and Advanced. I tinkered with the chassis settings on different types of terrain, until I found the combination that made driving the S80 sheer pleasure — tight, quick to react, flat in the corners, with the spirited 6 always ready to accelerate out.
Fuel economy is rated at 15/city and 23/highway — not bad for a full-size sports sedan. My mileage was better than that both ways.
Whines: Although this particular vehicle wasn’t equipped with one, Volvo’s nav system steering wheel controls are unintuitive until you figure them out.
Bottom Line: I think this is the best overall Volvo yet. It’s beautifully crafted, elegant and quiet inside, yet very powerful, surefooted and handles like a dream. There simply aren’t any rough edges on the S80.
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