The Volvo S80 is a car to rival the best from the German premium marques. A true luxury car with very distinctive Scandinavian design cues, a comfy ride with lots of space for passengers and their luggage.
This car is a true alternative to the premium badged offerings from Germany and one which further reinforces the company’s leadership in safety and care of the environment.
So just why is this car not more widely known? The answer is simple; many people buy a badge more than they buy a car and when this happens, cars such as the S80 re overlooked. What a mistake.
Powerful engines are one of the key attributes of the S80 range and I had the opportunity to take the wheel of one powered by the amazing D5 diesel engine. You could be fooled into thinking that you have a petrol engine at your command. What you do have is a very efficient diesel engine with 205PS at your right foot.
How does 0 to 62mph in less than eight seconds and a combined fuel figure of 45.6 mpg sound?
So what is so special about this engine? It features twin turbochargers of different sizes that operate in sequence to provide added power over a broader rev range. The result is an engine that delivers an immediate response from the lowest engine revs without any perceptible turbo lag.
It also offers rapid acceleration at all speeds, with smooth power delivery between the power bands of both turbo-charger ranges.
This twin-turbo technology in the D5 has also made it possible to introduce higher levels of exhaust gas recirculation across a wider rev range.
This harnesses the two turbochargers' different properties to deliver a combination of high performance and low fuel consumption. The advanced fuel injection technology uses piezoelectric fuel injectors and this provides precise distribution of the atomised fuel in the combustion chamber, resulting in efficient combustion and low emissions.
Not only is performance impressive, but along with it you get luxury travel; comfort levels are high.
The driving dynamics and ride have been updated and improved by the introduction of two new chassis, the Lowered Dynamic Chassis and the Comfort Chassis.
The Lowered Dynamic Chassis is offered as standard on the SE and SE Lux models and the Comfort Chassis is the only chassis available on the Executive trim level.
The Lowered Dynamic Chassis has been developed to offer drivers enhanced sporting driving characteristics and more responsive handling, while the Comfort Chassis offers a compliant and smooth ride.
The introduction of these new chassis' gives customers the opportunity to tailor their S80 to suit their driving style, for inspired and enthusiastic driving or relaxed comfort.
The new Volvo S80 features a number of exterior design changes that have resulted in a lower, longer and wider stance, further increasing the car's appeal. Despite the new look however, the latest model is unmistakably Scandinavian in style and functionality.
No great surprise then that the S80 is a class leader in both safety and personal security. Technical innovations include a Personal Car Communicator, which checks if the car is locked or unlocked, if the alarm has been activated, and can also sense if anyone is in the car uninvited.
A Collision Warning with Auto Brake helps to avoid running into the car in front, while a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) registers if another vehicle is in the blind spot, alongside the car.
On a number of occasions when I have visited the Scandinavian countries, I have been taken by their flair for design, simple and classic at the same time and the S80 epitomises elegant Scandinavian luxury.
The interior has a clear focus on exclusivity and comfort. The soft, cosseting leather seats with matching stitching are accompanied by door panels echoing the same trim. The super-slim floating centre stack is upgraded with a silk metal frame that enhances its luxury feel, while simultaneously creating a design link to the Volvo XC60.
The instruments feature aluminium dials and Volvo has launched a new generation of steering wheel.
This is one car in which you can really enjoy the in car entertainment system; Volvo has its own team of audio experts and has a well deserved reputation for high quality audio systems.
The S80 has been designed to offer the best sound experience in the class. High Performance and the ultimate Dynaudio Premium Sound Audio Systems are offered.
Summing up the Volvo S80 is a very complete motor car; the equal of anything that Germany can produce.
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