I never found it necessary to stray from the 'normal' suspension mode throughout my time behind the wheel. The S80 is a competent, rewarding handler in this state of being. I presume should the vehicle be laden with occupants and tossed wildly into corners, the firmer settings would show their worth.
The only quibble I have with the S80's suspension arrangement pertains to slightly more actuation noise than I deem acceptable in the class of vehicle. Interestingly though, the lack of background noise - such as road and wind - may actually contribute to the suspension's auditory workings rather than mask it.
S80 power and performance
The transversely mounted inline-six cylinder engine imparts reliable, lively acceleration from a standing start and when passing on the highway. In typical driving scenarios, it's never straining to answer the call of the right foot, nor is it left searching for air when cresting its redline. Volvo claims that the 3.2-liter mill will propel the S80 from nada to 100kph in 7.9 seconds, and that seems realistic to me.
A six-speed automatic transmission featuring Volvo's Geartronic, electronically controlled, manual mode shifting aids in moving the S80 swiftly from any speed. The engine and transmission are a well-suited pair. If I had a magic wand though, I would further insulate the engine from the vault-like cabin.
Under moderate to hard acceleration, engine feedback is slightly more pronounced than I desire in a luxury car such as the S80. Others may find the exhaust note engaging; I suppose we all have our own tastes in music and engine harmonics.
S80 leading in safety and protection
Volvo prides itself in the development of cutting-edge active and passive, crash avoidance and occupant protection technology. The S80 is the pinnacle of these efforts. Among its safety and security installations is a full array of airbags supplied as standard equipment along with whiplash protection built into the front seats.
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| The interior architecture of the S80 is a lesson in form and function. |
The only quibble I have with the S80's suspension arrangement pertains to slightly more actuation noise than I deem acceptable in the class of vehicle. Interestingly though, the lack of background noise - such as road and wind - may actually contribute to the suspension's auditory workings rather than mask it.
S80 power and performance
The transversely mounted inline-six cylinder engine imparts reliable, lively acceleration from a standing start and when passing on the highway. In typical driving scenarios, it's never straining to answer the call of the right foot, nor is it left searching for air when cresting its redline. Volvo claims that the 3.2-liter mill will propel the S80 from nada to 100kph in 7.9 seconds, and that seems realistic to me.
A six-speed automatic transmission featuring Volvo's Geartronic, electronically controlled, manual mode shifting aids in moving the S80 swiftly from any speed. The engine and transmission are a well-suited pair. If I had a magic wand though, I would further insulate the engine from the vault-like cabin.
Under moderate to hard acceleration, engine feedback is slightly more pronounced than I desire in a luxury car such as the S80. Others may find the exhaust note engaging; I suppose we all have our own tastes in music and engine harmonics.
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| My tester was powered by the S80's base engine, a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder powerplant capable of producing 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. |
S80 leading in safety and protection
Volvo prides itself in the development of cutting-edge active and passive, crash avoidance and occupant protection technology. The S80 is the pinnacle of these efforts. Among its safety and security installations is a full array of airbags supplied as standard equipment along with whiplash protection built into the front seats.