The Gentle European
The S80 is Volvo's flagship sedan. It's a spacious premium-level four-door meant to compete with the likes of Audi's A6 and BMW's 5-Series to name just two. As a general observation, the Swede exhibits a softer, slightly more amiable personality than its German counterparts, which may appeal to a broader audience.
Although a 311 horsepower V8 engine is available, my tester was powered by the S80's base engine, a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder powerplant capable of producing 235 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque @ 3,200 rpm. As with all Canadian-sold 2008 S80s, my unit featured the traction of all-wheel-drive (AWD).
In the US, the base engine can be paired with front-wheel-drive. Also available in the US is the S80 T6, in which the inline-six is turbocharged, increasing its output to 281 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque @ 1,500 rpm. Hopefully sometime soon Volvo will treat Canadians as generously as our neighbours to the south despite being a tenth of the market size.
S80 styling is distinctly Volvo but with added flair
Since its introduction in 1999, I've always admired the slightly flamboyant yet distinctive lines of the S80. Over the years this attractive sedan has benefited from subtle design tweaks and styling updates. Despite a significant makeover in 2007 its fundamental shape including its broad shoulders remain intact.
The interior architecture of the S80 is a lesson in form and function. For such a highly sophisticated technology-laden vehicle, the design and layout of the S80's instrument panel is both appealing and straightforward- a combination that's rather elusive in this indulgent market.
S80: Swedish for comfort?
The front seats of the S80 swaddle occupants in some of the softest hides to grace an automobile while their inner cores provide plenty of support to stave-off fatigue and discomfort. Not only are these perches divinely comfortable, they're generously proportioned and heated and ventilated (optional), making them year-around favorites.
On the road in the S80
Irrespective of price, there are few cars that behave as compliantly on the road as the S80. The big Swede treats its occupants to a very quiet, composed ride that is never harsh or unpleasant. This even applies to the firmer suspension settings of 'sport' and 'advanced,' available at the push of a button. The stiffened underpinnings eliminate some of the suppleness of the fully independent suspension setup in favor of sharper, flatter handling characteristics.
The S80 is Volvo's flagship sedan. It's a spacious premium-level four-door meant to compete with the likes of Audi's A6 and BMW's 5-Series to name just two. As a general observation, the Swede exhibits a softer, slightly more amiable personality than its German counterparts, which may appeal to a broader audience.
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| Since its introduction in 1999, I've always admired the slightly flamboyant yet distinctive lines of the S80. |
Although a 311 horsepower V8 engine is available, my tester was powered by the S80's base engine, a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder powerplant capable of producing 235 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque @ 3,200 rpm. As with all Canadian-sold 2008 S80s, my unit featured the traction of all-wheel-drive (AWD).
In the US, the base engine can be paired with front-wheel-drive. Also available in the US is the S80 T6, in which the inline-six is turbocharged, increasing its output to 281 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque @ 1,500 rpm. Hopefully sometime soon Volvo will treat Canadians as generously as our neighbours to the south despite being a tenth of the market size.
S80 styling is distinctly Volvo but with added flair
Since its introduction in 1999, I've always admired the slightly flamboyant yet distinctive lines of the S80. Over the years this attractive sedan has benefited from subtle design tweaks and styling updates. Despite a significant makeover in 2007 its fundamental shape including its broad shoulders remain intact.
The interior architecture of the S80 is a lesson in form and function. For such a highly sophisticated technology-laden vehicle, the design and layout of the S80's instrument panel is both appealing and straightforward- a combination that's rather elusive in this indulgent market.
S80: Swedish for comfort?
The front seats of the S80 swaddle occupants in some of the softest hides to grace an automobile while their inner cores provide plenty of support to stave-off fatigue and discomfort. Not only are these perches divinely comfortable, they're generously proportioned and heated and ventilated (optional), making them year-around favorites.
On the road in the S80
Irrespective of price, there are few cars that behave as compliantly on the road as the S80. The big Swede treats its occupants to a very quiet, composed ride that is never harsh or unpleasant. This even applies to the firmer suspension settings of 'sport' and 'advanced,' available at the push of a button. The stiffened underpinnings eliminate some of the suppleness of the fully independent suspension setup in favor of sharper, flatter handling characteristics.
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| I never found it necessary to stray from the 'normal' suspension mode throughout my time behind the wheel. |