Under hard acceleration, it's easy to hear the distinctive sound of the low-pressure turbo doing its part to motivate all 1,645 kg (3,626 pounds) of luxury down the road. Regrettably, its 208 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque won't completely satisfy enthusiast drivers, those that more often than not look to one of the German marques or the new Infiniti G35x AWD with its 280 horsepower to satisfy their accelerating needs.
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| The S80 is powered by a 208-hp light pressure turbocharged and intercooled inline 5-cylinder engine. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
But didn't I say that Volvo is the automotive equivalent of the kid who could care less about peer pressure? With the AWD S80, I don't think Volvo is going after the Michael Schumachers among us. More so the pragmatic, commonsense individuals that seek a vehicle capable of all-weather driving and superior safety. For such owners, the S80 is more than adequately powered. The horses are released from the stable in a smooth and progressive fashion, although the tachometer will read in excess of 4,000 rpm before power reaches its performance potential. That being said, the low-pressure turbo is lag free and non-intrusive.
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| Unfortunately, there's a vibration that works its way to the steering wheel when the engine is at idle. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
I have a minor quibble with the I-5 though. There's a vibration that works its way to the steering wheel when the engine is at idle. I know, I know - vibration has been the bane of all 5-cylinder engines since Audi made them popular in the first generation 5000, but even the German brand managed to virtually eliminate this gremlin in its final years. I find it disappointing that in a premium level car, such an irritation hasn't been properly put to bed. A slight increase in idle speed may be all that is needed to eliminate the low rent feel created by the vibration.
