Volvo S80 review
by Richard Yarrow (18 April 2006)
The Oresund crossing is one of the great man-made wonders of the world. Opened in July 2000, it's a 3.5km tunnel followed immediately by an 8km road bridge and links Copenhagen, Denmark to Malmo, Sweden. It has changed life immeasurably for Scandinavians, and it really is a sight to behold. I know this because I've seen pictures of it on the internet. Sadly, despite having been driven across it, and been based next to it for several hours for the launch of the all-new Volvo S80, by far the best view I've had of this amazing structure is on my computer. Let's just say the weather wasn't great.
Thankfully the car was a ray of sunshine. Since the MkI version was launched in 1998, it's been one of the better challengers to the might of the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6. The all-new version in on sale now, with first customer cars expected in time for the registration plate change in September.
Still sporting the wide-shouldered look of all current Volvos, it's the same length as its predecessor, but 27mm wider and 34mm taller. The wheelbase is longer too, giving it a more imposing stance on the road, and the flanks are now convex rather than concave. The extra space these changes have created means there's more room for all occupants in the restyled cabin, and there's a host of other improvements too numerous to mention here.
A revamped engine range has been unveiled, too, topped by the new 4.4-litre V8 petrol unit that's soon to appear in the firm's XC90 SUV. There's also a new 3.2-litre, which will be more popular with buyers, but the two diesel engines will be the big sellers. They're both 2.4-litre capacity, but with a choice of 163 or 185bhp power outputs. The latter was available to drive at the car's launch, as well as the two petrol powerplants.
Money no object, the V8 is the pick of the trio. Priced from £38,975, it's quick, smooth and when it's pushed hard it makes the sort of glorious noise you don't expect from a Volvo. The 60mph marker comes up in just six seconds.
The diesel was also noisy, but unfortunately not in the same positive way. Compared with the oil-burning engines in rival German cars, it's a little unrefined. Performance is 0-60mph in 8.0 seconds and a 143mph top speed. Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with a manual override, it's fun to drive but the clattery sound is too intrusive inside the cabin.
It will still be the most popular engine choice, which is a shame because the 3.2 is actually much better. With 238bhp, it's more powerful than the 2.9-litre unit it replaces. It takes the car to 60mph in 7.4 seconds, but the downside is its fuel economy. Returning 28.8mpg, it's on a par with equivalent German offerings - but it's not a patch on the 44.1mpg anyone opting for the S80 diesel will get. For the fleet buyers who will dominate ownership of the S80, it's a no-brainer.
Five trim levels are available on the S80, ranging from S to Executive. Our SE Sport model came with Volvo's excellent active chassis system which has three settings, Comfort, Sport and Advanced. At the push of a button, it gives drivers the choice of how they want the car to ride and handle.
All trim levels above S get adjustable power steering, which means you can make the wheel lighter or firmer to turn. It automatically provides more assistance at lower speeds, to make getting round town easier.
Prices start at £24,375 for the 2.5T in S trim, rising to £41,725 for the all-wheel drive V8 in SE Lux. There's no details of the Executive package yet. Standard kit on all models includes alloys, electric heated door mirrors and cruise control. Bigger wheels, xenon lights, walnut trim, park assist and even ventilated upholstery are all available depending on which model you choose.
Options include Volvo's pioneering blind spot warning system (from £450), plus a premium Dynaudio sound system (£1000). And for £500 you can transform the remote control keyfob into something called the Personal Car Communicator. As long as you're not more than 100 metres away, it can tell if the car is locked or not, or even if there's someone inside.
Also worth noting is the adaptive cruise control linked to a collision prevention system. It costs £900, but if you're closing on a car ahead too quickly, a front bumper-mounted radar will sense it and warn you via an audible alarm and red light projected on to the windscreen. As that is happening the brakes are pre-set so it cuts the time it takes for slowing down to begin.
The revisions to the S80 certainly help it keep pace with the German opposition, but in a sector of the market where badge snobbery is at its ugliest, that might not be enough.
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