A short rear deck-lid completes the seductive silhouette. It’s replaced by softer, less decisive lines: a gently sloping hood line, steeply raked windscreen, slightly bowed roofline and almost coupe-like rear window line. Gone is the box-on-box construction that distinguished the Volvo profile for a generation. WalkaroundĪt first glance the S80 doesn’t look like a Volvo, unless you’re facing the signature grille, with its chromed vertical bars and diagonal slash. A wireless fax/copier ($900) is an option. A wide center rear console provides space for video screen, additional DC voltage plugs, and controls for heated rear seats, electric rear window sun shade and the DVD player. The rear seat is equipped with a DVD player, 68-channel color TV, video screen, 12-volt refrigerator and audio/video remote control. Uniquely styled rear seating and an additional two inches of rear legroom ensures comfortable seating for two rear passengers. It uses the T6 engine, but comes with a redesigned interior designed to maximize rear seating space. There’s also a special limousine model, the S80 T6 Executive ($46,300). Options include Volvo’s navigational system ($2,500) Dynamic Stability Traction Control ($1,100) and 17-inch alloy wheels. (Volvo designed the S80 to compete with the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Jaguar S-Type, Acura 3.5 RL, Cadillac Seville, Lexus GS, Lincoln LS, Oldsmobile Aurora, and Saab 9-5.) The S80 comes standard with everything associated with a premium luxury sedan, including leather seating surfaces, automatic air conditioning with dual controls, power windows, and alloy wheels. It also comes with slightly wider tires (P225/55R16 Michelins in place of the 2.9’s P215/55R16 Michelins).Īll S80s come equipped with antilock brakes.

S80 T6 ($40,900) is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 2.8-liter inline-6 that delivers 268 horsepower. S80 2.9 ($36,900) comes with a 2.9-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 197 horsepower. Volvo’s interior ergonomics are excellent with handsome switchgear and comfortable leather seats. The twin-turbocharged engine on the T6 is much more powerful than the standard 2.9. Ride quality is emphasized over handling to reduce road vibration. Silky-smooth power is available from a pair of highly evolved six-cylinder engines, along with a choice of sophisticated stability and traction control systems. Its styling is representative of the new direction Volvo has taken away from the boxy designs of the past. Volvo’s S80 is luxurious, roomy and safe.

Volvo s60 rear window shade control