2008 Volvo S80 Review

Swede Inspiration

The flagship Volvo S80 sedan remains stately and luxurious, but adds a sportier T6 model for 2008 with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive.

The understated Volvo S80 sedan was last redesigned for the 2007 model year, when it was imbued with added performance, a new chassis, and updated features over its staid predecessor. It remains conservative-looking with common Volvo styling cues such as its broad-shouldered stance and wide front grille. It shares platforms and powertrains with several Volvo models, including the V70 and XC90.

The previous S80, which debuted for the 1999 model year, soldiered through its life with a lackluster five-cylinder powerplant. The current Volvo S80 offers a choice of stronger six- or eight-cylinder engines.

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The base engine in the S80 is a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder, which operates efficiently and should be adequate for most buyers. However, it’s still far from a powerhouse. Those seeking a bit more muscle will want to check out the T6 version, which includes a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine. For stronger and smoother power, there’s the 4.4-liter V8 engine that was previously offered only in the XC90. Even though it tops 300 horsepower, it is still a bit weak compared to the latest V8 engines offered by other luxury brands, which run from 350 to nearly 400 hp. Fortunately, the Volvo S80 sedan is about 1,000 pounds lighter than the XC90, which makes the engine feel more potent. A six-speed automatic transmission that allows manual gear selection is included across the line.

Front-wheel drive is standard with the base six-cylinder engine. A sophisticated all-wheel-drive system is included with both the T6 and the V8 to improve traction on slick roads. It also boosts acceleration and stability when traveling in a straight line by kicking in automatically during take-off from a standing start.

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The Volvo S80 comes with a long list of standard active and passive safety features. Front-side and side-curtain airbags for both rows of seats are standard, as are whiplash-preventing headrests for the front seats.

An optional Collision Warning with Brake Support system works in tandem with the available laser-guided adaptive cruise control system. If the system determines that the Volvo S80 is closing in on another vehicle or other obstruction, it will signal a warning to the driver; if it calculates that a collision is possible, the system will automatically move the brake pads up against the discs and prepare full braking pressure in anticipation of a panic stop. A Blind Spot Information System signals when another vehicle is in the driver's blind spot by using cameras mounted near the S80’s side mirrors to monitor traffic around the car.

Even pedestrians and cyclists who might inadvertently cross paths with the Volvo S80 get added protection with the new version, thanks to an energy-absorbing hood and revised front-end structure that features softer surfaces and a less intrusive lower spoiler.

• Volvo S80 Vehicle Summary

An available 4C multi-mode suspension system (4C stands for Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) allows the driver to switch among Comfort, Sport, and Advanced settings. The former provides a softer ride, and the latter two allow more road feel with quicker steering response. The system makes adjustments to each shock absorber according to driver input and the road surface at the rate of about 500 times per second to take the sting out of pavement irregularities.

The Volvo S80’s cabin is spacious and comfortable, with a slim center console and easily operated controls. Standard on the V8 and optional elsewhere in the line is Volvo’s Personal Car Communicator; it’s not only a keyless entry/start system, but it can tell you whether you’ve locked the car, if the security system is activated, and even whether there’s someone inside the vehicle. Other options include adaptive curve-illuminating headlamps, Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity, active cruise control to maintain a set speed and distance from the traffic ahead, and a navigation system.

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The optional 650-watt premium audio system includes Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound, rear-seat headphone jacks and controls, and 12 speakers from Denmark’s acclaimed Dynaudio. Both this system and the standard eight-speaker audio unit can play MP3 files and WMA-encoded CDs and include an auxiliary input jack for connecting iPods and other devices to the head unit.