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Volvo S80April 2006

Recommended.

Volvo's super-sensible take on the executive saloon market - but is it good enough to challenge BMW and Mercedes?

20 variants from £25,495 to £41,135

Our rating:

4

User rating:

5
Volvo S80
 
 

Fifth Gear Volvo S80 review

 
 
1. Comfort
2. Spacious, well-finished interior
3. Excellent refinement at speed

WE DON'T LIKE

1. Not as sporty as key rivals
2. Fiddly satnav system
3. Looks very similar to the outgoing model
 
 

Behind familiar looks the new Volvo S80 is a completely fresh model, one based around the same set of mechanical underpinnings as the Ford S-Max and next-generation Land Rover Freelander.

The styling is a subtle evolution over that of the first-generation S80, but major changes have taken place under the surface with an new range of engines and a far more sporting chassis than the old model.

From the driver's seat, the big Volvo impresses. We're not sure about the design team's assertion that the dashboard's contours resemble a snow-covered meadow, but the high-quality materials feel good to the touch and the standard of finish is impressively high. Like the S40, V50 and C70, the S80 boasts a "floating" centre console with clearly laid-out controls for the climate and entertainment systems. Both driver and front seat passenger have an abundance of legroom and headroom, with rear-seat occupants also enjoying limo-like space. The boot is decently proportioned too, although the scallop-shaped sides eat into available space.

It drives well, too, combining the relaxed long-distance demeanour of the old car with a surprisingly keen performance on twisty roads. Optional electronically variable dampers sharpen up the chassis even further, with the S80 delivering plenty of grip and roll-free cornering, at the expense of a sometimes crashy ride in the firmest setting.

Safety is outstanding thanks to Volvo's long-established expertese in the field - occupants benefiting from one of the most advanced crash protection systems yet put into production.

Three petrol engines and two diesels are available from launch. The entry-level turbocharged five-cylinder petrol motor continues as before, offering strong performance. Above it, buyers can now opt for an all-new 3.2 litre straight six petrol motor or a range-topping V8, featuring the same 4.4 litre engine as already seen in the XC90. Both five-cylinder turbodiesel engines offer smooth, economical performance.

Fifth Gear overall car ratings

STYLING

Handsome but unoriginal - it looks almost identical to the old model.

HANDLING

Plenty of grip and flat, roll-free cornering mark the S80 out as a vast improvement on its predecessor - but the steering lacks feel.

COMFORT

The well-finished cabin is a brilliant place to spend some serious time, the ride quality is compliant and high-speed cruising is impressively quiet.

QUALITY & RELIABILITY

Inside and out the S80 feels like a real quality item, although the digital display on the dashboard looks relatively cheap compared to rivals.

PERFORMANCE

All versions are decently rapid, although only the expensive, thirsty 4.4 litre V8 can match German rivals on outright pace.

ROOMINESS

Occupants get an abundance of cabin space and the boot is decently proportioned, too.

STEREO / SAT NAV

Optional Dynaudio speaker system gives brilliant sound - but the satnav is controlled by a joystick behind the steering wheel and is fiddly to use.

RUNNING COSTS

Long servicing intervals (18,000 miles or two years) mean the S80 should keep maintenance costs keen. Petrol versions are thirsty, diesels are impressively frugal, but all are pricey to insure.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Good standard equipment and competitive pricing compared to premium German rivals means the S80 makes a strong financial case for itself.

ENVIRONMENT

Despite its huge size, the S80 has a very good overall performance and the DRIVe is exceptional with a figure below 120 g/km of CO2.

This review has been tagged with: Volvo | Volvo S80

There are 20 variants of the S80

S80 variants Price (£) Fuel type Engine
size (cc) 		CO2 emission
(g/km)
DRIVe ES Start/Stop 4dr £25,495 1560 119
DRIVe SE Start/Stop 4dr £27,395 1560 119
D3 SE Start/Stop 4dr £29,285 1984 129
T4 SE Start/Stop 4dr £29,405 1595 152
DRIVe SE Lux Start/Stop 4dr £29,595 1560 119
D3 SE Start/Stop Geartronic 4dr £30,770 1984 148
T4 SE Start/Stop Powershift 4dr £30,890 1595 172
D5 SE Start/Stop 4dr £31,385 2400 129
D3 SE Lux Start/Stop 4dr £31,485 1984 129
D5 SE Start/Stop Geartronic 4dr £32,870 2400 159
D3 SE Lux Start/Stop Geartronic 4dr £32,970 1984 148
T5 SE Lux 4dr £33,485 1999 184
D5 SE Lux Start/Stop 4dr £33,585 2400 129
T5 SE Lux Powershift 4dr £34,970 1999 193
D3 Executive Geartronic 4dr £34,985 1984 148
D5 SE Lux Start/Stop Geartronic 4dr £35,070 2400 159
T5 Executive Powershift 4dr £36,950 1999 193
D5 Executive Geartronic 4dr £37,085 2400 159
T6 AWD SE Lux Geartronic 4dr £40,285 2953 231
T6 AWD Executive Geartronic 4dr £41,135 2953 231
 

Average

5

User reviews (4)

Leave a review

Volvoguy
5

Volvoguy27 January 2010

I have the 4.4 liter V8! With the sport package, look at the cabin just gorgeous! Much better than an E- Class and just as good as a 5 series even though the Volvo is more comfortable. And this car totally blows away the others with its sound system! It makes the whole car shake!

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nawace
5

nawace11 September 2010

I have the 2.4 desiel volvo. I have had this car for 6 months and driven up the contry and down to lands end the car has ben comfortable and easy to drive when i was looking for the volvo second hand i looked at audi and marcades and found that the volvo for the price was much better equiped and better seating, comfortable seats easy access to all eqiupment. the satnav is a pain with out the remote but sould not be using when driving

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Blue Bear
5

Blue Bear31 October 2010

I have just had my rant about the E-Class that i'm in at the moment so it's time to say how good the Volvo is. Where do I start? I'm a chauffeur and I have been driving the S80 and V70 2.4D Auto for the last 3 years and have just come out of a S80 D3 Auto (2.0 Diesel). These cars have been the most enjoyable cars to spend my 50-60 hour working week in. I do about 60,000 miles a year and these cars HAVE TO BE the most comfortable I have ever driven. The seats were apparently designed by an orthopedic surgeon which answers why I've been able to drive in these seats hour upon hour each day. The equipment levels are great and the controls are so well layed out and logical to use. I think the sound systems are fantastic and you even get a digital graphic equalizer to adjust the front and rear speakers. I'm driving a new shape E220 CDI Auto at the moment and the things I miss on the Volvo are big door pockets to put my big 1 litre water bottles in and any other junk. The big centre arm rest with soft leather on it. The fast and smooth auto gearbox. The cruise control buttons on the steering wheel. The USB socket in the centre armrest so I can charge up my iPhone and listen to the iPod on it at the same time. You can see all the iPod folders on the stereo which is great. I just can't wait to get out of those PVC excuse for leather seats on the Merc and on to the Air Bed like quality seats of the Volvo (with real leather seats, Mr Cost Cutting Mercedes).

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