You’ll be surprised that there are buyers who don’t want an Audi A6, BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-class. For those buyers the Volvo S80, even though it will eventually get replaced by the S90, still is a good option for anyone that wants Scandinavian Luxury at an even more discounted price.
The sole engine option for the S80 is a 2-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 240hp. It’s one of the smoothest
turbocharged four-cylinders we have ever tested and it feels just enough for the
S80. The engine never feels short on puff around town and on the highway. You can
only have the S80 with front-wheel-drive and with this engine that’s enough. Anything
more than that to the front wheels is just down right insane.
The Volvo S80 isn’t even close to be as sharp to
drive as a BMW 5-series, but most buyers of the S80 aren’t picking it because
of that. They want a smooth and comfortable ride and that’s what they are going
to get here. Steering feedback is numb at best and the overall handling is more
like ‘safe’ if anything. It doesn’t encourage you to push it hard through
corners and bends because well let’s face the facts here. This platform is
nearly twelve years old. But not everyone wants a rock hard suspension, and for
those you either choose the Mercedes E-class or this.
There really isn’t much wind or road noise to
complain of. The turbo engine sounds rather course under heavy acceleration but
it is far from a deal breaker. There is no manual gearbox option, but most
buyers in this segment don’t really care for one either.
Volvo has always been a paradigm of clarity when it comes
to their dashboard layouts; all the controls are within easy reach of the
driver’s hand. The seats are all day comfy and offer plenty of support. Rear passengers
will find comfort as well. Plus the S80 is one of the few sedans in this
segment to have split folding rear seats standard and a boot that’s generous on
space.
All S80s come standard with keyless entry, Bluetooth
connectivity, leather seats and rain sensing windshield wipers. You’ll have to
step up to the Platinum trim to get Xenon headlamps with auto high beam
control, collision warning with full auto brake and adaptive cruise control
with lane departure warning. We think that it’s best to just spring the extra
money for this package because it has many of the modern safety technology and
yet still manages to be cheaper than all three German Rivals.
The S80 maybe on its way out the door but that doesn’t
mean you can’t pick up one with a deep discount. This maybe one of the few
reasons people will still flock to dealers to buy one. However, in our opinion
this is the most understated Volvo ever, and for those few individuals that do
buy one this is a real gem.
Wait for the S90 if you desire all-wheel-drive or more powerful engine option.
Likes: Most understated Volvo ever. Turbocharged engine
offers good flexibility and decent running costs. Comfortable front seats and ride comfort.
Dislikes: Starting to show its age.
Devon’s choice: Platinum package is the only way to
go with the S80. It may costs more but it is worth it.
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