Meet the Volvo S80 V8
By Alan Bedenko
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For those who want a luxury performance car but don’t need a rolling “look at me” billboard, there’s the all-new Volvo S80 V8. The car is completely redesigned and features an interior that is modern, Swedish, and intuitive. I took out a black V8 with supple tan leather.
The key isn’t a key. It’s a key fob. You insert it into a slot in the dashboard and, with the brake pedal depressed, hit the “start/stop” button to start the car. Truly, it’s a gadget-lover’s delight. Opt for the $500 “personal car communicator” key fob, and the device will alert you if the alarm is activated or, believe it or not, it detects an intruder’s heartbeat and let you know about that. Spooky.
The V8 sounds appropriately throaty and packs 311 horsepower plus 325 lb-ft of torque at 3,950 RPM to get this large sedan moving; just under seven seconds to get two tons from zero to sixty. The engine is mated to a 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, which allows some ability to shift the car yourself. The 4.4L V8 comes with Volvo’s all wheel drive system and dynamic stability traction control standard, adding traction and safety to all that oomph.
Gas mileage is adequate for such a large engine, claiming an EPA estimate of 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. During my run, I was closer to the 17 figure, but mostly because I was giving the engine a workout. It’s all about driving habits —and whether or not you floor it after you pay your toll or when the light turns green.
The controls are very well laid-out and rather intuitive, but that might be because I’m an S40 owner and have a familiarity with the switchgear. At first glance, the buttons for the radio and climate systems look like so many little licorice chiclets. Nevertheless, everything is well dampened, and has a high perceived quality—appropriately for a vehicle whose starting MSRP hovers around $50,000, nothing feels cheap.
New in this S80 is the adaptation of the S40’s floating center console. All of the audio and climate control switches are on a thin slab with storage behind it. It’s very modern, cool, and Ikea-y. Dual zone automatic climate control and a radio with dual-scrolling RDS display are standard on this car. Sirius Satellite Radio prep is available for an extra $100. The stereo system is appropriately powerful, and a premium system featuring twelve Dynaudio speakers is available as an option. six-CD changer with MP3 capability and eight speakers is standard.
The seats are covered in gorgeous, supple leather and are very supportive. The headrests feature Volvo’s anti-whiplash system for added safety. Airbags surround all the passengers.
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Interior and exterior views of the Volvo S80 V8.
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Other safety features are available, including the “BLIS” blind spot information system, which uses tiny digital cameras under the side mirrors. When a car enters your blind spot, lights built into the door posts alert you. Adaptive cruise control uses radar to scan the road in front of you and will slow when appropriate in order to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. The adaptive cruise works in conjunction with Volvo’s collision warning system with brake assist, which will basically alert and prevent you from rear-ending someone if you’re not paying close enough attention.
The exterior styling follows Volvo’s recent design language, which is much curvier than its prior, boxier reputation. The front seat area is roomy and comfortable, and the rear seat is more than ample for three adults, all of whom will be extraordinarily safe in your powerful and unique vehicle.
This is the $50,000 car that doesn’t turn heads, but should.
The Volvo S80 is available for local delivery with a $695 destination fee. If you’d like to not pay that, you can always opt for Volvo’s overseas delivery, arranged for by your dealership. You save about eight percent off the MSRP, the destination charge is waived, and Volvo will fly two of you to Gothenburg, Sweden to pick up your car and lets you drive it for up to two weeks. You drop the car off at any one of several European cities, and fly back. The car will be shipped to your dealership for free, and you get to keep your Swedish export plates as a souvenir. Volvo provides free air transportation, a tour of the factory, a dramatic unveiling of your car, and one night’s stay at a hotel in Gothenburg. That’s one hell of a souvenir.
Available at Jim Culligan Volvo
8129 Main Street, 633-4000
Alan J. Bedenko (abedenko@gmail.com) is a lawyer who lives in Clarence with his wife and daughter.
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