Stuck in a multi-hour traffic jam organized for another urgent visit of some high-ranking official, you start dreaming of at least a personal helicopter, if not teleportation. Anything that would save time and preserve nerves.
How well the Volvo S80 manages to save time in traffic jams, I don't know, but with nerves — it copes excellently. And how it does it is unclear, but once behind the wheel of the S80, you stop noticing traffic jams and worrying about trifles. Maybe it's because the S80 is let through unconditionally. Not only do drivers of "Zhiguli" cars, who a minute ago were fighting to the death for a spot with some mid-range foreign car, suddenly tuck their tails and show submission. Even more solid cars yield — real guys always find common ground. Anyway, driving this black armored vehicle with the S80 plate around the city turned out to be easy, and the dimensions are well felt (the rear ones — thanks to the parking sensors).
Why did I start with the fact that the car doesn't stress you out in traffic jams? Because it's like that everywhere, in any situation. A car that doesn't pressure your psyche and doesn't make you nervous over trifles, whether you're standing in rush hour or taking a sharp turn on a mountain serpentine. This car will do everything as it should and never make you doubt itself.
In general, the idea is clear. When creating this car, the Swedes aimed to maximally shield the driver and passengers from unnecessary worries. But at the same time, they didn't want the car to turn into a rocking chair with a turbo engine. And in principle, it manages everything.
True, it must be admitted that our car is already quite old — it has been produced since 1998. And over this time, its appearance, so revolutionary in those years, managed to shock everyone, then please, then bore and become tiresome, and after that — simply become classic. Now you look at this car, and it seems that Vikings, Varangians, and Greeks still drove it. And you can't believe it will soon be discontinued. That is, the appearance of this car, in my opinion, has already gone beyond the concepts of "like" or "dislike." The Volvo S80 has long been a thing in itself.
But when you get inside, you really understand that the interior is already a bit outdated. However, you won't find outright archaism in it either, but there is something elusive. But there can be no complaints about quality. The plastic is the softest, and if you press on it harder, it becomes a bit scary — will it "bend back"? It will, don't worry. The leather is very high quality, albeit with a slightly rough texture, but that's a common feature of Volvo cars.
But the black buttons on the center console, perhaps, a couple of years ago, when it became fashionable to make them "aluminum-style," would have looked outdated. Now, when black plastic is in fashion again, everything is fine. And there are no problems with the number of functions they control. There's dual-zone climate control, an automatically activated recirculation mode, and a very good audio system. By the way, adjusting its sound is quite interesting. To adjust, for example, the low frequencies, you need to press the corresponding button — it pops out, turning into a "knob." That is, you can adjust each parameter not through a menu, as usual, but through a separate handle. There are also some small "quirks" in opening the center armrest and cup holder.
Care is felt in everything. Underfoot is ultra-soft plastic, so you don't have to worry if your feet press against the panel. If you reverse, as soon as there's very little space left to an obstacle behind, the audio system sound is muted.
Sitting in the front is comfortable, in almost any position — from academically correct to relaxed reclining. The wide seats relax but also remember to hold you, although they are as far from a sporty profile as to Antarctica. But still, judging by the number of S80s with hired drivers on the streets, the main places in this car are in the back. And in vain! Firstly, there's less space there than you'd expect from such a big car (although saying there's little would also be unfair). And secondly...
Strangely, for some reason I didn't expect anything from driving the S80 except extreme softness and dead silence. Strictly speaking, the S80 didn't disappoint me here — it really is very soft, quiet, and comfortable. Small things like tram rails are handled remarkably by the S80's suspension, softly and without "mumbling." But the most interesting thing is that with all its comfort, this highway cruiser also drives just wonderfully.
Well, here is not the most "pensioner" engine — 2.5 liters, turbocharged, developing 210 hp. Already not bad. And, paired with a five-speed gearbox, albeit not the quickest, but still not too slow and well predictable, the car's dynamics turn out to be quite good. A decent steamship.
But the handling is more interesting! Not in the sense that you want to race the S80 or participate in circuit races, no — after all, the car is not of that class. But the fact that the steering effort on the Volvo is so convenient and at the same time quite natural — that was a pleasant surprise. Going through a turn, you feel confident from start to finish. There's no sharpness in the S80's reactions, but there are no delays either, and body rolls are quite moderate. And still, you want to drive the S80 calmly, with a sense of self-respect. The car can do everything, it just doesn't provoke the driver into active and reckless driving, but on the contrary — calms you down.
Returning to the topic of stress, I can say that this car calms you down in any road situation. You can drive at any speed and feel complete confidence and a sense of full protection. The point, of course, is not only passive safety, but the feeling that the S80 gives.
Yes, of course, in places the S80 no longer reaches modern standards. Its design is such that few will notice your purchase (for some, that's a plus), and the interior, despite any quality, is outdated and simple. And there are few of those electronic "gadgets" that cars of this class are usually stuffed with. But the price doesn't bite either — the base S80 Diamond Collection with a 2.4-liter engine starts from 43,000, and our version costs 49,300 dollars. And for those who don't chase fashion but value only fundamental things, the S80 is a good purchase. And for the rest, we can recommend waiting for the new generation S80 — it already has both design and fashionable features. And how it behaves on the roads, our readers will find out very soon.
| Technical specifications |
|---|
| Model S80 | 2.5T AWD |
| Engine | B5254T4 |
| Max. power | 210/6000 hp/rpm |
| Max. torque | 320/1500-4500 Nm/rpm |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-speed |
| Electrical system |
|---|
| Battery capacity | 520A |
| Maximum alternator current | 120A |
| Fuel system |
|---|
| Fuel tank volume | 72 l |
| Recommended fuel | Unleaded |
| Octane number | 98-91 |
| Fuel consumption |
|---|
| Urban cycle | 14.8 l/100 km |
| Extra-urban cycle | 8.0 l/100 km |
| Combined cycle | 10.5 l/100 km |
| Performance characteristics |
|---|
| Acceleration to 100 km/h | 7.9 s |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h |
| Vehicle weight |
|---|
| Base version in running order | 1604 kg |
| Maximum weight | 2140 kg |
| Maximum trailer weight (with brakes) | 1600 kg |
| Body dimensions |
|---|
| Length | 4849 mm |
| Width | 1832 mm |
| Height | 1452 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2791 mm |
| Front track | 1582 mm |
| Rear track | 1560 mm |
| Ground clearance | 148 mm |
| Trunk volume |
|---|
| ISO V210 | 424 l |
| Steering |
|---|
| Turning circle diameter | 13 m |
Equipment of the tested car
- All-wheel drive system with INSTANT TRACTION™ technology
- Driver and passenger airbags
- 2 side airbags (SIPS)
- 2 side curtain airbags (IS)
- Front seats equipped with a system that reduces the risk of neck injuries in a rear-end collision (WHIPS).
- Seat belts are equipped with pretensioners.
- The brake system includes ABS and an electronic brake-force distribution function (EBD).
- The anti-theft system is supplemented with an immobilizer and sensors that respond to changes in volume and body tilt.
- The central locking is remotely controlled and has a "deadlock" mode.
- "Polite" lighting is provided to facilitate entry in the dark.
- The onboard computer displays key driving parameters.
- The headlights are equipped with washers.
- Electric windows are controlled by buttons.
- The front seats have two-stage heating.
- The driver's seat is electrically adjustable and remembers three positions.
- The front passenger seat also has electric adjustments.
- Cruise control maintains the set speed.
- Textile mats are provided in the cabin.
- The spare wheel is mounted on an alloy rim.
- The HU-850 HIGH PERFORMANCE audio system with Dolby Surround Pro Logic II technology includes amplifiers (4×50W + 1×25W), nine speakers, and a six-disc CD changer.
- The exterior mirrors fold electrically and are heated.
- The interior mirror automatically dims.
- Progressive steering — the effort on the wheel changes depending on speed.
- The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system enhances stability in corners.
- Emergency braking is supplemented by a brake assist function (EBA).
- Standard PHOENIX alloy wheels match tires 215/55 R16.
- Audio system controls are mounted on the steering wheel.
- The rear armrest is equipped with a cup holder.
- The rain sensor automatically activates the wipers.
- The parking brake lever is trimmed in leather.
- Bi-xenon headlights have automatic leveling.
- The air purification system filters the incoming cabin airflow.
- Interior trim elements are finished in wood.
- The rear parking sensor assists during maneuvering.
The test car was provided by
the official Volvo Car Russia representative office. 
