Honda Legend vs Volvo S80. IQ test

Both models hit the market with almost identical slogans: they say they perfectly blend luxury, power, and — most importantly — high intelligence. Which of them is actually smarter, we intended to figure out during a personal acquaintance.

The Volvo S80 is a large, solid sedan with a luxurious interior and a serious level of protection. Its characteristics are decent, and its intelligence is in perfect order. There is both a front-wheel-drive version and an all-wheel-drive one. At the top of the engine range sits a V8 producing 315 horsepower.

The Honda Legend is the flagship of the Japanese company, where style, luxury, dynamics, and the latest developments are merged into one. Safety here is also at a high level. In our country, the car is sold only in the most fully equipped form, which means not only an abundance of options but also the presence of a "smart" all-wheel drive.

If it weren't for progress, we would probably still be moving around on something primitive. But someone once came up with the idea of inventing the wheel. And it started spinning... Today, any fresh car is packed with all sorts of gadgets aimed at improving, simplifying, securing, and also impressing the imagination. In the pursuit of the buyer, manufacturers introduce into their cars what just yesterday seemed completely alien to the automobile. But is all this really necessary? How do these systems affect the overall impression of the car? And, ultimately, is the extra cost justified? To understand all this, we took a pair of modern business sedans packed with technologies for a test: the Volvo S80 and Honda Legend.

First, let's look at the cars from a practicality standpoint. Although the Legend looks larger than the S80, in fact, the Volvo turns out to be wider and taller. That's why getting behind the wheel of the Swede is more convenient. The Honda's seating position is also almost perfect, but the path to the driver's seat has to be literally carved out with difficulty. But in terms of perceived cabin width, the models seem almost identical, despite the Legend's massive center console that transitions into an equally noticeable "beard."

But in the second row, the Legend is more spacious. Plus, its rear door opens almost 90 degrees, making entry and exit easier. Since we're talking about volumes, it's worth mentioning the trunk. The Volvo has a larger one: 480 liters versus 452 for the Honda. The difference, as you can see, is insignificant. And who in cars of this class cares primarily about the trunk? The buyer expects comfort from the car. Moreover, comfort both physical and spiritual. And what gives peace of mind, if not tranquility and confidence?

Both cars are in order with this. The interiors are done in a rather restrained style. True, due to the abundance of buttons scattered throughout the cabin, inside the Legend you feel almost like a pilot of a small airplane. The Volvo also has plenty of buttons, but they don't press on the psyche as much. However, if it weren't for the multifunction display and the control dial for settings, there would be even more buttons and switches in the Honda. And here is where the technologies begin. Both obvious and hidden.

Today, the Legend clearly outplays the Volvo in the number of electronic assistants. But how useful are they really? Take the rearview camera. A useful thing, but only if you can look at the screen properly. Alas, during the day, almost nothing can be seen on the display. We tried all brightness and contrast settings, but the image still remained "washed out." In such a situation, a regular parking sensor with sound indication, like on the S80, turns out to be more convenient. Next is the active noise cancellation system, which creates sounds in antiphase. It's certainly an innovative thing, but honestly, we didn't notice much difference in the noise level in the cabins of both cars. But the audio system in the Volvo seemed even juicier and richer to us. Voice prompts in the Legend are also a nice option, but it's much nicer when the car communicates with you in your native language. In the Volvo, this is already standard. We also didn't feel much benefit from the sensor that tracks the sun to optimize the climate control operation. Moreover, we didn't like that to change the direction or force of the airflow, you have to dig into the menu. In the S80, everything is intuitive and simple. Stability control systems, multi-stage airbags, and other attributes mandatory for a modern car are present in both. Up to keyless start and headlights that illuminate corners. However, Honda still slightly outdid its opponent: the Legend has a Pop Up Hood system that raises the hood when hitting a pedestrian, reducing the risk of injury.

Honda Legend; $69 000

Driving
A very dynamic and at the same time perfectly balanced car.

Interior
Ergonomics are well thought out, but some functions are only accessible through the menu, which is sometimes annoying.

Comfort
The high level of comfort is a merit of the class. True, getting into the driver's seat is not so easy.

Safety
Standard: 4 airbags, 4 curtains, ABS, EBD, BAS, VSA, Pop Up Hood.

Price
For such a rich equipment, it definitely costs its money.

Volvo S80; from $45 900

Driving
Calm, conducive to leisurely driving. But active driving is also not a burden for it.

Interior
Restrained elegance. Ergonomics at its best.

Comfort
If desired, it can be upgraded by adding many options.

Safety
It has everything to feel confident in any road situation.

Price
Given the ability to build the car to your liking, the price looks justified.

Our opinion

Even though the Honda Legend is smarter than the Volvo S80, this time our sympathy is on the side of the Swede. The reason is simple: the Legend comes to us in a single, very generous trim, which, alas, cannot be avoided, and its price turns out to be biting. In a word, grief from intelligence. The S80 is a more democratic option. It can be equipped with exactly what you need and discard everything superfluous or dubious.