Volvo S80 2.5T. From $45,900

This car is being talked about everywhere right now, and the advertising literally never leaves the screens. We are talking about the new Volvo S80. We decided not to rely on hearsay and took this car for an extended test to form our own impression.

2006 Volvo S80
© Photo: 5 Koleso

The previous generation S80 was produced for nine whole years and during that time gained enormous popularity. Its solid appearance, comfort, and impeccable safety made it at home in the highest circles. But time does not stand still, and the "eighty" has come time for a radical update. The new model is already a car of a completely different generation.

2006 Volvo S80
© Photo: 5 Koleso

We had already had the opportunity to get acquainted with this car before, but that meeting was fleeting — everything took place within the framework of the world presentation. In snatches between official events, it was difficult to properly feel the car. Now we have six months to fully enjoy this car. This time is quite enough to understand how successfully technology and intelligence, luxury and aesthetics, comfort and power are combined here. And there is plenty of all the above in the car — just the electronic functions alone would be enough for several pages of description.

2006 Volvo S80
© Photo: 5 Koleso

Of what we have already managed to appreciate, the Personal Car Communicator (PCC) impresses the most. This electronic key can not only open and start the car without taking it out of your pocket, and remember driver settings, but also maintains communication with the car at a distance. By pressing a button on the key fob, you can find out whether the doors are closed and whether there is anyone in the cabin — for this, a heartbeat sensor (!) is installed inside. Also very useful were the bi-xenon headlights, capable of "looking around the corner." We also appreciated the Bluetooth hands-free — until you try it yourself, you won't understand how convenient it is. By the way, the car's memory can store up to five phones.

2006 Volvo S80
© Photo: 5 Koleso

It is especially pleasant that the new S80 has started speaking Russian. Moreover, not only the trip computer is translated, but also the general menu through which the audio system and other car parameters are configured. For example, there you can change the characteristics of the power steering, making it lighter or heavier. However, the car itself also selects the optimal effort depending on speed. In general, it can decide many things on its own, but we will tell you about that next time.

Driving

The car is very well balanced in all parameters.

Interior

Spacious and comfortable, without excessive designer frills.

Comfort

The car's equipment in terms of comfort is very rich.

Safety

Active and passive safety are at a high level. The base configuration is significantly expanded with options.

Price

Quite adequate for a car of this class.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ Excellent comfort, good dynamics, high level of active and passive safety, attractive appearance.

- The trunk cannot be enlarged by folding the seat backs.

Our opinion

Five points

2 July 2007
Author: Oleg Kalaushin
© 5 Koleso