Volvo S80. Authoritative successor

Impressions from getting acquainted with the new generation Volvo S80 can be compared to a flight in a business class airplane cabin, where unexpectedly you find a control wheel in your hands. The level of comfort and service is so high that the driver doesn't need to think about anything — everything happens as if by itself.

The weather in the vicinity of Swedish Malmö, where our acquaintance with the new model started, was pleasing with spring-like warm sunshine. The picturesque view of the water surface separating the shores of two kingdoms and the grand bridge connecting them complemented the idyllic picture. However, we didn't have to admire the landscapes for long — ahead was the road to the coastal town of Båstad, so the lyrical mood had to be postponed until the evening.

The organizers warned in advance: approaching the car, you don't need to take the key out of your pocket. At a distance of one and a half meters, the smart device makes itself known, unlocking the driver's door. The key also serves as a personal communicator: by pressing a button, within seconds you can find out whether the car is locked, whether the alarm is on, whether it was triggered in your absence, and whether there is anyone in the cabin now. The device's range is about 100 meters, and the latest data on the car's condition is stored in its memory.

2006 Volvo S80
© Photo: 5 Koleso

The monotonous flat landscapes and rare houses outside the window set a measured pace. Somehow we didn't think about the car — it gave no reason. Nothing irritated, all controls were at hand, finding any function took a couple of seconds. The driver's seat, in my opinion, is one of the best in this class. The main task that the engineers set for themselves was to maximally concentrate the driver's attention on the road. No trifles should distract from driving. Safety above all!

And safety is exactly Volvo's forte. We were once again convinced of this on the runway of a small airfield rented for demonstrating active safety systems.

The "test subjects" were two S80s and a couple of cars with rubberized balloons filled with air attached to brackets. From the outside, it resembled a game of tag, only no one needed to be tagged — on the contrary, collisions had to be avoided.

So, imagine: you are distracted from the road and have driven too close to the car ahead. First, the collision risk warning system is activated. If the driver does not react to this "hint," red stripes flash on the windshield, and a sound signal sounds in the cabin. As a rule, this is enough for the driver to take measures.

If this is also missed, the braking support function comes into play. It brings the brake system to full combat readiness, reducing response time. The system does not undertake to completely stop the car, but it significantly reduces the likelihood of an impact.

The S80 also has a BLIS system that informs about a car in the "blind spot." A useful thing, especially on our roads, where it will take on an unusual function for it — warning about the presence of "road scammers." The IDIS system, in turn, reduces the risk of driver distraction in a critical situation by cutting off secondary information. Phone calls or SMS will be held until the traffic situation becomes calmer. I don't even want to talk about adaptive cruise control — for this class it goes without saying.

We have already briefly mentioned comfort. Let us add that the model has become wider and taller. The wheelbase and track have also increased, which had a positive effect on the seating of all passengers.

We cannot ignore the "clean cabin" concept. It includes electronic climate control and the IAQS air quality control system. When unlocking the car with the remote, if the outside temperature is above 10 degrees, ventilation and airing are automatically turned on.

The Volvo Premium Sound audio system is one of the best in the world. The digital Alpine amplifier with ICEPower technology, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, and speakers from the Danish company Dynaudio provide the highest quality sound. Listening to music in the car at full power is simply impossible — it's better to get out, step back ten meters, and enjoy the power of concert sound.

The car's design continues the latest trends of Volvo Cars. The proportions have become more perfect, the car looks more solid. The interior feels Scandinavian character, where the main thing is a harmonious connection with nature.

In Russia, the S80 will soon appear in two versions: with an inline "six" of 3.2 liters with 238 hp and front-wheel drive, as well as with a V-shaped "eight" of 4.4 liters producing 315 hp, paired with all-wheel drive transmission. Both versions are equipped with a 6-speed Geartronic automatic with manual mode.

Both cars behave adequately and obey the steering wheel well. However, the weight of the car is felt in the acceleration dynamics and the operation of the gearbox. This is treated by "trampling" the adaptive automatic, which over time understands what is wanted from it. The result is better dynamics and pickup. You can, of course, switch to manual mode.

The version with the V-shaped "eight" and all-wheel drive is preferable. It's not only about power, but also about more even pickup during dynamic acceleration, when a couple more wheels are included in the work to fully realize the torque.

The suspension of both versions has three fixed modes: Comfort, Sport, and Advanced. The chassis operation is controlled by the Four-C system: it either adapts itself to the driving speed or allows the driver to choose settings.

Comfort diligently swallows bumps, delivering true driving pleasure, while Advanced turns the car into a stiff "stool." Therefore, Sport and Advanced are the lot of high-speed highways. In these modes, the suspension plays on nuances: Advanced adds sharpness to the car's behavior.

2006 Volvo S80
© Photo: 5 Koleso

The first S80s will go on sale in September. The top version will cost from $74,900. Later, the situation with the "six" will become clear. Next year, a modification with a 2.5-liter engine and the most sophisticated Executive version will appear.

It seems not without a hidden motive that the S80 premiere was scheduled for the Moscow auto show. Its predecessor at one of them already received the prize "Best Foreign Car." If no worthy competitor is found before the opening of the exhibition, Volvo will be the second Russian prize.

Technical characteristics of Volvo S80 4.4 AWD // Volvo S80 3.2

Body – sedan
Curb weight, kg – 1817 // 1656
Dimensions, mm:
- length – 4851
- width – 1860
- height – 1490
Wheelbase, mm – 2835
Trunk volume, l – 480
Maximum speed, km/h – 250 // 240
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, s – 11.9 // 9.8
Fuel tank volume, l – 70
Engine:
- type – V8 // L6
- displacement, cm3 – 4414 // 3192
- power, hp at rpm – 315/5950 // 238/6200
- torque, Nm at rpm – 440/3950 // 320/3200
Transmission – 6AT, all-wheel drive // 6AT, front-wheel drive
Tire size – 245/45R17 // 225/55R16
Wheel suspension (front/rear) – independent/independent
Brakes (front/rear) – disc, ventilated/disc
Steering – rack and pinion, with power steering
Price, $ – from 74,900 // n/a

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Spacious cabin, good sound insulation, high level of equipment, 3 fixed suspension modes.
– Complicated algorithm for setting up the navigator, glare on the windshield.