The Volvo S80 has always been the alternative choice among luxury saloons. Through two generations, Volvo’s largest saloon has dismissed outright luxury and serious performance in favour of cutting-edge safety features and in-cabin technology. The second generation was great in its own way. Its cabin was airy, spacious and offered just about the highest levels of comfort in the business. Evidently, Volvo is happy with the image of the outgoing S80, because the latest version looks very similar.
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| 2014 Volvo S80 |
Design
A number of new exterior design cues reinforce the sophisticated contemporary presence of the 2014 Volvo S80. The new front and rear bumpers create a ‘stretched’ effect to make it look wider and lower. New rectangular Daytime Running Lights at the front give the S80 nose a more contemporary look, while the rounded off classic Volvo lights at the rear visually pull the car down to the ground. The 2014 Volvo S80 can be fitted with expressive 19-inch wheels without loss of comfort. The headlamps feature a new Active High Beam Control system, which actively dips the headlights when another car approaches from the opposite direction. This helps reduce dazing to other drivers. At the rear of 2014 Volvo S80 are signature LED lights give the car a clearly identifiable look especially at night.
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| S80’s profile |
Performance
The 2014 Volvo S80 comes fitted with host of power units, mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. First on the list is a reengineered four-cylinder D2 diesel with an output of 85 kW (115 hp). The power unit rewards the driver with an impressive fuel consumption of 4.1-litres/100km. The automatic D3 101 kW (136 hp) and D4 121 kW (163 hp) diesel power units of the 2014 Volvo S80 use 4.9 litres of fuel to cover the same distance.
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| Luxurious cockpit |
For petrol lovers, the Volvo S80 can be ordered with a 1.6-litre GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) 134 kW (180 hp) T4 power unit. Paired with the six-speed automatic gearbox the T4 has fuel a consumption of 7.1-litres/100 km. The car’s dynamic handling capabilities are attributed to a three new chassis types. There is Comfort, Lowered Sport Chassis and Four-C (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept).
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| Supportive front seats |
Safety
A new IntelliSafe active safety system is fitted to all Volvo S80 models, in the entire range. The system is active from speed of 50 km/h and above. A Pedestrian Detection system, with full auto brake, monitors pedestrians walking in the Saloon’s path. A Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) uses radars to monitors vehicles approaching the car at a range of up to 70 meters behind the car. It then warns the driver of any vehicle that is approaching the car from the blind spot. Cross Traffic Alert uses radar sensors at the rear end of the car to alert the driver to crossing traffic from the sides when reversing out of a parking space. This is especially helpful in tight and crowded areas where the side view may be restricted.
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| Plenty of head and legroom at the back |
Interior
Inside the 2014 Volvo S80 is a new Ambient Light feature that enhances driving at night. It illuminates key features such as cup holders, door releases, seat controls, and luggage and storage areas. Cars equipped with the automatic gearbox also feature a new gearshift knob with piano-black inlay. To give drivers in cold climate extra comfort; three-spoke steering wheels can now be specified with electric heating. Cars with automatic transmission can get paddle shifters that give the driver the opportunity to shift gear manually with both hands on the wheel. There is plenty of room for five occupants. The front seats have a sporty design while the outer rear seats are also noticeably sculpted, to offer greater comfort and support. The rear seats can fold down to boost rear storage space.
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| Restyled rear lights with LEDs |
Verdict
There are plenty of premium-brand saloons that feel more upscale than the Volvo S80. Yet the Volvo S80 is certainly one of the safest cars money can buy. It also boasts some of the industry’s most supportive seats. For luxury saloon buyers whose tastes diverge from the mainstream, the Volvo S80 is an interesting car to consider.