2007 Volvo S80 Review | Buyer Guide
New Volvo S80 Loads Up On High-Tech Safety
Volvo redesigned their S80 luxury sedan for 2007, but the Swedish automaker didn’t forget its heritage. The 2007 model emphasizes clean, simple design and safety. There are no complicated controls, like BMW’s iDrive, to try your patience. Yet, the S80 contains its share of technology, but it is directed toward protecting the car’s occupants.
You might mistake the latest S80 for last year’s car, but the new model is actually a bit taller and wider, and definitely sleeker in the nose. The interior reflects modest change too, and is elegant in an understated way. An example of this is the thin panel that houses for the radio and climate controls. It’s a modernistic design that flows down gracefully from the dash to the center console. The instrument panel is simple, but modern, as well—an analog speedometer and tachometer, with digital readings for fuel level, trip mileage, etc. in the center of the gauges.
The cabin décor impressed me as being warmer in the new S80. My test car sported cream-colored leather seats (standard) with matching lower dash and door panels. The top surface of the dash was done in a glare-resistant chocolate-brown vinyl that had the look of parchment. Finely styled walnut trim graced the dash and doors.
The S80 seats four adults comfortably—five in a pinch. Head and legroom, fore and aft, are good. The seats, as you would expect in a Volvo, are supportive. The headrests up front move forward, to reduce whiplash, in the event of a collision. The ones in the rear fold down and out of the way for better visibility when not in use. Trunk space is generous at 15 cu-ft, but the opening is narrow, and won’t accommodate a large box.
Volvo offers the S80 in two versions, a 3.2-liter, six-cylinder model with front-wheel drive, and a 4.4-liter, V-8 with all-wheel drive. The 3.2 replaces the five-cylinder engine from last year, and generates more power—235 hp. The V-8, which is built by Yamaha, is new to the S80. It cranks out an impressive 311 horsepower. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic with a manual shift mode. My test car had the V-8, and it was quick and smooth as it rushed this two-ton sedan to 60 in just six seconds. A six-speed automatic, with a manual mode, does the shifting.
However, the S80′s forte is high-tech safety features. In addition to a comprehensive airbag system and electronic stability control, the S80 now offers optional adaptive cruise control. This system uses radar to maintain a set interval between your car and the one in front of you. Also new (and optional) this year is the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS.) Cameras under the outside mirrors detect cars in your blind spots, and signal you with warning lights on the door pillars. However, the most interesting safety option is the Personal Car Communicator, which works off the electronic key fob. It can turn on the lights of the car from a football field away. It can also tell you if the car is locked and the alarm is set. And if that weren’t enough, it can even detect if someone is lurking in the car.
If you order the optional Sport package, you get adjustable steering and suspension settings. The middle setting for steering seemed just right—not too heavy or too light in low speed operation. (The steering effort automatically firms up at highway speeds.) The suspension setting was a little more difficult to decide on. I used the middle (Sport) setting most of the time. There didn’t seem to be much difference between that and the “Comfort” mode. However, the Advanced setting was noticeably stiffer, and best used when hustling down a twisty road. Ride comfort overall was about middle of the pack for a luxury car.
The S80 with the V-8 engine pumps power to all four wheels. This is certainly a benefit on wet roads, and in the snow. However in everyday driving, the all-wheel-drive system directs most of the power, most of the time, to the front wheels, so the handling was not as sharp as I expected. Although the steering felt quick, the S80 was prone to run wide when pressed hard into a turn, but even at that, it was always predictable.
Pricing for the S80 starts at $39,400 for the six-cylinder model and $48,045 for the V-8. My heavily option test car had a bottom line of $56,025.
Snapshot Review
Simple, Yet Attractive Styling
Powerful V-8 Engine
Advanced Safety Features
Uninspired Handling
Specifications
Base Price $48,045
Engine 4.4-ltr, DOHC, V-8
Horsepower 311
Transmission 6-sp auto
Brakes disc, ABS
Gas Mileage 17-25 mpg
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