Unmistakably Volvo, the S80 incorporates such signature design elements as its horizontal grille opening, punctuated by swept-back headlight clusters and its crisp body lines flowing rearward from a long, low hood profile to a higher, short rear deck. The distinctive taillights are another treatment found throughout the Volvo product line.
The S80 comes in three trim levels, the 3.2, the T6 all wheel drive model, and the V8 All Wheel Drive model that we drove. Our test S80 came with optional 18-inch alloy wheels shod with Pirelli low profile, Z-rated performance tires.
There are 3 engines available in the S80: an in-line 6, a 281 horsepower turbocharged version of the 6, and 4.4 Liter V8 that develops 311 horsepower and 325 pound feet of torque. All engines are mated to a 6-speed sequential automatic transmission.
Large 4-wheel ventilated ABS disc brakes are standard on all models as is electronic brake force distribution and traction control.
The S80 requires premium gasoline and fuel economy ranges from 15 miles per gallon city to 24 miles per gallon highway.
Real wood inlays, a multi-function adjustable leather steering wheel and leather upholstery are featured in the cabin that also includes heated and cooled seats and a fold down armrest for rear seat passengers.
Our test S80 came with a premium 12-speaker audio system and Volvo's remote controlled DVD-based navigation system.
Safety has always been a hallmark of Volvo and the new S80 comes with a state of the art airbag system that includes, three-stage front, side-impact and side-curtain protection.
Options worth considering are the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), that uses warning lights mounted on the A-pillars to alert the driver when another vehicle pulls into the S80's blind spot, and Collision Warning System that comes bundled with adaptive cruise control.
Base MSRP for the 2009 Volvo S80 is $38,850. It comes with a 4-year/50,000 mile warranty. A fully loaded V8 model can top out at $60,000.
The 2009 Volvo S80...Performance, styling, luxury and legendary safety...hard to beat in a competitively priced executive sedan.