Volvo S80

Inspired by the entry of various luxury car manufacturers, the Swedish car major Volvo Car Corporation has recently launched its flagship model the S80 sedan in three variants. The S80 has been introduced in two petrol engine versions and one diesel version (2.5-litre). The success of this model is expected to determine the introduction of more cars from Volvo in the days to come. S80 is the perfect combination of advanced technology, comfort, and luxury along with excellent performance.

The Volvo S80 sedan is available in three trims: D5, 3.2L I-6, and 4.4L V-8. It is packed with advanced technology and communication systems and a plethora of safety features. The S80 features a personal car communicator (PCC) system which means you simply get into the car with the key in your pocket, press the engine start button and you are off. Its advanced technology, elegant exterior and interior styling, powerful engines, and a 6-speed automatic transmission will definitely enable the S80 to strengthen its position in its segment. Top competitors include Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series.

The Volvo S80 offers a choice of three engines. The D5 variant comes with a 2.4-litre Inline-five cylinder common rail diesel engine that delivers 183 bhp @ 4000 rpm and a torque of 400 Nm @ 2750 rpm. The 3.2L I-6 variant, as the name explains, plays host to a 3.2-litre Inline-six cylinder petrol engine that generates 235 bhp @ 6200 rpm and a torque of 320 Nm @ 3200 rpm. The 4.4L V-8 variant is also self explanatory with its 4.4-litre V-8 petrol engine that cranks out 311 bhp @ 5959 rpm and a torque of 440 Nm @ 3950 rpm. All variants are teamed with a smooth-shifting six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. The D5 and 3.2L I-6 variants come in a front-wheel-drive configuration with the option of an all-wheel-drive configuration, while the 4.4L V-8 variant comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system.

The D5 variant accelerates from 0 to 100 km in 9 seconds, the 3.2-liter engine accelerates from 0 to 100 km in 7.9 seconds and the V-8 engine accelerates from 0 to 100 km in just 6.5 seconds. The all-wheel-drive system comes with instant traction that consists of an electronic management system that continuously checks the speed of the wheels, the throttle, engine torque, engine speed, and brake pressure. As driving conditions change, this system distributes the power to the appropriate wheels to maintain road traction and vehicle balance. The S80 comes with Volvo's continuously controlled chassis concept (Four-C) suspension system that offers three distinctive driving modes: comfort, sport, or advanced. Further, the Four-C suspension system interacts with the dynamic stability and traction control (DSTC) system, the engine, the brake, and the steering to promote your chosen handling style. S80 uses a speed dependent power steering system to regulate the amount of power the driver needs. Steering is firm and quick at highway speeds and light and effortless during parking or movement in slow traffic. The system gives a choice of three settings allowing the driver to select an appropriate level of road feel or steering feeling for a comfortable drive.

The elegant design and dynamic look distinguishes the Volvo S80 from its competitors. The front is highlighted by a unique chrome trimmed black grille embedded with a Volvo badge flanked by elegantly designed headlights. Fog and cornering lamps in the front spoiler give better vision when driving in poor visibility or heavy rain or snow. Uniquely designed cues including the chrome finish in the front spoiler and around the fog lamps, chrome lower side moldings, and chrome trimmings below the rear tail-lamps add a certain style to the Volvo's front. Triangular shaped red tail lamps and chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets dominate the rear.

Cabin is spacious and very elegant with luxurious amenities and an emphasis on driver comfort. The interior has been built with quality materials to make passengers feel comfortable and safe. All panels and door sides are crafted with energy-absorbing materials to minimize the risk of injury in case of emergency situations. The seats are perfectly firm and supportive. The steering wheel comes with a huge tilt and telescopic adjust range that allows the driver to position it according to desired comfort level. Rear seats have good legroom. A park assist camera is mounted in the boot lid that enhances your field of vision behind the car. Volvo's advanced communication and navigation systems feature a dual band integrated GSM phone, an RTI navigation system and a Bluetooth hands-free system.

The S80 offers a wide range of wheel choices: 18'' Balius Alloy Wheels, 17'' Canicula Alloy Wheels, 18'' Fortuna Alloy Wheels, 17'' Meissa Alloy Wheels, 17'' Regor Alloy Wheels, 17'' Spartes Alloy Wheels, 18'' Venator Alloy Wheels, and 18'' Zubra Alloy Wheels to accentuate the overall beauty of the car.

The S80 comes with a cabin filter system, an interior air quality system, a power glass sunroof, multifunctional power adjustable heated door mirrors, heated front seats, leather upholstery, high performance audio system that includes RDS radio, 8-speakers, and an MP3 and WMA compatible CD player.

The S80 is armed with top-notch safety features, which includes a DSTC anti-skid system, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with hydraulic brake assist (HBA), ready alert brakes (RAB), a side impact protection system (SIPS), dual-stage airbags, driver and front passenger dual-chamber side airbags, a whiplash protection system (WHIPS), an engine immobiliser and theft-protected locks, and a remote-controlled central locking system.