Touting “Scandinavian luxury” as its defining attribute, the flagship sedan combines traditional Volvo lines with high-tech safety features typical of the brand. All-wheel drive is also available. Competitors include the BMW 528, Audi A6 and Saab 9-5.
New for 2011 Volvo has dropped the V-8 all-wheel-drive option, leaving the S80 with either a 3.0- or 3.2-liter V-6 engine. The Executive Package has been dropped, but a new Inscription Package of interior accents has been added.
Exterior Volvo says Scandinavian luxury is accessible, elegant and intelligent without being elitist. Volvo has shaken the boxy look it made famous by giving the S80 a curvier, sleeker appearance with a slightly sportier profile, yet still an unmistakably Volvo design. Exterior features include:
Available 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels
Standard power-operated and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals
Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers
Optional heated windshield-washer nozzles
Optional headlight washer
Optional xenon headlights with articulating lenses
Interior The S80’s center controls sit on a thin metal panel pioneered in the S40 compact sedan. Luxurious touches include optional real wood trim with wood steering wheel. The back bench has a standard 60/40-split folding function for increased cargo capacity. Interior features include:
Standard leather steering wheel, shifter and brake handle
Standard wireless phone connectivity
Optional moonroof and dual-zone automatic climate control
Optional heated front and rear seats
Optional upgraded sound system
Optional navigation system with real-time traffic info
Under the Hood For 2011, Volvo has cut back on the number of engines and drivetrains available. Mechanical features include:
240-horsepower, 3.2-liter six-cylinder
300-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder
Six-speed automatic transmission
Front- or all-wheel drive
Safety In addition to the standard safety features, available safety features include a blind spot warning system, which checks adjacent lanes for unnoticed cars, and a collision warning system that monitors the speed of traffic ahead and warns drivers of impending rear-end collisions. Safety features include:
Standard side-impact and side curtain airbags
Standard antilock braking system with hydraulic brake assist
Optional adaptive cruise control
Optional lane departure warning system
Optional park assist and parking-assistance camera
