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Volvo’s second-generation S80 is an evolutionary design focused on enhanced comfort, greater convenience and the availability of an all-wheel-drive V-8 model.

It rides smoothly, feels tight and is quiet at highway speeds.

The S80’s taut lines and aerodynamic shape carry strong cues from the smaller S60. The round nose blends into a slightly taller hood shaped to meet Europe’s pedestrian-impact standards. The front fenders have a strong character line that sweeps under the windows and into the taillights, giving the side panels a strong shoulder. The styling reflects Scandinavian elegance and athleticism.

While the vehicle is the same overall size as its predecessor, the new S80 has a longer wheelbase for more space in the cabin and greater width that adds to stability.

Prices for the new model begin at $38,705 for the six-cylinder and $47,350 for the all-wheel-drive V-8. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that can also be shifted manually.

I drove the front-wheel-drive six-cylinder with the 235-horsepower, 3.2-liter engine that now uses variable cam timing and cam profile switching to broaden the powerband and provide 236 pound-feet of torque. This engine is lively right from idle, and the six-speed automatic transmission seems to have a gear for every situation. The shifts are crisp.

To keep the six-cylinder compact, Volvo developed a rear mounting system for the power steering pump and air-conditioning compressor. Mounting these units at the back of the engine block and driving them with gears rather than belts keeps the engine’s overall length about the same as the five-cylinder.

The S80’s cabin reflects Volvo’s design simplicity. The instrument panel contains easy-to-read gauges with floating needles. Tasteful wood trim surrounds the air vents and contrasts nicely with the brushed aluminum on the console. The S80 also has the slim console concept first used on the S40. The console has connections for an iPod or electric cooling box.

The three-dimensional pictogram used to direct the flow of hot or cold air is an unusual, but clever, solution.

The front seats are comfortable because they’re supportive in all the right places. The back seat is easily large enough for adults.

Volvo has long been known for its attention to safety, and the S80 is loaded with technology. Not only does it have side-curtain airbags, but it also has front and side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control and vehicle stability control. The front seats are designed to provide whiplash protection.

The test car was equipped with Volvo’s adaptive cruise control system, a $1,495 option. Adaptive cruise control works in concert with the brake system to help the driver avoid rear-impact collisions. If the S80 approaches another moving vehicle from the rear and the driver fails to slow down, a red warning light flashes on the windshield and an audible signal sounds.

If the driver fails to slow, the brake pads then move against the discs in anticipation of a hard stop. Brake pressure increases so that maximum effort is applied as soon as the driver reacts. When the brakes are applied, the rear fog lights also act as brake lights to warn those following.

Another interesting option is the blind spot information system that uses cameras near the outside mirrors to detect vehicles that may be out of the driver’s view.

An optional key fob, called the personal car communicator, enables the owner to tell from up to 300 feet whether the car is locked or unlocked, whether the alarm is activated and whether someone is in the vehicle. The latter function uses a sensor that detects a heartbeat. Because the module stores the most recent information, the driver can check to see if the car was locked when it was last parked regardless of location.

To check, just touch the Info button on the key fob, and a green light will go on next to the lock button if the car was locked.

Other option groups include heated seats, the sport package with 18-inch wheels and an audio package with an Alpine amplifier, surround sound and Bang & Olufsen technology.

Price

The base price of the test car was $38,705. Options included the adaptive cruise control and personal car communicator. The sticker price was $41,865.

Warranty

Four years or 50,000 miles.