2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Volvo presents its new S80 and hardly anyone notices it. Given the same dimensions, the predecessor and successor could be twins. But at second glance, a lot has changed with the great Swede.
By Stefan Grundhoff It
remains to be seen whether Volvo has done itself a favor by making the new Volvo S80 look like it is a gentle facelift of its predecessor. If you don't know your way around, you have to look at least twice to see the latest S80 generation. It's a bit rounder, but clearly recognizable as the S80.
«Around 95 percent of the parts are new. We have deliberately based the new S80 on the look of its predecessor so as not to make the leap too big for the customer, "says S80 product manager Silvia Gullsdorf," the market shares of the completely new Volvo S80 should be increased significantly. " So far, the S80 has not got beyond a shadowy existence in the highly competitive upper class, especially in Europe. The big Swede is now set to grow significantly, especially in the USA, Great Britain and Germany.
Intelligent cruise control is convincing
In addition to an almost puristic, clear design in the interior, the Scandinavians placed particular emphasis on the technology and safety features of the S80. New are cornering lights and the intelligent cruise control that maintains the desired distance from the vehicle in front. The accident prevention assistant goes one step further.
If the distance radar detects that the distance to the vehicle in front is too small and a collision is imminent, it gives the driver an acoustic signal. In addition, a red bar is projected onto the windshield to indicate the danger. The brake pads are placed on the discs. When the driver finally steps on the brake, the brake lights flash and the hazard warning lights are switched on until the vehicle comes to a standstill. This creates air to the rear, which could, however, be even greater if LED lights had been used again. They have fallen under the table for cost reasons. The well-known BLIS system, which warns of cars in the blind spot, provides even more safety.
Lots of plastic in the interior
This is not the only reason why the Volvo S80 is a high-tech vehicle. The car key has what it takes to be a mini-computer. If you press the remote control, you can not only open and close, but also test whether the car has remained properly locked or if someone is unwanted in the car. There is a heartbeat sensor under the parcel shelf that reports intruders. The security demand in the USA makes many things possible and this is exactly where the main market for the new S80 should be.
The interior is hardly recognizable compared to its predecessor. New the design, new the materials used. Nevertheless, a bit much plastic for a car in the 50,000 euro class and the seating position cannot impress tall people. The seat is too short and you sit a bit too high.
With 315 hp to 100 in 6.5 seconds
The US market in particular had been calling for an eight-cylinder for a long time. So far it was only available in the luxury XC 90 SUV. But the new, 4.85 meter long Volvo top model S80 can also shine with the particularly compact eight-cylinder in the future. 315 PS and 440 Nm maximum torque, in conjunction with the well-coordinated six-speed automatic transmission and the standard all-wheel drive, ensure propulsion that is befitting of one's standing. The pilot's thirst for action is limited to 250 km / h and 0 to 100 km / h in 6.5 seconds puts a smile on your face.
Despite all the sportiness, the average consumption should not exceed twelve liters of super per 100 kilometers. In addition to the eight-cylinder, the 185-hp D5 diesel and the new in-line six-cylinder with 3.2 liter displacement and 238 hp are optionally available with all-wheel drive.
Driving dynamics leave nothing to be desired
The S80 remains what it always was - an excellent cruiser. In terms of driving dynamics, there are a few wishes that remain unanswered, despite the additional Four-C damper set-up. Even the steering can now be adjusted to the driver. But even in the sportiest mode, the feedback from the road could be better. While the front axle has only been revised, the Swede has a completely new multi-link rear axle. She swallows bumps without any grumbling, but can not hide the rather sluggish rear.
The all-wheel drive is good for the 1.8-ton Volvo, but the variable power distribution of the Haldex clutch works more slowly than comparable systems. The price for the well-equipped Volvo S80 V8 starts at 56,000 euros. The volume model, the 185 hp D5 engine with particle filter, starts at 36,600 euros, but leaves a few wishes unfulfilled in terms of standard equipment.
