Volvo S80 V8: Swedish Noble Sleigh

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Volvo S80 V8: Swedish Noble Sleigh
Volvo S80 V8: Swedish Noble Sleigh

Video: Volvo S80 V8: Swedish Noble Sleigh

Video: Volvo S80 V8: Swedish Noble Sleigh
Video: Бизнес-Класс по Шведски // Volvo s80 4.4 V8 // Двигатель Yamaha 2024, March
Anonim

How do you imagine a Swedish father? Tall, slim, blonde hair and probably interested in the environment. In a managerial position, he also likes to drive an S80; discreet, elegant, confident and for a few months now also available with V8 power.

By Stefan Grundhoff

Who says that Swedes just want to glide comfortably over their endless country roads? Volvo has recognized the signs of the times and does not want to leave the field of luxury sedans to the mostly German premium manufacturers alone. Admittedly, it's not just about Sweden or Europe for a long time.

Cooperation with Yamaha

The first generation of the S80 was not only sold in Scandinavia, but also in the USA in particular. The North American market in particular has been demanding more power and more cylinders for years. And the Scandinavian upper class is not only happy about an S80, which is no longer powered by inflated turbo power, but a real eight-cylinder, behind the green thumb.

The eight-cylinder engine developed together with Yamaha has already made a name for itself with the popular luxury SUV XC90. With a displacement of 4.4 liters and 315 hp, you can't quite follow the thirst for action of comparable engines from Stuttgart, Munich or Ingolstadt, but it is well known that only a few are interested in the US volume market. The logical consequence is that the newly developed Volvo S80 is also available as the flagship of the brand with the Langhuber.

All-wheel drive as standard

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Anyone who thinks that the high-torque common rail diesel with almost 2.5 liters of displacement and 185 hp is the ideal choice for someone like the S80 has not yet covered ten kilometers in a V8. You can argue about whether you need more than 300 hp with such a comfortably tuned cruiser, but power development and noise level make even those who doubt Scandinavian driving culture click their tongues. No comparison to the sometimes not too harmonious turbo six-cylinder, which brought its performance to the front axle in a little gentlemanly fashion.

The new S80 V8 uses all-wheel drive as standard - although not a really good one. In normal driving, the Swede brings almost all of the engine power to the front axle. You can feel that clearly in the steering wheel; especially when accelerating strongly and on slippery or slippery roads. Only when the front axle slips is part of the power transferred to the rear axle via the Haldex system. In comparison with the systems from BMW (xDrive), Mercedes (4matic) and Audi (quattro), you drive the weakest package in terms of driving dynamics.

High consumption

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Nevertheless, the all-wheel drive helps to bring the full power of 232 kW / 315 PS and 440 Nm at 3,900 rpm, even on slippery roads. 0 to 100 km / h in 6.5 seconds and a governed top speed of 250 km / h show that Volvo no longer relies solely on safety and Swedish charm. Similar to the XC90, the eight-cylinder is also installed transversely in the S80.

The announced average consumption of almost twelve liters of super per 100 kilometers can only be experienced on American highways and in the vastness of Sweden. In everyday German business you have to calculate with at least 13.5 liters per 100 kilometers. If that's too much for you, you should opt for the powerful, but quite loud D5 engine.

Upper class interior

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The look of the 4.85 meter long Volvo S80 is subtle and hardly differs noticeably from its predecessor. «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. " Everything is new, but nobody sees it - that too is understatement.

The interior is of the luxury class and in the familiar clear Volvo styling. The electric leather seats are comfortable, a little too high and can be adjusted for the driver and front passenger of any size. A little more lateral support would be nice, but apart from the R models that is simply not the Swedes' strengths. You can also travel wonderfully in the rear. There is plenty of head, leg and shoulder room. The bench and the front a bit too soft and the heated seats in the back just pleasant.

Center console showpiece

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The center console is the showpiece of the interior - a multitude of buttons and yet easy to use. Why there are two displays for the sound system and navigation screen remains a secret. A large display in the middle would do better and would not detract from the user-friendliness.

Many people start with the starter button. A great thing, but only if you can leave the key in your pocket. So the whole thing doesn't show any added value. The trunk is at class level with 485 liters. The payload loves at 504 kilograms.

Starts at 57,450 euros

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A real added value is the incomprehensibly only optional Four-C landing gear system, whereby the pilot has the option of adapting the landing gear to his driving style. Without Four-C, the S80 is a magnificent cruiser, but nothing more. With fast cornering, load changes or exploring motorway passages, you quickly want a firmer chassis. The 1.8 ton Swede is too soft and spongy. Steering and braking could also use more bite. So the S80 remains what it always was - an ideal touring and long-distance limousine - no matter in the north of Stockholm, between Nuremberg and Frankfurt or in the Los Angeles area.

Despite all the engine power and more zest for action, safety is not neglected in the new S80 either. Anyone who has come to appreciate extras such as cornering lights or the intelligent distance cruise control will soon no longer want to be without them. Another clever feature is the overtaking assistant, which has been available for two years and which takes away the horror of the blind spot. The price for the Volvo S80 V8 Momentum starts at 57,450 euros; the excellently equipped Executive equipment option costs 68,120 euros. The volume model, the 185 hp D5 engine with particle filter, starts at 37,550 euros, but leaves a lot to be desired in terms of standard equipment.

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