2007 Volvo S80 I6 FWD Automatic

Model Highlights

The 2007 Volvo S80 sedan may look remarkably similar to its predecessor, but the design has matured to the point where its luxury and performance can stand up to its German competitors. New safety devices abound for in the completely redesigned S80, as well. An all-new chassis offers greater stiffness resulting in a more solid feel, and better mounting points for a more sophisticated suspension. The cars we drove all had Volvo's optional Four-C self-adjusting suspension. There was a noticeable difference between the soft ride of the comfort setting and the sharp responses from the sport mode. "Advanced" provided the best of both worlds. The S80 is available with a 3.2L in-line six cylinder and front-wheel drive, or with a 4.4L V8 and all-wheel drive. Both configurations are impressive. In the interest of safety, Volvo mounts these motors transversely, thus leaving more room for crush space. The V8 has a narrow angle and makes 311 horsepower plus 325 ft-lbs of torque, which translates to a spirited driving experience. The thrust available from the in-line six-cylinder engine was a pleasant revelation, so much so that the ratings of 235 horsepower and 236 ft-lbs of torque almost seem conservative. We're sure that acceleration was helped by the modern Getrag six-speed automatic transmission. While there are no paddles, the gearbox can be easily controlled by moving the console-mounted shift lever up and down while in manual mode. Inside, the S80 fulfills its promise of Scandinavian luxury. The slim console pioneered in the S40 and V50 has been further polished for use in the S80. The buttons on it, especially the climate control, look noticeably more upscale in this version. The menu button allows you access to presets for features such as automatic door locking, headlamp off delay, and steering wheel effort. There are a number of safety features that are very useful. Chief among them is the optional adaptive cruise control. Like the systems in the Mercedes-Benz and Lexus automobiles, you get to set the following distance and your speed. The unit will slow the S80 down and resume your velocity as traffic permits. Another useful innovation is the optional BLIS (Blind Spot Information System). Cameras mounted in the outside mirrors monitor the presence of moving vehicles in your blind spot, and a small light in each mirror notifies the driver if the blind spot is occupied. Not only can BLIS help prevent accidents, but the extra info can reduce your stress level on trips. Many optional items found within this market class are available on the S80, such as park assist, navigation, satellite radio, and a rear seat entertainment system. Volvo also offers more unique equipment, like a personal car communicator. This option provides keyless drive, the ability to remotely determine if the car is locked and the alarm is engaged, and a heartbeat sensor for the interior of the vehicle for $495.