Volvo revives big executive saloon

New 4.4-litre V8-powered S80 does the motorway cruising thing

Volvo S80

Following the new Volvo S80’s world debut at the Geneva motor show this week, Volvo has revealed more details of its second generation executive saloon.

Yes, it's a Volvo. But it does have a 310bhp 4.4-litre V8 pushing out 325lb-ft of torque, which should punt you along the motorway adequately -- which relieves the strain on the serious driving tool in the garage.

Volvo's biggest car, it tops the range. First launched in 1998 and built at Volvo's plant in Gothenburg, with the S80 the Swedish company is aiming for the jugular of the usual suspects: Mercedes and BMW, the doyens of the luxury executive car market. Volvo reckoned that the new S80's advantages include its distinctive Scandinavian style combined with ride and handling characteristics developed specifically for UK roads.

Engines

The four-wheel drive car comes with four engine options, and the 4.4-litre V8 is claimed to be the world's most compact of its kind. The first time a V8's been fitted to a Volvo, the aluminium motor is in a 60-degree configuration and is fitted transversely to maximise the space available for crash protection. According to Volvo, "a counter-rotating balancer shaft contributes to the engine's V8 sound and steady rhythm".

There's also a 3.2-litre 235bhp straight-six petrol engine which is, unusually for a straight six, also transversely fitted. There is also a pair of diesels, the biggest of which delivers 295lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-litre mill to make up the numbers. The last three are all five-potters.

Design and features

In terms of exterior design, you can make up your own mind. Volvo describes it as possessing "more sweeping lines and elegance than its predecessor", although its both wider by 27mm and 34mm taller. It's also more rounded -- as many new cars are, for mandatory safety reasons -- something Volvo can claim as a brand attribute.

Inside the car, Volvo claimed its focus on quality and environmental issues have resulted in a world first: a Clean Zone Interior package – a development of Volvo's existing electronic climate control and Interior Air Quality System. It provides air that's approved by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association and is aimed at the increasing number of people suffering from various forms of sensitivity.

Another feature of the interior is the ultra-slim centre console which stretches back to the rear seat and hosts a number of functions for storing and connecting accessories such as an iPod. Kit includes satnav, plus a digital Class D amplifier harnessed to MP3-compatible components from Alpine and Bang & Olufsen providing Dolby 5.1 surround sound. There's a Bluetooth hands-free system too, and a DVD screen in the back. There's leather throughout, plus more legroom in the front and rear and ventilated leather upholstery with fans in the seat cushion and backrest are optional extras.

Chassis

Volvo's Four-C active chassis has been developed for the all new S80 and is now available with three suspension settings – comfort, sport and advanced.

The system uses sensors to monitor the car's behaviour and can adjust the damper and chassis settings to suit the current driving situations. This helps control the car and reduces squat, dip or roll under acceleration, hard braking or fast steering manoeuvres, said Volvo. The company didn't say anything about thraping along twisty A-roads...

Safety

Volvo's big on safety, of course, so you get all the latest features and a pile of alphabet soup. This includes Volvo's BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) and IDIS5 (Intelligent Driver Information System), plus bi-xenon headlights, and a new Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which uses a radar sensor to continuously measure and maintain a safe distance from the car in front by automatically adjusting the car's speed.

Other active safety features include a collision warning system that uses radar to monitor the area in front of the car. If the driver doesn't react to a car in front, it triggers an audible signal and a red warning light flashes on the windscreen. If the driver brakes hard the system flashes the brake lights to warn those behind. If the driver still doesn't react and the risk of a hitting the car in front increases, the brakes kick in, Mercedes-style.

Passive safety features include a collapsible steering wheel, airbags galore, an anti-whiplash system, seatbelt reminders and a box girder built round you.