Volvo has released details of its all-new, second-generation S80 large executive saloon.
Unveiled at the Geneva motor show, the S80 is a luxury car with a strong, modern Scandinavian design influence that stands its apart from its contemporary rivals.
And this stylish exterior is complemented by an enticing and harmonious interior. The Volvo design team followed the path of 'Scandinavian Luxury', differing from the traditional or Teutonic treatments of other premium brands and letting the S80 radiate a simpler, more accommodating feel - intelligently combining aesthetics and technology.
The Volvo S80 is as sophisticated beneath the skin as it is elegant on the surface. Technical highlights include a suspension system that has been developed on UK roads and benchmarked against its key German competitors, an optional Four-C active chassis with three alternative suspension settings, and even All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction™ on some models.
The S80's comprehensive engine line-up includes a 2.5-litre turbocharged, five-cylinder petrol unit, a 3.2-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol unit, built at Bridgend in Wales, and a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine with 315 horsepower. This engine, the first V8 to be offered in a Volvo saloon, is the world's most compact V8. There are also two advanced, frugal and powerful five-cylinder turbodiesels, the 2.4D and D5.
And in keeping with its place as one of the world's foremost executive saloons, the S80 comes laden with comfort and convenience features. Volvo's excellent reputation for ergonomic excellence will only be enhanced by the all-new S80's additional legroom over the previous model, plus the option of ventilated leather upholstery, with seat-cooling fans and seat-heaters. Volvo's intuitive satellite navigation system has been refined and improved for the new S80, Bluetooth® phone connection is available and the S80 boasts a world-class audio system, particularly on models with Premium Sound, which includes an Alpine amplifier, Dolby® Pro Logic II Surround Sound and 12 professional quality Dynaudio® speakers.
Meanwhile, as befits a Volvo, the new S80 is designed to be one of the safest cars on the road today. In addition to its highly advanced crash structures, the S80 has improved, two-chamber side airbags, new-generation WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) fitted to the front seats and energy absorbing structures to protect pedestrians.
As a result of Volvo's commitment to quality and environmental issues, the S80 also offers a world first: a Clean Zone Interior Package. It's a development of Volvo's existing ECC (Electronic Climate Control) and IAQS (Interior Air Quality System) that provides cabin air so clean that the Clean Zone Interior Package has been approved by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.
Full prices and specifications of the S80 are available at www.volvocars.co.uk, prior to the cars arriving in UK showrooms in June/July.
