Introduced in 1998, the Volvo S80 has always been overshadowed by the BMW 5-Series or the Audi A6. It was almost the case whereby the Swedish marque was gasping for air in a competitive German-dominated market. While its competitors came out with facelifts and better drivetrains and improved fuel consumption, Volvo went towards a subtle but no less inspiring and useful direction.
They came up with a line of S80 variants with different engines to better suit the modern and more demanding customers.
That's not to say that it could be a tad boring on their part. After seeing what Volvo did to its contemporary-looking S60, we have somehow come to expect more in terms of the S80's design language. Instead, the Swede merely focused on what was "within" the car for drivers to enjoy its prowess without compromising on safety.
Exterior
Having the exact same looks as the 2.0T and the T4 variant, the Volvo S80 T5 is more about the engine than its looks. Unlike the S60 which is probably one of the sexiest Volvos around, the S80 remains to be smeared with a stain that's a blast from the past. That said, it still has that same clean and classic shell that qualifies it to be a matured machine for the more matured audience.
We reckon it's all about the nostalgia feel the moment you set your eyes on the car. The S80 somehow accomplishes in magnifying the importance of sticking to the root of its success which is its excellent drivetrain and safety features. And it's this very reason that makes the Swede stand out in the common continental makes.
They came up with a line of S80 variants with different engines to better suit the modern and more demanding customers.
That's not to say that it could be a tad boring on their part. After seeing what Volvo did to its contemporary-looking S60, we have somehow come to expect more in terms of the S80's design language. Instead, the Swede merely focused on what was "within" the car for drivers to enjoy its prowess without compromising on safety.
Exterior
Having the exact same looks as the 2.0T and the T4 variant, the Volvo S80 T5 is more about the engine than its looks. Unlike the S60 which is probably one of the sexiest Volvos around, the S80 remains to be smeared with a stain that's a blast from the past. That said, it still has that same clean and classic shell that qualifies it to be a matured machine for the more matured audience.
We reckon it's all about the nostalgia feel the moment you set your eyes on the car. The S80 somehow accomplishes in magnifying the importance of sticking to the root of its success which is its excellent drivetrain and safety features. And it's this very reason that makes the Swede stand out in the common continental makes.
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Encompassing a similar wheelbase and body dimension as the T4 and 2.0T, the only difference we could spot with our naked eyes was the T5 badging that's etched on its butt. A subtle difference indeed that would probably cause your friends to laugh their asses off considering that you have just spent $44,000 more (comparing with the T4) for the latest variant of the S80. But you can be rest assured that your passengers and friends will feel the craze of turbo once you inject pressure on this 2.0-litre powerplant's accelerator.
Perhaps that's when you'll enjoy the last laugh.
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Interior
While the exterior may balance along the thin thread of insipidity, the cabin puts a smile on your face. It has the serene ambience you would come to expect of a car from its class, with soft leather covering almost all surfaces your hands could possibly come to contact with. The benches, as always, are one of a kind. They support your back better than an army of Thai masseuses, complementing the S80's luxuriously comfortable seats and driving position.
Perhaps the Volvo's interior bravely and confidently challenges the BMW 5-series as well as Audi A6. While the Bimmer and Audi get away with their mastery of feel-good quotient, we reckon Volvo scores well for minimalism and user-friendly interfaces. There's no confusing technology like the ones you find on the MMI or iDrive. What you see is what you get, giving users easy access to all functions without the array of buttons to throw you off your feet.
While the exterior may balance along the thin thread of insipidity, the cabin puts a smile on your face. It has the serene ambience you would come to expect of a car from its class, with soft leather covering almost all surfaces your hands could possibly come to contact with. The benches, as always, are one of a kind. They support your back better than an army of Thai masseuses, complementing the S80's luxuriously comfortable seats and driving position.
Perhaps the Volvo's interior bravely and confidently challenges the BMW 5-series as well as Audi A6. While the Bimmer and Audi get away with their mastery of feel-good quotient, we reckon Volvo scores well for minimalism and user-friendly interfaces. There's no confusing technology like the ones you find on the MMI or iDrive. What you see is what you get, giving users easy access to all functions without the array of buttons to throw you off your feet.
From behind the wheel, drivers will be happy to find superb forward and lateral visibility, thanks to the high seating position and wide windscreen. The dull grey dashboard is soft poetry-curved and pleasant to the eye while the centre console enhances the life of the cabin with a tinge of pure exclusiveness with its chrome inserts.
Space-wise, the S80 managed to haul in a total of five occupants (all adults) with sufficient space all round. But if there's a sixth, the Swede machine may need to find another reason to justify. The acres of space don't end there. Like all S80s, the T5 boasts a deep luggage space of 480 litres, allowing two golf bags to be fitted inside with ease.
Space-wise, the S80 managed to haul in a total of five occupants (all adults) with sufficient space all round. But if there's a sixth, the Swede machine may need to find another reason to justify. The acres of space don't end there. Like all S80s, the T5 boasts a deep luggage space of 480 litres, allowing two golf bags to be fitted inside with ease.
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The Drive
With 240bhp and 320Nm of torque onboard, the T5 has close to 40 horses more than the 2.0T. It demolishes the century sprint in a stealthy 7.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 230km/h. And with every thrust of the right foot, the car borders on the illegal speed limit without any difficulty while emitting a rather low and rorty exhaust note.
Thus, to pull away from the pack, all that is required of you is to gently squeeze the throttle. Drivers will more often find themselves overtaking a couple cars rather than the one in front of them when the accelerator is floored. But when driven like a gentleman, the S80 T5 exhibits old school Swedish Volvo pliancy as it glides over potholes and ruts on the roads and mates well with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder in-line engine, shifting seamlessly while remaining alert to kickdown reaction.
For a Swedish sedan that competes against top German marques and weighs over 1.6 tonnes, it's fast and well-balanced, with brakes that are just as powerful and easy to adapt to. Still, it's no pocket rocket in corners although directional changes are quick. It's has ample grip and limited roll but with the S80's mature personality, it is ultimately no lithe athlete on the track.
With 240bhp and 320Nm of torque onboard, the T5 has close to 40 horses more than the 2.0T. It demolishes the century sprint in a stealthy 7.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 230km/h. And with every thrust of the right foot, the car borders on the illegal speed limit without any difficulty while emitting a rather low and rorty exhaust note.
Thus, to pull away from the pack, all that is required of you is to gently squeeze the throttle. Drivers will more often find themselves overtaking a couple cars rather than the one in front of them when the accelerator is floored. But when driven like a gentleman, the S80 T5 exhibits old school Swedish Volvo pliancy as it glides over potholes and ruts on the roads and mates well with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder in-line engine, shifting seamlessly while remaining alert to kickdown reaction.
For a Swedish sedan that competes against top German marques and weighs over 1.6 tonnes, it's fast and well-balanced, with brakes that are just as powerful and easy to adapt to. Still, it's no pocket rocket in corners although directional changes are quick. It's has ample grip and limited roll but with the S80's mature personality, it is ultimately no lithe athlete on the track.
Conclusion
Frankly, we don't see how the T5 loses out a lot to its higher-end peers in terms of equipment. The S80 gives drivers what they need in a car and better still, at a much lower price.
It may be a matured car, but I don't see why an executive shouldn't be tempted by it. It's quick, comfortable and has ample safety features and we reckon these are the traits that should continue in the next few generations of Volvos.
Long story short, if the T4 was a good enough car for us, the T5 is…
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Frankly, we don't see how the T5 loses out a lot to its higher-end peers in terms of equipment. The S80 gives drivers what they need in a car and better still, at a much lower price.
It may be a matured car, but I don't see why an executive shouldn't be tempted by it. It's quick, comfortable and has ample safety features and we reckon these are the traits that should continue in the next few generations of Volvos.
Long story short, if the T4 was a good enough car for us, the T5 is…
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
