Volvo is one of those carmakers that rarely makes a splash in the motoring scene. It's usually content with just sitting out of the spotlight and producing cars that are known for their safety.
That said, due attention still has to be given to the Swedish carmaker, especially when it decided to roll out a bevy of updated models for nearly its entire product line.
One of these is the S80. While it may be the flagship sedan, it keeps a low profile. Previous versions didn't really inspire a whole lot of interest from the market, but now, the car is making a comeback with revised looks and a new drivetrain.
Up close and Personal
With the cosmetic upgrades, the S80 looks a little bit more appealing. Stylistically, the car hasn't changed much and it is still distinctively Volvo from the outside, except that its rakish and sleek lines are far more modern than the car's boxy past.
New front and rear bumpers have been fitted and they integrate really well with the redesigned chrome grille to exude a stretched and wider look.
Ultimately, this update has smoothed out and simplified the language, which is conservative but upmarket.
One of the most noticeable things as you sit inside the S80 is the comfort of the seats. No matter your height or size, they provide drive-all-day relief to a degree that few others can match.
While the back row isn't huge like those of other flagship sedans, there's considerably decent passenger space for three Asian adults. More importantly, the 480-litre trunk appears ready to swallow anything Ikea can offer.
Overall, the S80's interior is understated and classy. It has quality materials all around, a sleek centre console with sensible controls and a generally luxurious vibe.
The Drive
Under the hood, the 2.0-litre turbocharged Drive-E engine with 241bhp and 350Nm of torque provides spirited acceleration, and is capable of moving the large S80 quickly.
Paired with a new eight-speed Geartronic transmission that serves up silky smooth shifts, the S80 now completes the century sprint in a respectable 6.5 seconds - 1.2 seconds faster than its predecessor.
This allows the S80 to have a penchant for the fast lane on the road, hunkering down at high speeds the way a proper European luxury sedan should.
Otherwise, it drives like a big luxury barge, which means it's well isolated from the elements but not particularly engaging. This could be contributed by the nicely weighted but dull steering as well as the heft of the vehicle.
Under the hood, the 2.0-litre turbocharged Drive-E engine with 241bhp and 350Nm of torque provides spirited acceleration, and is capable of moving the large S80 quickly.
Paired with a new eight-speed Geartronic transmission that serves up silky smooth shifts, the S80 now completes the century sprint in a respectable 6.5 seconds - 1.2 seconds faster than its predecessor.
This allows the S80 to have a penchant for the fast lane on the road, hunkering down at high speeds the way a proper European luxury sedan should.
Otherwise, it drives like a big luxury barge, which means it's well isolated from the elements but not particularly engaging. This could be contributed by the nicely weighted but dull steering as well as the heft of the vehicle.
The S80's ride quality is somewhat firmer than expected, but at higher speeds, this firmness translates into a comfortable sense of stability that completely avoids the floating, bouncy feel of 'softer' luxury cars.
Conclusion
More relaxed and conservative than most rivals, the S80 remains an often overlooked, value-laden choice. But if you spend time with it, you'll likely come to appreciate its smooth, refined character. For those who want a car that quietly does most things well, the S80 hits the spot.
Perhaps it's time the Swedish marque comes out into the limelight and make a splash.
