2008 Volvo S80 Review

Volvo's S80 flagship sedan was redone for 2007, with revised styling and the first V-8 available for a Volvo car. For 2008, the Swedish automaker keeps its competitive fires burning with a potent new S80 T6 turbocharged six-cylinder model.

The early 2008 T6 has the same solid feel of other S80 sedans, which have added features for the new model year. It shares the accurate steering, compliant ride, secure handling and strong brakes of other S80 models.

Some T6 buyers might want a sportier T6, but Volvo is happy to give S80 models a more conservative feel and image.

The $38,705 3.2 version with a 3.2-liter, 235-horsepower six-cylinder engine is the entry S80 model. The top-range S80 is the all-wheel-drive V-8 AWD, which has a 4.4-liter V-8 with 311 horsepower. (It's the same V-8 that powers Volvo's XC90 mid-size SUV.)

The $42,045 T6, which I tested, sits in the middle of the S80 lineup. It has a 3-liter inline six-cylinder based on the 3.2-liter six-cylinder, but generates 281 horsepower with its power-boosting turbocharger featuring twin-scroll technology.

Don't get put off by technical terms. A turbocharger simply uses exhaust gases to help increase horsepower. The A6 turbo takes in exhaust gases in two stages with inflow divided into lots of three cylinders each. This permits use of a compact and simplified turbo that provides swift response with the lowest possible fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Maximum torque of the new turbo "six" is on tap from just 1,500 rpm and is available all the way up the engine rev range -- allowing quick acceleration and smooth driveability. The T6 almost acts as if a strong V-8 lurks under the hood, with lively performance in town and when merging onto expressways and passing on highways.

Estimated fuel economy for the 235-horsepower six-cylinder is 19 in the city and 28 on highways. Figures for the 281-horsepower engine are 15 and 23, while the V-8 provides 17 and 25. Only regular-grade gasoline is needed for all engines.

A responsive six-speed automatic transmission that adapts itself to various driving habits is standard.

Why the T6? Partly because political and other pressures are causing European automakers to be more concerned with making "greener" vehicles that have lower emissions and higher fuel economy in an increasingly carbon-conscious world. Even Porsche, known for high-performance vehicles, is working with Volkswagen on a new gasoline-electric hybrid engine.

The T6 fits neatly between the S80 3.2 and V8 AWD model. The 3.2 has front-wheel-drive. But, as with the V-8 AWD model, the T6 has a standard all-wheel-drive system with a feature called "Instant Traction." Using an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch, the system distributes drive between front and rear wheels to ensure the best possible road grip in all driving situations.

The T6 has generally conservative styling but pretty much looks like a European sports sedan, with such items as 17-inch alloy wheels with low-profile 50-series tires on 17-inch wheels and prominent dual exhaust outlets.

The 2008 S80 models are loaded with comfort, convenience and safety equipment, including a power glass sunroof, variety of air bags and a traction/anti-skid control system.

New items for 2008 include modern wood inlay trim for the 3.2, while the V-8 AWD version has new bright taillight trim, brushed aluminum lower door side moldings, soft leather seat surfaces and keyless access and starting.

Also new are an $875 Climate Package that adds heated rear seats and a $1,650 Dynaudio Package that sounds better than the 2007 Audio Package and adds rear seat headphone jacks and audio controls. The V-8 AWD version also is offered with a new $325 "Classic Wood" steering wheel.

The S80 standard steering and suspension are fine, but a $2,495 Sport Package has ventilated front seats, speed-sensitive power steering and driver-adjustable power adaptive suspension with Comfort, Sport and Advanced settings. There's some body "float" on bumpy roads with the Comfort setting. Sport and Advanced settings reduce body lean but can cause a jiggly ride on some roads.

One handy feature is $495 front/rear park assist to prevent hitting unseen objects and causing body damage. The $2,120 navigation system should help those who get lost easily or drive in unfamiliar areas. And, of course, there's a ($1,800) dual screen rear seat entertainment system to keep the kids quiet.

A $1,495 Adaptive Cruise Control with collision warning and brake support will help prevent careless or cell-phone-using (same thing?) drivers from hitting a vehicle ahead of them. And a $695 Blind Spot Information System activates warning lights on inside windshield pillars when vehicles in a driver's blind spot are detected.

The S80 provides a quiet, roomy interior that looks upscale but also conservative. Climate and audio controls are handy. But it's easy to confuse driver-side power controls for the front windows with those for the rear ones.

The trunk is large, and rear seatbacks flip forward to enlarge the cargo area.

Adding the T6 model is a smart move by Volvo because it is a perfect fit for the 2008 S80 line, both in price and performance.

2008 VOLVO S80

PRICE: $38,705-$49,210.

LIKES: New T6 turbocharged six-cylinder model. All-wheel drive. New features.

DISLIKES: Power window control location. Could use sportier feel.