2013 Volvo S80 (941)

Overview:

This week Vince Bodiford, www.theweekenddrive.com and publisher for many of Sun Media’s newspapers is helping us take a look at the 2013 Volvo S80

It is an all-new flagship of the Volvo fleet.

Volvo cars are pretty high on my list of favorite cars, and at the top of the Volvo line is the S80, a premium luxury sedan that offers a smart combination of comfort, dynamic performance, high-tech infotainment and off-the-chart safety. The 2013 model is the all-new flagship of the Volvo fleet, and a solid consideration in the luxury segment. It’s big, safe and easy to drive. It delivers comfort to a level that no rival in the price range can match.

There’s a wide range of model choices, including the S80 3.2 and T6 AWD in base, Premier Plus and Platinum trims. The Platinum trim level includes features of Premier Plus while adding the Volvo Premium Sound System with Dolby Pro-Logic II Surround Sound, 12 premium speakers and 650-watts. Also included is a Navigation System with Voice Control and map care plus a rear park assist camera.

Two new features debut on the Technology Package, available on all S80 models. Active High Beam automatically switches the headlights to low beam when opposite traffic is detected. Road Sign Information displays traffic speed signs for the driver on the instrument cluster based on the Forward Looking Camera. The package also includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, Distance Alert, Driver Alert Control and Lane Departure Warning.

The Dynamic Package, offered for all T6 AWD trims, gains new 18-inch forged five-spoke alloy wheels in Silver Bright finish and a sport 3-spoke leather steering wheel. Additional package features include Sanded Silver inlays, dynamic sport seating, with a choice of Blonde or Off-Black leather, and a Sport Chassis for crisper response via a lower ride height, shorter and firmer springs, modified shock damping, firmer anti-roll bars and stiffer subframe bushings.

An Inscription Package (tested), available on all T6 AWD trims, raises the comfort bar. It includes a leather-covered dashboard, featuring elegant stitch work, in either Espresso Brown with Soft Beige stitching. Sovereign Hide soft leather seating has the “Inscription” brand embroidered onto the front and rear headrests. The package also includes ventilated front seats, Inscription doorsill plates and floor mats, Classic Walnut Wood steering wheel and a leather center armrest cover. Another package is the Executive model, which is more like a personal limousine.

Volvo’s reputation as a very safe vehicle is well-deserved. Standard S80 safety systems include City Safety, a world-first technology that made its debut on the Volvo XC60. City Safety is a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions with a vehicle ahead occurring at speeds of 31 mph or less. It utilizes a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the S80 to help avoid a rear-end collision or lessen its impact.

The S80 3.2’s naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine delivers 240-hp with ULEV II emissions rating or 230-hp with PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) rating. The T6 AWD’s 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine (tested) develops 300-hp and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. The T6 AWD is capable of 0-60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. The S80 T6 AWD is fitted with Volvo’s All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction for excellent grip on wet, slippery or completely dry roads.

All S80s are equipped with a six-speed “Geartronic” transmission that lets the driver select fully automatic operation or shift manually when desired. A new gearshift knob includes illuminated drive modes for added convenience. A Sport Mode makes its debut exclusively on T6 AWD models to further enhance the sporty driving character.

Pricing starts at $38,950 and ranging up to $46,800 (T6 AWD Inscription, tested). The S80 is covered by Volvo’s standard factory warranty. Rivals include the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus ES-350, BMW 5-Series and others. For more information, see you local Volvo dealer or visit VolvoCars.com

Recognized Competition:

Volvo S80 $39,000, Acura RL $48,000, Audi A6 $42,000, BMW 5-series $43,000, Cadillac CTS $39,000, Cadillac XTS $44,000, Chrysler 300 $28,000, Hyundai Genesis $34,000, Infiniti M $48,000, Lexus GS $47,000, Lexus GS 450h $59,000, Lincoln MKS $43,000, Mercedes-Benz E-Class $56,000, Volkswagen Passat $33,000.

Gas Stats:

$4.03/ Gal avg. Sept. 20, 2012

www.fueleconomy.gov

For more information.

20 City and 29 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $38,950.