Talking About Automobiles

The updated flagship sedan of Volvo at a quick look seems very similar with the previous model. The redesigned Gothenburg, Sweden-built S80 presents the same broad-shouldered Swedish good looks that have characterized Volvo styling since they threw the sharp-edged box look.

Exterior:
Slightly longer wheel base
Slightly more athletic stance overall but still not aggressive
“Shimmer Gold Metallic” exterior body paint
Steeply raked windshield and flowing lines
Rearward slopping roofline
14.9 cu.-ft. trunk
Standard 17-inch tires with 15-spoke alloy wheels

Stronghold of safety technology:
Crash avoidance system
Industry-first blind spot indicator that flashes noticeably but unobtrusively on the rearview mirrors when a vehicle is in a blind spot on either side of the car.
Heartbeat sensor that senses the heartbeat of any villainous hiding in your car
All the air bags
Structural enhancements
Sophisticated restraints and chassis controls

Under the hood:
Traditional in-line engine but the new one is just a few millimeters longer than the in-line five it replaced
New 3.2-liter I6 that makes 235 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque
Dual overhead cams
Variable valve timing
Variable intake system
Cam profile switching

Performance:
0-60-mph takes about 8 seconds
Shift logic and a winter mode on the transmission

Efficiency:
19-mpg city and 28-mpg highway, California’s ultra-low emissions rating

Handling:
Smooth, quiet and luxurious as most mid-luxury sedans on the market
Independent strut front suspension with anti-dive geometry
Anti-roll bar
Fully independent rear multi-link setup

Interior:
Soft colors, smooth lines and simple controls
Two surfaces swooping organically across the dash with just the gauges inset
Stylized human shape with three sections on the center stack
Door on the dual cup holder
Leather seats

Standard audio equipment:
In-dash 6-CD changer
AM/FM stereo radio
Active sound control
Scan
Autostore
4X40-watt amplifier
8 speakers
Auxiliary input for MP3 and WMA players
Volume and mode controls on the steering wheel along with cruise control functions

At a base price of $38,705 for the S80 3.2 (six-cylinder), package includes all those amazing stuffs mentioned above and a few others like power glass sunroof, wood inlays inside, 8-way power seats with memory and lumbar supports for both fronts and dual-zone climate controls, keyless entry, and heated outside mirrors

Warranty coverage is at 48-month/50,000-mile plan.

As a mid-luxury car that is competing with the 5-Series Bimmer, Audi A6, E-Class Mercedes and lots of Japanese entrants in this race, the Volvo S80, in fairness, is good.