2006 Volvo S80 V8 AWD - Front View
Among luxury sedans, the Volvo S80 has always been something of an alternative choice. Through two generations, Volvo’s largest sedan has spurned outright luxury and serious performance in favor of cutting-edge safety features and in-cabin technology. And, in a class dominated by rear-drive sedans, Volvo continues to tout the virtues of front-wheel drive, while offering all-wheel drive as an option.
There are plenty of premium-brand sedans that feel more upscale than the S80. There are just as many that surpass its balance and grip on a winding back road. Yet the Volvo S80 is certainly one of the safest four-door conveyances money can buy. It also boasts some of the industry’s most supportive seats.
For luxury sedan buyers whose tastes diverge from the mainstream, the Volvo S80 is an interesting car to consider. And with a price tag that undercuts many European and Japanese-brand competitors, it can be a sensible option as well.
2006 Volvo S80 V8 AWD - Front Side
A key point of difference for the S80 is a V8 engine, which in itself is nothing new, and for this end of the market almost a must have, however one developed by the Yamaha Motor Corporation and mounted transversely into the body shell is very unique.
Advantages of a transverse layout are improved passenger compartment space, and useful space for deformation in the engine compartment in the event of a collision.
Yamaha have used all their experience in small engine production to produce the all aluminium compact 4.4 litre engine, which has a narrow 60-degree angle to allow the transverse fit. The Ford Motor Company (Volvo’s parent company) have worked with Yamaha since 1986, firstly to develop a V6 and then in 1996, a 3.4 litre V8 power unit.
2006 Volvo S80 V8 AWD - Cockpit View
Somehow devoid of the deep-throated character of the finest V8s produced by Merc’s AMG or Audi’s quattro GmbH divisions, or the utter silence of a Lexus, Volvo’s V8 instead lets rip with a gruff howl as it shoves you off in pursuit of felons or, should you prefer it, the distant horizon.
This all seems so incongruous. High performance, in the update of a car once chosen by Sven Göran-Eriksson as the stealth chariot of choice when heading off to bang his mistress.
2006 Volvo S80 V8 AWD - Side View
2006 Volvo S80 V8 AWD - Rear View
World-class audio system
The all new Volvo S80 can of course be equipped with Volvo’s Premium Sound audio system. A Digital ICE Power amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and loudspeakers from Dynaudio of Denmark interact to create an audio experience of superb quality.
“We are convinced that the all new Volvo S80 will be a very strong contender that will win over many new customers. We expect 70 percent of the average volume of 50,000 cars a year to be purchased by customers who do not drive a Volvo today. The main markets are the USA, Germany, Spain, Sweden and China,” says Fredrik Arp.
Still, let’s sit back and appreciate the S80′s more obvious charms. Like crisply designed, intuitively laid out controls. The aural satisfaction of the optional, £1,000 Dynaudio sound system, complete with 12 speakers, 650 watts of amplication and a plug for an iPod.
Or just simply the pleasure of watching lines of cars parting like the Red Sea as you approach, the faces of their drivers wracked with guilt and apprehension.