The New S80: Detailed Refinement
Published: 16th February 2003
The S80’s eye-catching, contemporary Scandinavian styling
still looks as fresh and modern now as it did when it boldly
introduced a new era of Volvo design architecture at its launch
nearly five years ago. It’s no surprise that Volvo has
only needed to make detailed refinements to the new S80’s
interior and exterior, plus new technology to underline its
continued commitment to the prestigious, executive saloon market.
Dynamically, the new S80 has been refined with:
Hugh Reid, Managing Director Volvo Car UK, comments: ‘The
S80 has always represented style, space and luxury, and been
the most distinctive executive saloon in its class. Now its
added refinements keep it fresh, more desirable and more rewarding
to drive. With the new S80, Volvo will continue to make its
mark on the prestige saloon market.’
Dynamically, the new S80 has been refined with:
- Volvo’s ‘Four-C’ (Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept) adaptive chassis, from the S60 R and V70 R performance models, which will be available in two wheel drive format on the new S80, with two settings: Comfort and Sport
- A new 2.5T turbo engine which replaces the 2.4T, offering more power, torque and performance, without harming fuel economy or emissions
- New ZF steering for more direct feel and sharper handling
- Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) now standard
- Dynamic dark silver ‘square-mesh’ grille
- Rear park assist (optional)
- Chrome door handles
- Chrome highlights under side windows and lower bumper air intake
- Redesigned, more aerodynamic door mirrors which keep side windows cleaner
- More distinctive rear featuring smaller, smarter rear light clusters with LED brake lights and lower chrome strip, reprofiled one-piece boot lid with chrome detailing above the number plate, and redesigned, colour-coded bumper
- New, smoother front section around grille, bumper and spoiler with chrome strip across lower air intake, and larger apertures for the foglamps
- New door panels for front doors with superior grab handle design
- New charcoal colour finish for centre dashboard controls
- S60 R ‘chronograph’ style dashboard instrumentation on 6-cylinder models
- Chrome detailing (as XC90) for dashboard instrumentation on 5-cylinder models
- Superior covering for headlining, pillars and sunvisors
- New ‘Premium’ sound system with Dynaudio speakers (optional)
- New walnut wood or aluminium inlays (optional)
Full details of the new S80 range will be released when it goes on sale in April, with first deliveries expected in early summer.
