The Volvo S80 looks like a big version of the S60 and S40 sedans.

It's not as long as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or a Cadillac STS.

The S80 features a large grille opening, a sporty bumper and under-grille treatment, large headlamps, a domed hood, a whole new rear end treatment with large taillamps and a sportier bumper, a roof that works better in the wind tunnel, and body sides that are free of moldings.

Interior Features

The instruments feature the traditional Volvo trapezoidal binnacle. The freestanding center stack that connects the dashboard to the console is a key interior design element, adding Bang & Olufsen elegance to the interior design.

The switches, controls and instruments follow traditional Volvo design themes, but everything is contemporary, including the tachometer and speedometer, more classic and less industrial than the previous design.

The navigation system, when ordered, pops up out of the dashtop, either by using the new steering-wheel-mounted controls on the right rear of the wheel or the provided remote control, which stores in the console. We found the steering wheel controls a bit fussy and hard to use, but owners will figure them out quickly.

A menu system tailors the seats, rearview mirrors, climate control, audio, navigation, and, the amount of steering wheel feel in the car's speed-dependent power steering system.

The sumptuous surroundings in the S80 are amplified by the wonderfully comfortable seats and the extra front and rear legroom that Volvo hopes will help to put the new car squarely into the luxury class. The seats are available plain, heated, or heated and cooled.

The 160-watt, eight-speaker sound system will play MP3 files and has an auxiliary input for iPods and other players. Volvo will also offer a five-channel, 13-speaker Dolby Pro Logic II surround-sound system developed in-house with Bang & Olufsen and Dynaudio.

© 2008 NewCarTestDrive.com