Unlike Saab, every new Volvo model since the S40 seems to redefine the range. Once associated with chunkily unattractive boxy designs, Volvo now shows how easy it is to be sexy and safe.
The earlier S80 was a beast of a car, particularly in crazy turbocharged T6 guise, where the chassis had to channel 272 stampeding horses to the front wheels. The latest car is a revelation, with bulging muscles and looking hornier than a Norseman’s helmet. Gone too is the earlier car’s resemblance to a “Chinese coffin” (rear view).
Apart from the larger engine, the “3.2” adds ventilated front seats to keep your bottom toasty during the blustery and wet rainy season, or nicely chilled during the hotter months.
Also, this variant features ACC (Active Cruise Control) and a sophisticated collision-warning system. The collision-warning system has three settings: Short, Normal and Long. In addition to a beep alert, a red LED flashes from the base of the front windscreen when you close in on a vehicle. Together, they will induce fits in habitual tailgaters.
Based on our experience, it seems safer to leave it in “Long”, since the system takes time to kick in to warn the driver. The ACC works in a similar fashion, where the driver sets the following distance from the car in front. The system modulates the speed accordingly to keep the set distance.
The S80’s cabin is snug and cosy, boasting sporty well-finished appointments and cool aesthetics such as the unique floating centre-console.
On the move, the new inline 6-cylinder engine emits an aggressive snarl. Not quite the brute the previous turbo’d engine was, but delivery of the 238hp and 320Nm from the 3.2-litre is civilised, urbane and decently brisk, as the 7.9 seconds to 100km/h demonstrates.
Unlike the earlier T6 S80, the car actually handles decently while cornering. The chassis is taut and responsive, but the 6-speed automatic transmission is slow to react, especially when you’re looking for that extra shove to pull the Volvo out of a corner. The handling is benign with the DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) left on or turned off, since any wayward tendencies seem to have been ironed out.
Drivers who appreciate a little more meat in their steering will have a merry time toggling the Steering Force control, which can be varied to provide less resistance in low-speed parking manoeuvres and a heftier feel under harder driving.
Volvo’s PCC, or Personal Car Communicator, is standard issue, too. It relays information on the status of the car’s security that could prove crucial to the owner. Apart from detecting if the car is locked or unlocked, an advanced heartbeat sensor also lets you know if there is a person (or animal) in the car.
Apart from the S80’s sporty proclivities, it’s good to see Volvo bringing the game forward in terms of safety, which now includes a comprehensive intelligent accident avoidance system as part of its repertoire. 
Read our review of the 2007 Volvo S80 2.5T.
Read our 2009 comparison of Volvo S80 T6, Lexus GS450h and Audi A6 3.0.
