If we were looking for the best sports saloon of the trio, the A6 would accelerate away with the honours. It’s speedy on the straights, grippy in the corners and almost begs to be driven hard everywhere in between. The car’s sporty driving position, ample creature comforts and bombproof quality are the icing on the cake. It’s a rich chocolate cake, by the way, professionally baked by Audi’s enthusiast engineers.
The GS450h we took is white in colour, but it’s actually a green monster, delicately balancing eco-friendly credentials with fearsome acceleration. This tech-laden Lexus is a hybrid hot rod in a pinstripe suit. Less impressive are the car’s compromises, like how the sizeable dimensions do not tally with the tight interior space and how the punchy performance does not have positive handling to match. The GS450h is a marvel of automotive engineering and all, but it’s not quite the best luxury saloon in this company.
Which leaves the Volvo S80 as our right-size corporate champion. Its lines are lean and its cabin design is clean. There is absolutely no clutter or excess fat anywhere, and the 3-litre T6 engine pulls like a well-lubricated locomotive. Driving this sedan is a relaxing, Zen-like experience, with the high speeds it’s capable of seemingly transcending lesser traffic, while the vast array of active and passive safety features protect the occupants like a Nordic cult religion.
Ikea-like interior functionality, roominess without the bulkiness and thoughtful, not wasteful, modern conveniences complete the S80’s triumph in this power-packed boardroom meeting.
Audi A6 3.0 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 2995cc
Cylinder layout V6
Valves 24, DOHC
Bore x stroke 84.5mm x 89mm
Compression ratio 10.3:1
Power 290bhp at 4850rpm
Torque 420Nm at 2500rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 6-speed automatic
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 250km/h
0-100km/h 5.9 seconds
Consumption 10.6km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Pilot Sport 2
Size 245/40 R18
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 6
Traction Control Yes, with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4927mm
Width 1855mm
Height 1459mm
Wheelbase 2843mm
Kerb Weight 1725kg
Power to Weight Ratio 168.1bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 11.9m
BUYING IT
Price $238,000 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Superb performance in all conditions, splendid handling and braking, user-friendly high technology
– Precious little steering feel, ride quality not the smoothest, pricey vis-a-vis its two rivals here
Lexus GS450h 3.5 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 3456cc
Cylinder layout V6
Valves 24, DOHC
Bore x stroke 94mm x 83mm
Compression ratio 11.8:1
Power (with motor) 292bhp at 6400rpm
Torque 368Nm at 4800rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type CVT
Driven Wheels Rear
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 250km/h
0-100km/h 5.9 seconds
Consumption 12.8km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Dunlop SP Sport 2030
Size 245/40 R18
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 10
Traction Control Yes, with VSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4850mm
Width 1820mm
Height 1430mm
Wheelbase 2850mm
Kerb Weight 1860kg
Power to Weight Ratio 182.3bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 10.4m
BUYING IT
Price $192,000 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Vigorous and instantaneous acceleration, outstanding fuel efficiency for a big V6, quiet cabin and refined cruising
– Patchy handling and detached steering, cosy interior and modest boot space, cockpit controls all over the shop
Volvo S80 T6 3.0 (A)
ENGINE
Capacity 2953cc
Cylinder layout Inline-6
Valves 24, DOHC
Bore x stroke 82mm x 93.2mm
Compression ratio 9.3:1
Power 285bhp at 5600rpm
Torque 400Nm at 1500rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type 6-speed automatic
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed 250km/h
0-100km/h 6.9 seconds
Consumption 8.3km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front Ventilated discs
Rear Discs
TYRES
Type Pirelli P Zero Rosso
Size 245/40 R18
SAFETY
ABS Yes
Airbags 6
Traction Control Yes, with DSTC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4851mm
Width 1861mm
Height 1490mm
Wheelbase 2835mm
Kerb Weight 1824kg
Power to Weight Ratio 156.3bhp/tonne
Turning Circle 12.7m
BUYING IT
Price $171,988 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Strong and smooth performance, comfortable and logical interior, safer than a battle tank in traffic
– Handling can be a handful at times, Geartronic autobox cannot be rushed, noticeable noise from the racy rubber
Related story: 2009 Lexus GS450h review
Related story: 2015 Audi A6 3.0 review
