2009 Volvo S80 Range
5 Nov, 2008
14 Comments 
The 2009 Volvo S80 has arrived and is ready to expand its presence in the luxury segment with the introduction of a compact, turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder T6 engine to the range.
The new S80 T6 AWD model joins the high-performance S80 V8 AWD, and S80 D5 models to offer a range of sporty and economic cars capable of meeting an array of tastes and needs.
Featuring a 60-degree, 4.4-litre all-alloy V8 - and producing a powerful 232 kW and 440 Nm - the range topping S80 V8 AWD uses a Haldex all-wheel drive system, which employs an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch that constantly balances the power bias between the front and rear wheels to ensure optimal road holding in all situations.
In its latest iteration, the S80’s all-wheel-drive system features Instant Traction, which sets a bias (approximately 1500 Nm) favouring the rear wheels when starting on slippery or loose surfaces. This is also standard on the T6 model.
The T6 engine, which replaces the previous 3.2-litre powerplant, offers 210kW of power with 400Nm of torque (available from just 1,500rpm).With multi-valve cylinder heads, twin overhead camshafts and a twin-scroll turbcharger, the response and acceleration on offer is said to be exhilarating with 0-100 times under 7 seconds.
For the more frugal among us, the S80 is also available with a 2.4-litre D5 turbo diesel engine developing 136kW of power and 400Nm of torque to provide sports sedan performance and outstanding fuel economy.
To achieve a more compact layout, ancillaries such as the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor have been repositioned behind - rather than in front of - the engine. A direct-drive alternator is fitted to the engine block while the vibration dampener is now integrated inside the engine, saving on valuable longitudinal space.
Volvo’s ultra-thin Floating Centre Console contributes to a sense of space in the front compartment, while continuing right through to the rear seat.
Large, ergonomic seats provide sumptuous comfort for both front and rear passengers and, at the front, can be specified with an optional ventilation system to provide extra cooling in hot Australian summers. Front seat heaters and electric power adjustment are standard on all S80s.
The S80 has also had refinements made to the sunroof and power window control switches, the audio system, and also includes sun curtains to prevent glare through the rear side windows and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The optional Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSE) now gets larger 8-inch screens on the back of the head restraints that have been designed to further improve viewing in daylight conditions, while the High Performance and Premium Sound systems now have a USB port enabling easy connection with an iPod, MP3 player, or even a digital camera. Bluetooth connectivity is standard on all models.
The S80’s Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) remains standard and can also be optioned to include Volvo’s Clean Zone Interior Package (CZIP) - an advanced system approved by the Swedish Association against Asthma and Allergy - that provides healthier air quality inside the passenger compartment. When the car is unlocked via the remote control, the passenger compartment is automatically ventilated for about a minute if the outdoor temperature exceeds 10 degrees Celsius.
S80 is underpinned by an all-independent suspension system using MacPherson struts at the front and a multilink axle at the rear, as well as Volvo’s FOUR-C Active Chassis, which is standard on T6 and V8 models.
This advanced, electronically controlled system adapts instantly and constantly according to driving conditions, combining precise, accurate handling with a smooth, comfortable ride expected by luxury segment customers. The system offers the choice of three settings, Comfort, Sport and Advanced. The S80 is also fitted with Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC).
Along with a raft of airbags, all S80 models feature Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which advises the driver if another vehicle is travelling behind the B-pillar (or in the ‘blind spot’) along with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which is equipped with the driver fatigue monitoring system Driver Alert Control (DAC), as part of the new Teknik pack.
All S80s are fitted with active bi-Xenon headlights with washer function as well as Home Safe and Approach lighting systems and 17-inch alloy wheels.
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November 5th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I like this car. I always get the feeling that I’d be happier with a Volvo than a BMW. The reason why I will never have a Volvo though is that I cannot stand the smell of Volvo leather, and it doesn’t go away. The cabin stinks of strong leather forever and it makes me feel sick, so I suppose I’ll be off to the BMW dealer then…
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November 5th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Leather smell ?
My Volvo is 5 months old and there is no odour at all - so it must go away, not that it ever concerned me before. My last new BMW had odours that stayed with the car for some months so I just can’t see that being a valid point at all…
I must say one thing - driving a Volvo is a lot more “client friendly” than being in a BMW whose image seems to get you on the wrong side with many people. Volvo drivers are just percieved to be a bit eccentric, but I can live with that !
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November 5th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I have had 5 volvos (most before I was 40), the last being the s60R. They are a great car, terrific performance for the price in the turbos, but the ride can be hard. The good quality leather (i.e. higher spec cars) is a semi analine, pretty much as good as it gets in a lux car (not arguing, Alex, maybe you experienced the cheaper stuff). I drove the s80 V8 when it came out, and thought it was pretty good, but the front end is nowhere in appearance and its looks didnt grab me. Acceleration was great up to 80kph, then tailed off just where the boost in the R would be kicking in, so probably safer for traffic fines. Volvo service has been great, though we had a lot of teething issues with the s40T5 - in and out of service dept several times with fiddly things - software etc, but that was the first of the model, and you expect that. all told, very happy to have been a volvo driver and to be married to one.
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November 5th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Why don’t Volvo make satllite nav and other goodies standard? Not sure a BMW would give you a wrong image. I do like the interior, very elegant.
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November 5th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Nick, most upper Euro’s would rather “Give Away” the safety equipment and then let the end user decide what Gizmo’s they want. The others tend to want to give all the Bling and and then leave the safety packs to the customer to option.
In my experience, less than 3% of buyers (all demographics & price ranges) choose to improve the safety level, but over 50% will choose some sort of upmarket stereo or Satnav or such if it was offered.
However I do quite like these things, and if (heaven forbid) Falcon had to go away from it’s current platform this is the Floorpan I’d prefer they went to. This one is good enough to even replace the Tuarus pan.
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November 5th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
It would probably be a nice car if it had a gearbox. Can’t have everything, I suppose.
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November 5th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
232kw from 4.4 v8, the 350z makes close to that. less torque though
volvo - 232 kW and 440 Nm
Nissan - 230kW and 358 Nm
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November 5th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
yeah, the figures are deceptive - the V8 has 0 - 100 in 6.6 from memory, and it certainly feels faster than that off the line with a sweet engine noise. Just a little disappointing at 80 - 120, where you might want some more in overtaking.
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November 5th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Try BMW M3 = 4.0L = 300kw
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November 5th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Nice house in the background.
Don’t like the car.
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November 5th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Nick,
When you use your car (as I do) for business purposes, driving a BMW/Merc is a serious issue, especially when you roll up somewhere that, um, the people may be a bit “less fortunate”…
Don’t seem to get the dagger looks in a Volvo like you do in other european cars in the same circumstances. Doesn’t matter that my Volvo is full to the brim with cool features and options - people only see the badge…
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November 6th, 2008 at 8:34 am
NotTheStig,
Point Accepted.
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November 6th, 2008 at 8:52 am
NotTheStig - do you ever get tired of people asking why there isnt a hat on the parcel shelf? I must have heard it 100 times when I drove the volvos, and every comedian who said it thought it was original. I have to say, though, having the volvo was a great conversation starter, particularly with the R which really bent people’s perceptions of volvos, being faster than most v8s. Now with a jag, I suppose people will ask me where the oil stain is…
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November 6th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Pious,
I have a wagon - so no parcel shelf !
A good friend of mine made the hat and tweed jacket joke often and then after seeing my car and having a look around the market, bought a XC90 for his wife…
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