Volvo S80 (06 on) - Review

There's a vast range of petrol and diesel engines available, although it's the diesels that are more popular. The S80 was launched in 2006 with a 163bhp 2.4D or a 185bhp version of the same engine, called D5. These engines do not seem as refined as six-cylinder engines from other makes but performance is strong nonetheless. The six-speed manual 2.4D will sprint from 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds, while the six-speed automatic takes half a second longer. The D5 manual covers the benchmark in 8.5 seconds and has plenty of low down pulling power, making it ideal for overtaking or motorway journeys. A four-cylinder 2.0D was launched in 2007 but with only 136bhp it feels somewhat sluggish in the large S80, although it is economical with an average of 50mpg achievable. In terms of petrols, the 3.2-litre six-cylinder unit produces 238bhp and is both smooth and refined. Only available as an automatic, it will reach 62mph in just 7.9 seconds for the front-wheel drive version, although this engine was discontinued in 2009. The top of the range 4.4-litre V8 is quite a beast and offers 315bhp, so it's very quick and muscular, covering 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds. But as you'd expect, fuel economy is woeful at just 24mpg. The most affordable petrol was the 2.5T with 200bhp which returns a useful 33mpg and is very characterful, although it does have to be worked hard. In 2007 an entry-level 2.0-litre petrol was added to the line-up. It delivers 145bhp but lacks pulling power and as a result feels underpowered in the S80, especially in terms of in-gear acceleration. 0-62mph takes 11.6 seconds while economy is 34mpg.

It's immediately obvious that the S80 is set-up for comfort rather than keen handling. As a result, driver involvement is sadly lacking, but that doesn't prevent it from being incredibly smooth and relaxing to drive, especially on motorways. The ride is superb and combined with the excellent seats, makes the S80 limousine-like for passengers, especially when fitted with the larger diesel engines. It has a fairly stiff body and roll in corners isn't excessive, but it lacks the agility of alternatives like the BMW 5-Series. The steering is lacking feel, although a speed-dependent steering system which varies the amount of resistance according to speed, is an option across the range. The optional 4-C active suspension has three settings ranging from comfort to sport, but none feel especially firm. Stability control is standard across the range while the V8 and 3.2-litre petrol models come with all-wheel drive as standard. This improves traction, especially noticeable under hard acceleration, plus it's useful in snow or ice. It is also an option with the D5 engine. Facelifted models from 2009 are available with a lowered dynamic chassis (standard on the SE and SE Lux), for better handling, or a comfort chassis (available on Executive models).