The S80 lineup continues to offer a dynamic expression of luxury designed for those who desire the finest Volvo sedan. An expanded array of standard features for 2016 includes heated front seats, Interior Air Quality System (IAQS), power glass sunroof, and 18-inch “Magni” alloy wheels.
The S80 T5 Drive-E Platinum trim gains Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) as standard. New S80 options include a wood steering wheel and 19-inch “Bor” alloy wheels with Sport Chassis.
Last year Volvo enhanced its S80 flagship sedan lineup with the introduction of the T5 Drive-E. With its all-new and highly efficient engine, transmission and ECO+ functionality, Drive-E offers a trio of benefits including increased fuel economy, reduced emissions and fun-to-drive performance.
Drive-E Technology
The S80 features Volvo’s exclusive Drive-E technology. Powered by Volvo’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged Drive-E engine with direct-injection the S80 develops 240 horsepower and 258 lbs.-ft. of torque. This engine is smaller and lighter than the normally aspirated 3.2-liter six-cylinder that it replaced while delivering equivalent horsepower, greater torque and improved fuel economy.
The Drive-E engine is teamed with an eight-speed “Geartronic” automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Additional gears enable the powerplant to operate at peak efficiency for optimum performance and fuel efficiency. The transmission is designed to provide smooth shifts and reduced noise. A start/stop feature automatically stops the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. The engine restarts when the driver releases the brake pedal.
ECO+ fuel-saving functionality is designed to optimize shift points, engine control and throttle response. When activated by the driver, ECO+ can improve fuel economy by five percent depending on driving style, temperature and climate.
ECO+ functions include:
- Start/Stop – The start/stop functionality is modified to allow the engine to shut down at 4mph (7kph) as the car coasts to a stop.
- ECO-coast – Helps conserve kinetic energy by enabling the vehicle to coast. The engine “brake” is disengaged and engine speed drops to idle speed when pressure on the accelerator is released.
- ECO-climate – The air conditioning compressor is disconnected to reduce auxiliary loads. Pressing the AC button restarts cooling or the driver can deactivate ECO+.
Engineered for Safety
The S80 upholds Volvo’s long-standing reputation for safety. Among its accolades, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recognized S80 with its newest and highest rating for 2014 and 2015, the Top Safety Pick+ award. IIHS created this award to recognize good or acceptable performance in the small overlap collision test. The S80 received the top good rating for this test.
The Top Safety Pick+ results include good performance in the small overlap front test, which replicates what happens when the front corner of a vehicle strikes another vehicle or object, such as a tree or utility pole, a very severe crash situation. In the test, 25 percent of the front end on the driver’s side strikes a five-foot-high rigid barrier at 40 mph. Volvo’s safety cage features a robust design with a blend of different steel qualities. The IIHS test program confirms the exceptional crashworthiness of this patented solution.
IIHS also introduced a new test program that rates the performance of front crash-prevention systems. This evaluation is incorporated into the Institute’s 2014 and 2015 Top Safety Pick+ rating. According to this extended scope, the S80, which is available with City Safety and Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection, is among the car models with a 2014 and 2015 Top Safety Pick+ rating.
City Safety, standard on S80, is a world-first technology that made its debut on the Volvo XC60. City Safety is a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions with a vehicle ahead occurring at speeds of 31 mph or less. It utilizes a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the S80 to help avoid a rear-end collision or lessen its impact.
Flagship Styling and Luxury
Sophisticated styling enhancements introduced two model years ago included S80’s redesigned front fascia, grille, lower front intake that stretches the full visual width of the car, LED daytime running lights, rear bumper, and taillight design sporting LED graphics. For 2015, S80 received a wider chrome molding on the trunk lid for added distinction.
For 2016, S80 gains standard 18-inch “Magni” alloy wheels. Those seeking to enhance the dynamic presence and handling can opt for 19-inch “Bor” diamond-cut alloy wheels. This option also includes a lowered Sport Chassis.
Inside the cabin, S80 sports an adaptive digital TFT display instrument cluster. This electronic Thin Film Transistor (TFT) design allows drivers to select three themes for additional functionality. The Elegance theme has a traditional appearance with a large, circular speedometer flanked by secondary displays. Selecting the Eco theme alters background illumination to green to create an environmentally inspired look. The Performance theme features a red background while a tachometer replaces the speedometer and vehicle speed is displayed digitally.
A three-spoke leather steering wheel with décor inlays is standard. A heated steering wheel and heated windshield are included with the optional Climate Package. Using extremely thin gauge filaments imbedded in the windshield, the glass can be de-iced within minutes. This feature also allows quick defogging of the windshield in humid conditions.
Sensus Advances In-Car Connectivity
As a midyear enhancement in 2015, all S80s gained Sensus Connect featuring a wide array of new and improved in-car connectivity services including:
- A Volvo unique cloud developed with Ericsson, a leader in mobile and fixed networking
- Cloud-based apps including Stitcher, Pandora, Yelp, Glympse and more
- Connected service booking
- On-screen vehicle owner’s manual
- Internet browser
- Connection achieved via internal modem, which includes 6-month trial service period
- Improved voice control with state-of-the-art speech engine powered by Nuance
Volvo On Call is a new standard sophisticated telematics system that includes a driver-activated SOS button, automatic collision alert and GPS location tracking by emergency service operators. If an airbag or seatbelt pre-tensioner is deployed, emergency assistance is notified even if the driver is unable to press the button.
Wi-Fi Hotspot uses the standard 3G-based Volvo On Call plus the car’s regular rooftop antenna giving the driver access to cloud-based Volvo services without an on-board smartphone. The driver can create a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the car so passengers can connect their smartphone, laptop or tablet to the Internet.
Every S80 includes Sensus Navigation, with all navigation functions integrated into the car. The system is easy to use, without taking one’s attention from traffic. Unlike using a smart phone as a navigation device, the navigation screen is displayed on the standard in-dash 7-inch monitor. Sensus Navigation features improved graphics with 3D imaging, plus voice recognition, routing options and built-in apps.
Custom-Tailored Luxury
Volvo’s trim level strategy lets buyers select an S80 equipped with features that meet their needs. S80 T5 Drive-E is offered in Premier and Platinum trims. Platinum includes the Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System with innovative Dirac Live® sound tuning technology, 12 premium speakers and a remarkable 650 watts.
For 2016, a new wood steering wheel debuts as a stand-alone option for all S80s. With its supremely elegant look and comfortable touch, the wood wheel is available in Off-Black and well as Sandstone colors to match interior trims. Note that the wood steering wheel is not available in combination with the optional Climate Package since it can’t be heated.
A suite of cutting-edge driver support and safety technologies is offered in the Technology Package. Standard with the Platinum trim and available on Premier, it features Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with Full Auto Brake and Active High Beam that automatically switches the headlights to low beam when opposite traffic is detected. Road Sign Information (RSI) displays traffic speed signs for the driver on the instrument cluster based on the Forward Looking Camera (FLC). Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake (CWAB), Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) are also included.
The Convenience Package, standard on Platinum and available on Premier, includes a rear park assist camera, front and rear park assist, grocery bag holder and quick-fold front passenger seat.
Exclusive cabin appointments are the theme of the Inscription Package, available on all trims. Features include a leather-covered dashboard with elegant stitch work in Off-Black with Off-Black stitching or contrasting light stitching when the Sandstone interior is selected. Chestnut is another color choice for the Sovereign Hide soft leather seating. The “Inscription” brand is embroidered onto the front and rear headrests. This package also includes ventilated front seats, Inscription doorsill plates and floor mats and a leather center armrest cover.
Price
Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $43,450