Model Overview: 2012 Volvo S80

Model Overview:  2012 Volvo S80

S80 3.2: $37,550

S80 3.2 Premier Plus: $38,550

S80 3.2 Platinum: $41,250

S80 T6 AWD: $41,300

S80 T6 AWD Premier Plus: $42,300

S80 T6 AWD Platinum: $45,000

Destination: $875

Those seeking the finest in luxury, performance and class-leading safety of a flagship sedan will find that the Volvo S80 delivers on all counts. For 2012, Volvo has made its top car even more attractive for drivers and passengers with a number of important refinements.

All S80s receive a redesigned upper instrument panel that houses the new standard Volvo Sensus system. This conveniently enables drivers to manage information from the audio unit, navigation system (if equipped) and other functions, displaying them onto a seven-inch high-definition color monitor. It allows the driver to explore the high-tech features of the car and personalize them to suit their needs.

Also new is the lower center console design, with silk metal framing the rich appearance of new standard Classic Walnut Wood inlays. Interior ambient lighting changes feature lights integrated behind the center console to emphasize the "floating" feeling of its design at night.

Also new for 2012 is the introduction of Volvo's new trim level strategy. New trim levels contain previously optional equipment that has been grouped together for convenience. Buyers can still choose the base S80 3.2 and T6 AWD models, or move up to the new Premier Plus and Platinum trims for each.

Selecting the new Premier Plus trim level adds front and rear park assist, Homelink remote garage door opener, a compass integrated into the inside rear view mirror and Volvo's Keyless Drive with Personal Car Communicator (PCC).

The new Platinum trim level includes all the features of Premier Plus while adding more technology. It gains the Volvo Premium Sound System with Dolby® Pro Logic® II Surround Sound, 12 premium speakers and a remarkable 650 watts. Also included is a Navigation System with Voice Control and map care plus a rear park assist camera.

Enhancements have been made to the S80's available packages, which can be added to select trim levels, along with individual features from a list of stand-alone options.

The Dynamic Package, offered for all T6 AWD trims, gains new Sanded Silver inlays plus dynamic sport seating, with a choice of Blonde or Off-Black leather. This package includes 18-inch "Fortuna" diamond-cut alloy wheels, active dual xenon headlights and a Sport Chassis for crisper response via a lower ride height, shorter and firmer springs, modified shock damping, firmer anti-roll bars and stiffer subframe bushings.

An Inscription Package, available on all S80s, has expanded its list of exclusive cabin appointments. A new leather-covered dashboard, featuring elegant stitch work, comes in either Espresso Brown with Soft Beige stitching or Off-Black with Off-Black stitching, depending on the selected interior color. Sovereign Hide soft leather seating gain the "Inscription" brand embroidered onto the front and rear headrests. The package also includes ventilated front seats, Inscription doorsill plates and floor mats, Classic Walnut Wood steering wheel and gearshift lever, and a leather center armrest cover.

Volvo has expanded the roster of the S80's standard safety systems to include City Safety, 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 19 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.

A Technology Package is available on all S80s. It includes preventative safety technologies focusing on preventing driver distractions that studies show cause up to 90 percent of all traffic accidents. Based on this statistic, Volvo developed efficient features to help drivers avoid or reduce the severity of accidents caused by distraction and driver fatigue. The package includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with a new Queue Assist feature, Collision Warning with new Full Auto Brake (CWAB), new Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

The S80 3.2's naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine delivers 240 horsepower with ULEV II emissions rating or 230 horsepower with PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) rating. All S80s are equipped with a six-speed "Geartronic" transmission that lets the driver select fully automatic operation or shift manually when desired.

The S80 T6 AWD's 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine develops 300 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum torque is available all the way up the rev range resulting in quick acceleration and smooth drivability. As a result, the T6 AWD is capable of 0-60 mph in just 6.3 seconds, just 0.3 seconds. The S80 T6 AWD is fitted with Volvo's All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction for excellent grip on wet, slippery or completely dry roads.

On the outside, the S80 receives a new color choice along with mirror and wheel designs. To help improve visibility by other drivers and pedestrians, LED turn signals are now integrated into the mirrors. S80 3.2 trims receive new 17-inch "Regor" multi-spoke alloy wheels, while T6 AWD trims are treated to new 18-inch "Magni" swept spoke alloy wheels. Biarritz Blue is a new S80 color.