Model Overview: 2009 Volvo S80

Model Overview: 2009 Volvo S80

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

S80 3.2: [$39,600]

S80 T6 AWD: [$42,050]

S80 V8 AWD: [$51,850]

Destination: [$825]

Entering its third year since a major redesign, Volvo's flagship S80 enhances its premium luxury charter with increased standard amenities across the board. The model lineup for 2009 includes the normally aspirated S80 3.2, the turbocharged S80 T6 AWD fitted with Volvo's renown all-wheel drive with Instant Traction^TM and the top flight S80 V8 AWD - the first and only Volvo sedan equipped with a powerful yet remarkably compact and highly efficient V8 engine.

Among the enhanced list of standard equipment, the S80 3.2 and T6 feature a Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, watch dial instrument cluster, Rainsensor windshield wipers, blueband tinted windshield and redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels. A new Convenience Package offers the Personal Car Communicator (PCC), Interior Air Quality System (IAQS), front and rear park assist and Dynaudio Premium Sound System with Dolby® Pro Logic® II Surround Sound with rear headphone jacks. Dual xenon active bending headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels are now stand-alone options.

Befitting its stature as Volvo's most luxurious sedan, the S80 V8 is equipped with a new standard Executive Package, Climate Package, SIRIUS Satellite Radio (w/6 month subscription), and Front and Rear Park Assist. The roster of upscale fitments encompasses ventilated front seats with massage, Classic Wood Steering Wheel, power front passenger seat adjuster accessible from rear or driver's seats, heated front and rear seats, infrared protected windshield, high-pressure headlamp washers and heated windshield washer nozzles. Those seeking to further enhance the ambience of executive transport can specify an optional rear seat refrigerator with two crystal glasses.

The S80 T6 offers a new optional Executive Package that adds many of the luxury elements found on the V8. The list includes classic wood inlays and steering wheel, soft leather seating surfaces, leather front center armrest, aluminum console storage cover, chrome lower door molding, an analog clock in the center control panel as well as ventilated front seats with massage.

Based on the S80's compact 3.2-liter 235-horsepower inline-6 cylinder engine, the T6 version has a displacement of 3.0 liters, producing 281 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum torque is on tap from just 1,500 rpm and remains available all the way up the rev range, resulting in remarkably quick acceleration and smooth drivability. Volvo's first V8-powered sedan continues to put out 311 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. All S80s feature a standard six-speed "Geartronic" transmission.

In nearly every area of occupant protection the S80 expands Volvo's leadership in both preventative and protective safety. Innovations include a side airbag with dual chamber construction for enhanced hip and chest protection. Clever structural design employs four different grades of steel for predictable crash energy absorption. The S80 also features the next generation of WHIPS rear impact protection and new approaches to pedestrian safety.

Volvo introduced a Collision Avoidance Package for the S80 in midyear 2008. Volvo's latest preventative safety technologies focus on preventing driver distractions that studies show cause up to 90 percent of all traffic accidents. Based on this statistic, Volvo developed efficient technologies to help drivers avoid or reduce the severity of accidents caused by distraction and driver fatigue. The package includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Warning with Brake Support (CWAB), Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

The Volvo Navigation System with DVD map data and remote control is available on all models. And so is a dual screen rear seat entertainment system. For 2009, the latter receives new larger 8-inch screens integrated into the backs of the front seat headrests. In addition to fulfilling FMVSS requirements, the screens provide increased resolution, contrast and brightness for daylight viewing, are mercury free and available with all interior upholstery and color selections. The entertainment system's remote control is more user friendly while foldable headphones fit neatly into the seatback pockets.