2008 Volvo S80 Review

The 2008 Volvo S80, a four-door, five-passenger sedan is available in an MSRP range of $38,705 to $49,210. Since the S80 received a major redesign for 2007, the exterior has changed little for the coming model year.

There are three available engine configurations: a 4.4-liter V8 with AWD, a 3.2-liter six cylinder FWD, and a 3-liter turbocharged inline six with AWD (generating 285 horsepower.) Estimated fuel economy is approximately 16 mpg around town and 24 mpg on the highway.

In the S80's cabin, the dash includes gauges trimmed in metal with both analog and electronic displays. The center stack, in keeping with Volvo tradition, houses all the buttons to control the climate, audio, and safety features with clearly marked, easy to understand buttons. The soft leather and comfortable seats make the S80, like all Volvos, a leader in luxury.

A new "Modern Wood" inlay is available and the knob on the gearshift is now covered in leather. Buyers who opt for the Climate Package can enjoy heated seats in the rear. The available Dynaudio Package adds premium, high-powered sound as well as headphone jacks and audio controls for backseat passengers.

The 2008 Volvo S80 line is outfitted with an impressive array of safety features including all-wheel brakes, a system for traction control, a collision warning system that includes pre-braking technology, cruise control that is radar adaptive, airbags in the front, and dual-chamber bags on the side. The headlights (active xenon) are designed to move with the curvature of the road. An optional system provides information about the vehicle's blind spot.