What Is It?
2004 Volvo S80
What's Special About It?
Often overlooked by luxury sedan buyers who gravitate toward the German brands, Volvo's five-year-old flagship will receive significant updates for the 2004 model year in an effort to increase its visibility and appeal. Besides the expected interior and exterior facelift, the S80 lineup is now available with all-wheel drive and the Four-C active suspension system that debuted on the performance S60 R and V70 R models.
Exterior revisions are subtle, but in front you'll note the smoother nose and new grille, while in back a single-piece trunk lid design gives the car a crisper look. Additionally, the black moldings on the current S80 have given way to color-matched moldings and chrome trim. Inside, the door panels have been redesigned to create a more cohesive transition to the dash, and there's a fresh set of gauges in the instrument pod. Customers will have the choice of aluminum or genuine walnut accents; a three-spoke wood sports steering wheel will be optional.
All-wheel-drive S80s will employ the electronically controlled Haldex system previously seen on the S60 AWD. For efficiency's sake, the system directs engine power primarily to the front wheels under normal traction conditions. When traction loss is detected, a portion of the power is redirected to the rear wheels. Oddly, when it goes on sale in August, the system will only be available with the 208-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder (already in service on the S60 and XC90). We would have liked to see Volvo offer it on the 268-hp T6, a car whose brisk acceleration is compromised by torque steer.
Four-C, or Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept, should have a positive effect on the S80's modest handling characteristics. The system, which allows drivers to choose between comfort and sport settings, continually adjusts the suspension damping (about 500 times per second, according to Volvo) for the benefit of ride comfort and stability around turns. Four-C-equipped S80s will arrive at the dealers in September.
Why Should You Care?
While the S80 can't boast the prestige or appetite for performance of other luxury nameplates, it could be a very good deal for some shoppers: Base prices range from the upper-30s to mid-40s, and for that sum you get a full-size car with plenty of safety features and, now if you wish, all-wheel drive or an active suspension system. Not bad. — Erin Riches
2004 Volvo S80
What's Special About It?
Often overlooked by luxury sedan buyers who gravitate toward the German brands, Volvo's five-year-old flagship will receive significant updates for the 2004 model year in an effort to increase its visibility and appeal. Besides the expected interior and exterior facelift, the S80 lineup is now available with all-wheel drive and the Four-C active suspension system that debuted on the performance S60 R and V70 R models.
Exterior revisions are subtle, but in front you'll note the smoother nose and new grille, while in back a single-piece trunk lid design gives the car a crisper look. Additionally, the black moldings on the current S80 have given way to color-matched moldings and chrome trim. Inside, the door panels have been redesigned to create a more cohesive transition to the dash, and there's a fresh set of gauges in the instrument pod. Customers will have the choice of aluminum or genuine walnut accents; a three-spoke wood sports steering wheel will be optional.
All-wheel-drive S80s will employ the electronically controlled Haldex system previously seen on the S60 AWD. For efficiency's sake, the system directs engine power primarily to the front wheels under normal traction conditions. When traction loss is detected, a portion of the power is redirected to the rear wheels. Oddly, when it goes on sale in August, the system will only be available with the 208-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder (already in service on the S60 and XC90). We would have liked to see Volvo offer it on the 268-hp T6, a car whose brisk acceleration is compromised by torque steer.
Four-C, or Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept, should have a positive effect on the S80's modest handling characteristics. The system, which allows drivers to choose between comfort and sport settings, continually adjusts the suspension damping (about 500 times per second, according to Volvo) for the benefit of ride comfort and stability around turns. Four-C-equipped S80s will arrive at the dealers in September.
Why Should You Care?
While the S80 can't boast the prestige or appetite for performance of other luxury nameplates, it could be a very good deal for some shoppers: Base prices range from the upper-30s to mid-40s, and for that sum you get a full-size car with plenty of safety features and, now if you wish, all-wheel drive or an active suspension system. Not bad. — Erin Riches
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