2011 Volvo S80 Review
Price
RM295,000
Installment
RM2,813/mth
2011 Volvo S80 at a glance
The 2011 Volvo S80 is highly commendable, holding its own in every aspect from styling, on-road manners, to cabin comfort and quality. The Germans have however set the benchmark too high beyond the 2011 Volvo S80's reach.
2011 Volvo S80 quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Mid-size Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Volvo S80 ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Handsome as the 2011 Volvo S80 may be, it scores lowly on styling originality. Volvo may argue that the styling is evolutionary, but the changes are too few and too subtle for anyone to really take notice. As the 2011 Volvo S80 looks identical to the previous model and similar to the Volvo S40 and Volvo S60, Volvo may have forgone the chance to break out of the design mould and offer something fresher-looking.
Handling
The 2011 Volvo S80 drives sharply, thanks to a sporty chassis using the same set of mechanical underpinnings as that for the Land Rover Freelander. The 2011 Volvo S80 inherits the cruising stability of its predecessor, and adds agile handling to its skill set. High grip levels, well-controlled body movements, and the precise, well-weighted steering provide for a good drive, although the steering lacks feedback. Standard in the S80 3.2 is Volvo's Active chassis with Four-C, which automatically adjusts the suspension according to road conditions, that we find to be redundant.
Comfort
The ride is firm but not harsh, although some suspension noise over bumps filters into the cabin. The 2011 Volvo S80 chews up miles effortlessly as the cabin remains well-insulated from engine, wind and road noise at cruising speeds. The front two seats are supremely comfortable, while on the driver's side, there are plenty of seating and steering column adjustments. The “floating” centre console features neatly-placed controls which are also intuitive to use. Forward visibility is however hindered by the thick windscreen pillars.
Quality + Reliability
The 2011 Volvo S80 boasts a “floating” centre console which is the centrepiece of the stylish, classy cabin. The standard of fit-and-finish is impressive, and the same can be said about the high-quality materials used, which look and feel premium. The digital information display on the dashboard however appears outdated next to rivals'. Volvo has a good reliability record, and the 2011 Volvo S80 should do little to tarnish that.
Performance
The 2011 Volvo S80 offers a choice of two engines: 2.5-litre turbocharged with 197 bhp and 300 Nm; and 3.2-litre with 235 bhp and 320 Nm. Both are mated to the silky smooth six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. On the roads, both engines put in strong and refined performances. The S80 3.2 has a higher maximum speed, but sounds relatively dull and completes the century sprint only marginally quicker. For us, the S80 2.5T strikes the better balance between price and performance.
Roominess
The 2011 Volvo S80 comes with generous head- and leg-room for front and rear occupants, but not more so than what is required to compete against rivals. The rear takes two in comfort and three at a slight squeeze. The boot is decent sized at 422 litres, and rear seats can 60:40 split-fold for more loading space.
Running Costs
The 2011 Volvo S80 2.5T and 3.2 return fuel economy of 9.8 km/litre and 9.7 km/litre respectively. Like for other luxury brands, servicing and repairs are costly. Compared to the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Volvo S80 depreciates heavily, mainly due to the Volvo brand which is relatively weak in the luxury segment.
Value for Money
The 2011 Volvo S80 holds its own in every aspect, whether in terms of styling, on-road manners, cabin comfort and quality, or outright performance. Not to forget that the Volvo S80 is well-kitted, especially in the safety department. The problems lies in the competition, which have set the benchmark so high. And of course there is the brand issue; Volvo is not perceived as a full-fledged luxury brand, and yet the 2011 Volvo S80 is priced (albeit lower) and positioned against luxury rivals.
Equipment
The S80 2.5T comes with 17" alloy wheels, leather upholstery, leather/wood steering wheel with audio/cruise control switches, 8-speaker audio system with 4x40W amplifier, 6-CD in-dash changer, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless drive and start, retractable side mirrors, electrically adjustable front seats, and electronic climate control. The S80 3.2 adds 18" alloy wheels, 12-speaker audio system with 5x130W amplifier, Active chassis with Four-C and speed sensitive steering. Safety kit is as comprehensive as cars in this segment come with.
Environment
Carbon dioxide emissions of 244 grams/km and 246 grams/km, coupled with the subpar fuel consumption figures, mean the 2011 Volvo S80 is more polluting than comparable models from Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Handsome styling
Sharp handling
Impressive cabin
Firm ride
Rivals are too strong
Relatively weak Volvo brand
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