Volvo S80 D5

S80 D5 Review

Volvo Auto India has launched the updated version of its premium saloon, Volvo S 80 in India. This saloon comes with minor tweaks in terms of both interiors and exteriors. On the other hand, the company has not made any updates to the specifications and retained the same diesel power plant under the hood. Currently, this saloon is available in just two trim levels out of which, the Volvo S 80 D5 is the high end variant. The company has equipped this variant with an sophisticated 2.4-litre, 5-cylinder diesel motor that has the ability to produce 215Bhp of maximum power, while generating 440Nm of commanding torque. The manufacturer placed this sedan against the likes of BMW 5 series and Audi A6 in Indian luxury car market. This refurbished version comes with a modified radiator grille and a sleekly crafted bumper, which improves its overall elegance. Most of the interior design has been retained, but the company has opted for a fully digital instrument cluster with three color schemes. The company is also offering this saloon with aspects like executive soft leather upholstery, a multi-functional steering wheel with gearshift paddles and a newly developed laser assisted braking mechanism. Apart from these, the remaining features have been retained from the outgoing variant.

Exterior:

The 2014 Volvo S 80 D5 trim comes with minor cosmetic updates, which makes it look refreshing. Most of the changes have been given to the front and rear profiles while the sides remains mostly identical. On its frontage, the manufacturer has updated the radiator grille and treated it with a lot of chrome. Surrounding this grille is a slightly tweaked headlight cluster that is incorporated with a projector headlamps and turn indicators. Just below the grille, it comes with a redesigned bumper that has a wide air dam along with a pair of dynamic fog lights. In addition to this, the air intake section is fitted with horizontally positioned strips that adds to the magnificence of the front facade. On the rear profile, this saloon comes with a slightly tweaked angular taillight cluster that surrounds a restructured boot lid. This boot lid is elegantly decorated with a sleek chrome strip along with the company's insignia. The rear bumper comes with the same old design but it is fitted with a pair of exhaust pipes and a thick strip treated with chrome. The side profile of this saloon comes without much of updates. Its wheel arches have been fitted with a classy set of 17-inch alloy wheels that adds to the style of side profile. The door handles and the ORVM caps have been painted with body color while the window sill surround gets a lot of chrome treatment, which further enhances the elegance.

Interior:

The interior of this top end variant remains entirely the same like outgoing trim. The company is offering this top end variant with premium executive soft leather upholstery, which gives a luxurious feel to the occupants. The front cabin is fitted with heated seats that are separated by an advanced central console that also has a storage section. The dashboard has a very sleek and stylish design, which is integrated with a sophisticated fully digital instrument cluster that also has three light schemes. In addition to this, the steering wheel is wrapped with premium leather upholstery and it is accompanied with a paddle shifters. The rear cabin seats also fitted with heated function, which will offer a new level of luxury to the occupants. The manufacturer has installed several number of utility based features inside such as sunglass holder, rear armrest with cup-holders and storage unit, automatically dimmed interior mirror, power adjustable driver seat and many other sophisticated aspects.

Engine and Performance:

The company has equipped this top end variant with a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which comes with a total displacement of 2400cc . This engine comes with five cylinders and twenty valves and runs on DOHC valve configuration. The company equipped this engine with a common rail direct injection system that enables the motor to produce a maximum power of 215bhp at the rate of 4000rpm that results in developing a peak torque of about 440Nm at just 1500 to 3000rpm. The company has skillfully mated this engine with a six speed automatic transmission that distributes the torque to the front wheels. It takes only about 8 seconds for the vehicle to reach 100 Kmph mark from the standstill. On the other hand, this saloon can go up to a top speed of about 230 kmph, which is amazing. The manufacturer claims that the Volvo S 80 D5 comes with an ability to give away a peak mileage of 16 Kmpl.

Braking and Handling:

This saloon comes with a speed sensitive power steering system with a tilt and telescopic column, which will provide a great response irrespective of speed levels. The manufacturer has fitted the high performance ventilated disc brakes to all four wheels and incorporated them with an advanced anti-lock braking system to improve the braking mechanism. In addition to this, the company also incorporated the advanced stability control and dynamic stability traction control program, which will improve the stability of the vehicle. The front axle of this saloon is fitted with McPherson spring struts type of system accompanied with anti-dive, anti-lift function & anti-roll bar. At the same time, its rear axle comes fitted with Active multi-link independent type of suspension system, which is further equipped with anti-roll bar.

Comfort Features

The Volvo S 80 D5 is the top end trim and it comes with unique set of features. The list includes an advanced power steering system with tilt and telescopic column, all four power windows, an automatic air conditioning system, a remote trunk and fuel lid opener, rear reading lamp, vanity mirror, premium leather seats, heated front and rear seats, rear seat headrest, rear armrest with cup holders. The manufacturer is also offering this saloon with advanced aspects like a cruise control system, along with an advanced audio system incorporated to a 7-inch touchscreen display.

Safety Features:

The manufacturer is offering this refurbished version with a newly developed city safety system along with laser assisted braking mechanism. In addition to this, it also comes with driver and passenger airbags, cut-off switch passenger airbag, emergency brake light, intelligent driver information system , whiplash protection for front seats and numerous other aspects.

Pros:

Exterior look is very good.

Luxurious seating arrangement and features.

Cons:

Initial cost of ownership is very high.

Fuel efficiency is very low.