Volvo S80: Order books open

Newswheel staff :: 10 April 2006 :: Filed under Saloon, Volvo, Volvo S80, Europe & UK, US

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A real alternative to the usual German suspects?

Is the new Volvo S80 is the real deal in terms of driving dynamics? Until the flood gates open on the first S80 test drives, far be it from us to speculate. In the mean time, however, Volvo has priced up the full range for the UK and is now taking orders…

Prices kick off at just over £24,000 for an entry level 2.5T and max out with a loaded V8 SE Lux, yours for a piffling £41,725.  Sandwiched in between is the intriguing 3.2-litre model sporting Volvo’s new compact straight-six, priced to sell from £30,955.

Entry level ‘S’ models receive rather weedy 16-inch alloys, while ‘SE’ and ‘SE lux’ variants up the ante with 17-inchers. 'Leccy windows all round are standard on all cars, as are climate 'n cruise, a pyrotechnic smorgasbord of airbags and a CD player. The SE trim adds acres of dead cow, electric memory seats up front and an upgraded stereo, while ‘SE Sport’ models ride on 18-inch rims and stiffer suspension as well as offering such additional accoutrements as heated front seats, power folding rear headrests and a headlight cleaning system. Just the bare essentials, really…

As for performance, Volvo claims 7.4 seconds and 6 seconds flat for the race to 60mph for the 3.2 –litre, 238bhp six pot and 4.4-litre, 315bhp eight cylinder models, respectively.