Volvo's flagship sedan, the S80 recently received some modifications. The redesign of the S80 was made to make it more appealing to upscale car buyers as its competition does the same.
The new Volvo S80 does not look very different from its predecessor. The S80 is still unmistakably a Volvo. Since Volvo has moved away from boxy car designs, they have been known for broad-shouldered cars. The new S80 is exactly that.
Although relatively similar in appearance, the dimensions differ between the new and old S80s. The redesigned flagship was designed with slightly longer wheelbase. It is also about an inch taller than its forerunner. The new S80 is also a little bit wider than the previous S80.
The front end of the S80 makes one think that the vehicles has a low coefficient of drag. The sleek lines makes one believe that the S80 can cut through air resistance easily. On the rear, the roof slopes gently downward to about a foot from the end of the vehicle. This means that the trunk will have a narrow opening. Although squeezing in cargoes into the trunk may be quite a feat, the huge amount of space in the trunk makes up for it.
As a Volvo, it can be expected that the S80 will come with a wide array of safety features. One of the numerous safety features of the S80 sedan is a crash avoidance system. The system uses radar to measure the distance between the front end of the S80 and the vehicle directly in front of it. If the system detects that the S80 is perilously close to the vehicle in front of it, it will prime the brakes and warn the driver via an audible warning signal and flashing lights on the windshield.
Another safety feature that comes with the S80 is also being used on other Volvo vehicles. Called the BLIPS or the Blind Spot Protection System, the feature warns the driver if a vehicle has entered his or her blind spot. The system does this by using cameras installed on its side view mirrors. Flashing lights on the side view mirrors warns the driver.
The Volvo S80 also comes along with an award-winning safety feature. The S80 has a heartbeat sensor which alerts the owner of the vehicle if a person is inside the car. The driver is warned through the key fob of the S80 which also doubles as a remote switch to the car's headlights and interior lights.
Aside from these advanced safety features, it can also be expected that the S80, along with components as reliable as , it also comes with a complete lineup of seatbelts with pretensioners and as well as a complete lineup of airbags.
Handling of the S80 is good but not remarkable. After all, Volvo is known for uncompromising design. If one is looking for a sports-tuned luxury car then a BMW or an Audi would be a better choice. But for those who are not thinking about taking their car to the tracks and take a spin, then the S80 is a safe bet. Loaded with safety features and standard equipments, the S80 is a safe choice for car buyers.
