I was given the chance to test drive a new Volvo S80 V8 loaded today.
The car had all the goodies, 4C, variable power steering, BLIS etc...
I must say that it is an excellent car, good brakes, easy to drive, good acceleration. In the 4C advanced mode, the suspension is pretty much what you get in a std. European 5 series BMW.
The starting acceleration is way better then in any 530xi or 530xd automatic.
All the electronic gadgets worked as designed... adaptive cruise control is a nice feature... BLIS is fun etc...
The Premium Audio (Dynaudio) is FANTASTIC! If you want a good audio system... WOW get that option!
Only the power adj. steering was a disapointment. The difference between the modes is too mild. The light steering is light, and the heaviest setting is still too light for my taste.
The brakes are good, but not stellar.
If I were Volvo I would offer a sports package that contains.
a) 3 Spoke steering wheel.
b) Adj. Power steering with more of a difference between the 3 choices.
c) Front and Rear Brembo brakes.
d) Slighty lowered chassis.
e) Dual color leather interior.
That would be it.
This car is way better then what the press is writting... obviously it is also better then the std. run of the mill 5 series from BMW. It is kind of a mix between the 5 series and the E Class from Mercedes... with AWD and a very good mix at that! http://********************/smile/emthup.gif
Would I trade my S60R for a S80 V8... I am tempted... even more so as my dealer would give a a trade in premium for going form an S60R to a S80 V8.
The S80 V8 is slower then the S60R, but it is also much easier to drive and a very fun ride at that!
One bad point... the thing loves gas... way more then the R!
Regards,
Coolknight
Modified by Coolknight at 4:19 PM 6-21-2007
The car had all the goodies, 4C, variable power steering, BLIS etc...
I must say that it is an excellent car, good brakes, easy to drive, good acceleration. In the 4C advanced mode, the suspension is pretty much what you get in a std. European 5 series BMW.
The starting acceleration is way better then in any 530xi or 530xd automatic.
All the electronic gadgets worked as designed... adaptive cruise control is a nice feature... BLIS is fun etc...
The Premium Audio (Dynaudio) is FANTASTIC! If you want a good audio system... WOW get that option!
Only the power adj. steering was a disapointment. The difference between the modes is too mild. The light steering is light, and the heaviest setting is still too light for my taste.
The brakes are good, but not stellar.
If I were Volvo I would offer a sports package that contains.
a) 3 Spoke steering wheel.
b) Adj. Power steering with more of a difference between the 3 choices.
c) Front and Rear Brembo brakes.
d) Slighty lowered chassis.
e) Dual color leather interior.
That would be it.
This car is way better then what the press is writting... obviously it is also better then the std. run of the mill 5 series from BMW. It is kind of a mix between the 5 series and the E Class from Mercedes... with AWD and a very good mix at that! http://********************/smile/emthup.gif
Would I trade my S60R for a S80 V8... I am tempted... even more so as my dealer would give a a trade in premium for going form an S60R to a S80 V8.
The S80 V8 is slower then the S60R, but it is also much easier to drive and a very fun ride at that!
One bad point... the thing loves gas... way more then the R!
Regards,
Coolknight
Modified by Coolknight at 4:19 PM 6-21-2007
