Volvo S80 (06-) 3.2 SE Sport 4dr Saloon review

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Volvo S80 3.2 SE Sport Road Test

Test date 18 October 2006 Price as tested £31,845

For Driving position, great engine, supple ride

Against Sluggish gearbox, lifeless steering

Sometimes, different is enough. There are those who want an executive car but don’t want a BMW or Mercedes. So they opt for a Volvo, or a Saab. Maybe a Lexus. Sometimes those cars are excellent, sometimes they’re not. But they are different.

The old Volvo S80 was good enough, in its own way. Its cabin was airy, spacious and light – almost Ikea-like – and offered just about the highest levels of comfort in the business. If you wanted dynamism, though, you’d be disappointed.

Evidently Volvo was happy with the image the previous S80 purveyed, because this new version looks very similar. It’s not, of course. This is not a facelift; this is a new car. Overall length is the same as before, but the new model is 27mm wider and 34mm taller. More significantly, the wheelbase is up by 45mm, while front and rear track are also wider.

Volvo reckons the new dimensions give the big saloon a more imposing stance and greater presence. See old and new S80s side by side and you almost believe it’s true. And this is a neatly designed, attractive car. But alone, the new S80 barely registers the interest of passers-by.