The New Volvo S80 - A Study In Scandinavian Design
The new Volvo S80 retains its familiar looks - yet not quite. A number of new design details create an overall impression of a new prestige car in Volvo's model range. "All new parts are like polished diamonds. Correctly designed and placed in the appropriate setting, they forge a powerful image of elegance and prestige in a very Scandinavian way," says Steve Harper, the person responsible for the design of the new Volvo S80.
The design of the new Volvo S80 is packed with these "diamonds" - outside and inside - that are set to enhance an already clean styling language. The front fascia has been reworked. The soft-nose section that surrounds the grill has a new profile with a gentler transition to the body sides and includes a new spoiler panel. The air intake in the spoiler has been re-profiled and features a transverse chrome strip, which links together the foglamps. The foglamps are new and have larger light apertures. The grill has a square mesh pattern highlighted in dark silver metallic. The surrounding trim is chromed. This gives an elegant three-dimensional impression.
Chrome in combination with color-matched moldings and other details emphasize the car's clean, modern design. This applies, for instance, to the chromed door handles and the moldings below the side windows. The door mirrors have been redesigned to help reduce wind noise and dirt accumulation on the side windows.
Redesigned rear section
The rear of the Volvo S80 has been redesigned for more distinct style. The trunk lid is now made in one single piece. The panel, which holds the license plate, has been reshaped and is capped by a chrome trim panel.
The tail lamps are somewhat smaller. They make more room for the bumper cover, which is accentuated by a slim chrome strip at the bottom of the glass panel. The intervening space is painted in the body's color. The brake lamps now feature LED technology, which means the brake lights are activated more quickly.
The rear bumper has a more rounded profile. It is color-matched to the car's body, with the exception of the dark gray panel at the bottom. This harmonizes instead with a corresponding panel along either side of the body.
New door panels
The redesigned door panels create a more blended transition into the instrument panel. The front doors have new handles that make it easier to reach and close an open door.
Interior trim details such as the center console and controls are of a darker charcoal color than before. There is the option of panel inserts in aluminum or wood. The new wood panels are machined from cultivated walnut trees.
The ventilation system controls are accented with chromed inlays and the control panel for the power front seats is color-matched to the rest of the interior.
The textile upholstery on the rear hatshelf is of a new quality, of the same type as found in the Volvo XC90. The sun-visors are now covered in the same textile as the inner roof lining.
New instruments
The gauges in the instrument pod have been redesigned. In six-cylinder models a broad polished aluminum ring is used to create an elegant, sporty image surrounding the dials. Five-cylinder models incorporate a thin metal dial surround, similar in appearance to those found in the XC90 SUV.
A new three-spoke wooden sports steering wheel is available as an option on the S80. The steering wheel is of the same type as that fitted to the S60 and V70.
S80 Premier - even more exclusive
The Volvo S80 Premier is the most exclusive Volvo S80 available. Several features available on this model only, such as Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system, special leather upholstery and genuine walnut panel inserts, are fitted as standard equipment to make the Volvo S80 Premier a motoring experience out of the ordinary.
Design summary:
1. Front section:
2. Rear section:
3. Interior:
