The best seats anywhere are inside Volvo’s big S80 for 2002

By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor

NEW YORK, NY - With so much emphasis placed on the front passenger compartment in nearly all cars, Volvo’s S80 Elite changes the whole experience for every seated passenger, especially in the back. The Elite, or Executive, package is really aimed at highbrow executives and fleet operators, but our test reveals it to be among the finest of all sedans for every day family use, with the ability to entertain children or grand children for hours on end.

Several minivans on the market today offer some of the same options, like DVD players and entertainment systems. But no minivan or SUV offers anything like the driving experience of the S80. It’s a remarkable package for a sedan, at any price.

Basically identical to the S80 T6, the S80 Elite concentrates on optimizing the interior for comfort and convenience. The executive rear seating provides 2 inches of additional rear legroom and includes a rear center console with DVD player, 68-channel color TV, video screen, 12-volt refrigerator and audio/video remote control. In our test, the television reception was so good that we watched the major Denver networks over 100 miles away from the city.

The big story is the rear passenger cabin; with rear seating that assures off-the-chart comfortable seating for two. A wide center rear console provides space for video screen, additional DC voltage plugs, and controls for heated rear seats, electric rear window sunshade and the DVD player.

Inside, the cabin environment’s spacious, airy and inviting character reflects its Scandinavian heritage. To assure the ideal driving position, seating controls allow for an extraordinary range of adjustment and lumbar support. The front seat passenger enjoys the same freedom of movement. Both front seat occupants also enjoy dual zone electronic climate control for personalized all-season comfort. Logical controls reside within the natural arc of the hand.

Driving the S80 is very typical of Europe’s finest luxury sedans. The ride and handling, together with the S80’s overall responsiveness and highway cruising prowess make it pleasure to drive. There is a sureness and steadiness about the car on the road that is hard to describe - it just feels strong, well built, and capable. It is easily and confidently in the company of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and its other much higher priced competitors.

"Our S80 has truly distinguished itself on the world stage and in the highly competitive American Luxury market. Volvo’s flagship S80 has joined the sparse ranks of superior automobiles that can replace a Mercedes in a millionaire’s driveway and not raise a question about a decline in his or her standard of living. Our S80’s success is built on advanced technology, cutting edge design, unmatched commitment to safety, concern for the environment and, in general, the intelligent execution of superior luxury solutions,"” comments Volvo Cars of North America.

Volvo’s engines are not to be overlooked, either. This is the same company that builds the most popular and reliable over-the-road diesel trucks, and the worlds most respected marine engines. Volvo’s passenger cars are no exception, and I especially like the new six-cylinder, light-pressure bi-turbo engine. It has improved low-end torque, which results in quicker acceleration. With the two turbochargers, one for each set of three cylinders, the engine reacts very quickly to the throttle, without awaking any torque steer.

The words "safety" and "Volvo" are nearly interchangeable, and the S80 received a Five Star/Five Star crash test rating from U.S. government agencies and the highest rating for crashworthiness and "Best Pick" designation by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the S80 has won industry acclaim and contributed new designs and new technologies to the Volvo safety repertoire.

COMPARISON VEHICLES: Mercedes Benz E-class, BMW 5 and 7 series, Audi A-6/ A-8, Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac Seville.

VEHICLE PRICE: Base MSRP, $43,100 for a nicely equipped S80 T6 sedan; $52,925 as tested fully loaded including the Executive package. $625 destination charge. Actual prices may vary, see dealer for details.

HIGHS: As usual, Volvo has the most comfortable seats of any car, at any price. Rear cabin in the Executive package is amazingly nice. Extremely safe vehicle, excellent resale value, great fuel economy for a European luxury sedan.

LOWS: DVD screen needs to be larger. No privacy curtains on rear door windows.

FUEL ECONOMY: EPA estimates 19-mpg city, 26-mpg highway.

LIFE’S A TRIP, Enjoy the drive! Be a safe and courteous driver, obey all highway laws, never drive impaired, and buckle everyone up. Copyright © 2002 The Weekend Drive, All Rights Reserved.

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