Volvo introduced its flagship S80 sedan in 1998 and realized that it was in need of a refresh for 2004. Unfortunately, the changes aren’t enough to up the ante in the mid-luxury European sedan sales contest against the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Saab 9-5, a tough group of competitors. 

Volvo recorded a nice 22 percent bump in sales in 2003, but this increase was due to some heavy lifting by its new SUV, the XC90, which became the company’s bestseller in its first full year of deployment. On the other hand, most of Volvo’s car models, including the S80 saw a sales decline. 

In some ways the lifecycle of an automotive model seems like that of a professional athlete. With some few exceptions the player arrives buffed and ready when he or she is drafted, spends a few years as a competitor, and then fades into obscurity replaced by a younger, fitter model. One of the differences in our comparison is that mid-way through an automotive model run, a manufacture can try a physical face life or technology transfer, which is not possible for competitors made of flesh and bone. 

Volvo says that the 2004 S80 incorporates more that 700 changes, unfortunately most are pretty imperceptible, either visually or in terms of the driving experience. One of the major changes is the addition of a new all-wheel-drive model, our test vehicle. Volvo has also added optional luxury features, such as an on-board entertainment center, to meet the content levels of competing makes.

Our test model is the new all-wheel-drive version of the S80. And while there is little doubt a modest increase in safety, although some would debate this point, this technology seems a bit of overkill for the conservative, middle-aged buyer of an S80.Volvo wisely offers all-wheel-drive in the smaller, sportier S60 sedan and also offers the technology in a wagon model and the new XC90 sport utility. 

The leading edge of the Volvo S80’s market position still heavily relies upon safety. The current model delivers all of the appropriate technology. Start with dual-stage front airbags that respond with appropriate force to the intensity of a frontal impact. The S80 has an anti-whiplash front-seat system, side impact airbags as well as Inflatable Curtain technology, which offers head protection for both front and rear passengers. When deployed through a side impact, the curtain drops down from the headliner, inflates and covers the side windows—front and rear. Volvo has the highest level of occupant-safety technology in the industry; so if this is your hot button, no need to look further. 

The S80 is also full of mechanical safety technology that lies under the car’s exterior. Such features as an electronic system that intelligently distributes brake braking force as well as stability control—an option—are active technologies that enable a driver to avoid accidents by providing stable braking and skid prevention. 
As with many other European luxury cars, the center console presents challenges. The audio system is driven by a menu system that isn’t particularly intuitive, and really takes some time to master. The seats however are great and meet Volvo’s usual high standards of support and comfort.

The Volvo S80’s ride is quite compliant and handles with composure the vagaries of the current state of our asphalt. Handling, however, continues to fall short. The S80 is not in the same league as its price competitors in the BMW and Audi line. The S80 lacks not only the kind of bite one wants on mountain roads, but also fails to deliver adequate feedback to the driver through the steering system. Our test car’s all-wheel-drive system may offer a margin of safety for some drivers, but it doesn’t deliver a better driving experience.

Our test model was equipped with the five-cylinder turbocharged engine that usually does business in the smaller S60. In the S80 it gets the job done, but adds little to the driving experience. 
 

Vehicle: Volvo S80 AWD
Price as tested: $42,525
Engine:
Type: 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five
Horsepower: 208 @5,000 rpm
Torque: 236 ft-lb @ 1,500 rpm
Fuel economy, automatic transmission 
City – 20 mpg
Highway – 27 mpg
Curb Weight: 3,691 lbs.