The second generation of Volvo's exclusive executive sedan, the S80, brings a large dose of dynamic driving and pure luxury to the market and Volvo is telling the non-believers to "take it out for a thorough test drive and be amazed at what we have achieved".

The Swedish carmaker says the S80 is its "flagship of elegant design and excellent driving comfort" and it builds on its predecessor's reputation for driving pleasure.

This time, however, there’s a big dose of aggression mixed into all the elegance.

There's a new five-cylinder, diesel engine, the D5, which pumps out 151kW of power and 420Nm of torque and will make a sprint from zero to 100km/h in a claimed 8.5 seconds. Despite this, fuel consumption is a reasonable 6.2 l/100km.

Also in the options is an upgraded 2.5T engine with maximum power of 170kW and 340Nm of torque.

The sweet cherry on the top is the 3.0T. It’s a 3-litre, twin-scroll turbo, inline six-cylinder with a variable valve train and variable intake system. The engine puts out 210kW and 400Nm and will make the sprint from standstill to 100km/h in a claimed 6.9 seconds.

Those looking for a sportier setup can opt for a sport chassis setup or cruise in style in the comfort chassis. Both are factory presets that cannot be changed. At least all models have a "more luxurious and more comfortable cabin", Volvo says.

Volvo Cars president and chief executive officer Stephen Odell says: "We are ready to give the competition a tough match. With the new S80, we're placing the bar at the very highest level when it comes to exclusiveness, quality and driving properties."

"Customers in this segment are often very brand-loyal. In order to appear on the radar of customers currently driving competitor cars, we have to offer something that is truly extra. We do this by offering exclusiveness, comfort and driving properties of absolute top level. In combination with world-leading safety, this makes the refreshed S80 very hard to beat. A true lifestyle product," says Odell.

Pricing

Volvo S80 3.0T - R545 000

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