The Volvo S80 Generation 1 (1998-2006) was a mid-size luxury sedan produced by Swedish automaker Volvo. It replaced the 850 and was designed to provide improved comfort, features, and safety.
Design and Features
The S80 featured a sleek and modern design with a drag coefficient of 0.29, making it one of the most aerodynamic cars on the market.
Its interior was characterized by a more spacious and premium feel, with a focus on comfort and functionality.
Optional features included a sunroof, heated seats, and a premium audio system.
Performance
The S80 was available with a range of inline-5 and V6 engines, producing up to 235 horsepower in the top-of-the-line model.
A six-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic transmission were offered as powertrain options.
Rear-wheel drive was standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) was optional.
Safety
The S80 featured a number of innovative safety features, including a Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), designed to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.
Side impact protection and a robust body structure were also emphasized.
Top-of-the-line models came with advanced safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning.
Dimensions and Capacity
The S80 had a length of 4,923 mm (194 inches), a width of 1,819 mm (71.7 inches), and a height of 1,471 mm (57.9 inches).
Its wheelbase was 2,780 mm (109.4 inches), providing a spacious interior with ample legroom.
The S80 had a cargo capacity of 520 liters (18.3 cubic feet) behind the rear seats.
Trim Levels
The S80 was offered in several trim levels, including:
L, the base model
T6, with a more powerful engine and sportier suspension
AWD models, with all-wheel drive as standard
Reliability and Maintenance
The S80 had a reputation for being reliable and low-maintenance.
Volvo's famous "Car of the Year" award-winning design was also reflected in its robust construction and minimal repair needs.
Production and Sales
Over 420,000 units of the Generation 1 S80 were produced during its production run from 1998 to 2006.
The car was sold worldwide, with a significant presence in Europe and North America.