Volvo S80 Facelift for 2010MY

Volvo has announced plans to introduce a facelifted version of their S80 sedan at next month's Geneva Motor Show. The updated model features a number of styling cues from the company's more recent introductions such as the XC60 crossover and the S60 concept.

As with most Volvos, this styling update is rather modest as the biggest change comes in the form of a larger grille which has a more prominent Volvo logo. Elsewhere chrome trim is applied to the front air intakes, lower section of the doors and under the tail lamps. According to Volvo, these styling features help to give the facelifted S80 a lower, longer and wider appearance.

Volvo's obsession with bright trim continues to the interior as the center stack, steering wheel, gear selector, and starter button also feature new silk metal accents. Other updates to the cabin include new instruments and the option of high-end upholstery on S80 Executive models.

In terms of performance, Volvo will offer a brand-new twin-turbo five-cylinder 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 205 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. In the combined cycle it consumes just 6.2 L/100 km and emits 164 g/km of CO2. The company has also updated their 2.4-liter diesel engine so that it now produces 175 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is rated at 5.8 L/100 km while CO2 emissions come in at 154 g/km. Two different chassis will be offered, the standard comfort chassis offers a luxurious ride while the lowered sport chassis puts more of an emphasis on fun.

Look for the updated 2010 Volvo S80 to start arriving in European dealerships sometime this spring.

Press Release

The refreshed Volvo S80 - first class exclusiveness and driving properties

The refreshed Volvo S80 is the result of an intensive dialogue between Volvo Cars' project group and the discerning customers in the premium sedan segment. "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," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell.

The refreshed Volvo S80 is being unveiled for the very first time at the Geneva Motor Show in early March and sales will start in spring 2009.

Building on great success in key markets such as Russia, Volvo Cars' large sedan model takes centre stage with far greater self-assurance than ever, the result of a more distinctive and elegant design, a more exclusive interior and a sharper chassis and upgraded engine range.

"From the outside, the refreshed S80 looks both larger and more elegant. But we've also given it a tougher face. In Germany, they talk about the "böser blick", that is to say the front of the car should look rather menacing when it fills the rear-view mirror of the car in front," explains Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. He adds:

"However, the refreshed S80 should not just be seen, it has to be experienced. The atmosphere inside is both more comfortable and luxurious, with an increased aura of craftsmanship. We've also made the interior more driver-oriented, not least with a new steering wheel and upgraded instruments. Our chassis and engine experts have made sure the driving experience is as exclusively attractive as the interior is."

Detail precision and quality materials

Steve Mattin and his team have increased the exterior's elegant charisma with a number of details that give the S80 a lower, longer and wider stance.

The front is more distinctive with a new grille featuring the larger iron mark, which is part of the more extrovert DNA of recent Volvo models. There is also new brightwork on the air intakes, lower part of the doors and under the tail lamps.

Inside the car the spotlight is on increased exclusivity and comfort. The soft, sumptuous leather seats with their matching stitching are accompanied by door panels echoing the same trim. The super-slim floating centre stack is upgraded with a silk metal frame that emphasises its original design and enhances its exclusive feel, while simultaneously creating a design link to the recently launched Volvo XC60.

The instruments in the refreshed Volvo S80 get exclusive aluminium dials and Volvo Cars is also launching a new generation of steering wheels. The décor trim with silk matte metal-effect finish on the four-spoke steering wheel is also found in the gear selector, around the starter button.

"It is the combination of a number of carefully thought-out details that together creates the overall aura. Since eight out of ten customers specify leather upholstery, the seats are a good example. Here we have focused on comfort by creating unbeatable seating and side support, accentuated further by the superb quality of the soft Scandinavian hide," says Steve Mattin.

Customers with more individual tastes will be able to select upholstery from the exclusive Executive range, which features classic and sober styles.

All-new five-cylinder diesel engines and new chassis alternatives

The driving experience in the refreshed Volvo S80 has been elevated with an entirely new twin-turbo five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesel. The new D5 engine offers 205 horsepower, 420 Nm of torque over a very wide range of engine revs. Fuel consumption (EU combined) is only 6.2 l/100 km (164g/km) - a record-low figure for a car of this size and performance level. This state-of-the-art engine delivers all the fun without the headache.

The refreshed S80 is also available with an upgraded Euro 4-compliant 2.4-litre diesel engine with 175 horsepower, 420 Nm of torque, fuel consumption (EU Combined) at 5.8 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 154 g/km (preliminary figures).

When it comes to chassis choice, Volvo Cars has developed two distinct alternatives - one with the cosseting feeling of supreme comfort and one truly dynamic for the driving pleasure soul. The comfort chassis will be offered as standard and the lowered sport chassis is offered as an option.

Hard to beat offer

The refreshed Volvo S80 enters a segment that is dominated by male customers with considerable interest in cars and with very firm expectations regarding exclusiveness, driving properties and brand image. The choice of car is often based on the individual's personal tastes and preferences, but it also has to serve as a family car.

"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 Stephen Odell and adds:

"I would like to give those who know about the Volvo S80 but who have never driven one, a sound piece of advice. Take a closer look at this car and take it out for a thorough test drive. You'll be amazed at what we have achieved."