Volvo has launched the 2014 S80 facelift in India at a price of Rs. 41.35 lakhs for the D4 and Rs. 44.80 lakhs for the D5 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The facelift to Volvo’s flagship sedan will help keep the design on the car more contemporary and in sync with other Volvo cars. The updated S80 gets a host of changes to the exteriors and the interiors, while mechanically the vehicle remains untouched. Volvo has reworked on the headlight cluster which now feature daytime time running lights. The alloy wheels also sport a new design.
On the design front, the changes to the 2014 Volvo S80 include subtle tweaks to the grille, which is now smaller and wider and looks sharp, while the bumper has been revised. The front fascia remains largely the same, but the changes lend a fresh appeal to the sedan. The side profile does not see many changes and retains the sophisticated stance throughout. The rear too remains the same but exudes a stronger design language with a reworked bumper and angular tail lamps.
The interiors are smooth as before without many changes. The biggest addition is the use of a complete digital instrument console which can be customized to display all kinds of information from fuel efficiency to performance figures. The dashboard gets minimal use of buttons and switches and has a clean layout. The build quality is exceptional like on all Volvo cars, while the cabin provides ample amount of space and comfort in the front and rear. Volvo offers a range of upholstery options to customize your interiors.
Mechanically, the the Volvo S80 remains untouched and is available with the D4 and D5 diesel engine options on offer. The D4 is a 2.0-litre, 5-cylinder engine producing 165 PS of power and 400 Nm of torque, while the D5 variant comes with a 2.4-litre, 5-cylinder engine producing 215 PS of power and 440 Nm of torque. Both the engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. 0-100 km/hr comes up in 7.8 seconds on the D5, while the top speed is limited to 225 km/hr.
The suspension setup on the Volvo S80 has been tuned for comfort for better ride quality. You also get safety features like ABS, advanced ESP, headlights that bend around corners, as well as the Volvo IntelliSafe function that will brake for you, if a crash is imminent. The Volvo S80 may not be a game changer courtesy of its understated looks, but definitely is a capable car priced lower than competition. The S80 is competing against the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class and the Audi A6 in the segment.
