Review of the new Volvo S80

Few cars are better equipped to keep a low profile than the Volvo S80. It's just that kind of highly efficient, yet unassuming car that slips in under the radar. The S80's problem has been that many buyers choose executive saloons to make an impact and flaunt their status. If you're of the kind that want executive luxury without the turning too many heads, this Volvo might be the answer.

The first generation version was very similar in its approach and when it was replaced by this car in 2006, most assumed that Volvo would deliver something more dynamic. In many ways they did, but it isn't immediately obvious. Still, if you find class-leading safety, powerful engines or outstanding economy dull, then I guess that's your loss. The car has recently received an improved engine range which helps it keep pace with rivals.

You won't be expecting this Volvo to handle like a BMW 5 Series - which is just as well because it doesn't, even if you specify the optional 'Lowered Dynamic Chassis'. But then, no other executive saloon in the sector handles like a 5 Series either and few of them compensate by being such a relaxing long distance companion as the S80. Those that do are either much more expensive - or they depreciate like a stone. Better to go for the 'Comfort' chassis specification and enjoy this car for what it is.

The engine line-up is a lot more exciting than you'll be expecting with plenty of headlines. A V8 petrol 311bhp flagship with four wheel drive is just the start of it. If you fancy something a little more modest that still drinks from the green pump, there's a 228bhp 2.5T petrol unit. Both of the S80's petrol options serve up lively performance with even the 2.5T launching itself to 60mph in 6.9s. For more sedate and economical progress, you'll need a diesel.

"This has to be the thinking person's executive saloon"

The antithesis of the fiery petrol contingent is the 1.6 DRIVe diesel engine. It musters just 108bhp which is pitiful in an executive saloon but economy is its overriding focus. 0-60mph takes a leisurely 11.7s but there's 240Nm or torque from 1,750rpm which helps avoid the car feeling too laboured in everyday driving. The 2.0-litre five-cylinder D3 engine holds much greater appeal for the keen driver. 0-60mph in 9.2 seconds is good enough but 400Nm or torque between 1,400 and 2,850rpm is better. This engine has the muscle to make the S80 feel like an executive car. At the top of the diesel line is the D5 with a 2.4-litre capacity, 202bhp but only 20Nm more torque than the D3. Unless you're really pressing on, it won't feel that much quicker but going all out, it can hit 60mph in 8.0s.

First impressions are deceiving with this car. It's only when you get the Mk1 S80 next to the current generation model that you'll see quite how far it has evolved. OK, so many of the primary design cues are still much the same - the distinctive shoulders that run all the way back to the tail lights, the arched roofline and the rather bluff front grille up front. Look beyond them though and you can see some significant changes to the vehicle's stance and its fine detailing. The old S80 was a bit of a frumpy thing. This one has smartened up nicely and the most recent models feature a more distinctive front featuring a larger badge, plus extra chrome detailing on the air intakes, the lower part of the doors and under the tail lamps.

Inside, well, it's all rather refreshing. Instead of trying to copy their German rivals, Volvo have gone their own way. The Swedes claim that their 'design language' radiates a simpler, more stylish and modern feel by combining aesthetics and technology in a more inviting and intelligent way. I'm not sure that I buy into that completely but there's certainly a nice blend of no-nonsense Scandinavian style thanks to nice touches like the slim 'floating' centre stack (with its smarter 'Silk Metal' frame) in the centre of the dashboard, quality materials for upholsteries and a thoughtful choice of inlays and colour schemes that blend smoothly together. As before, there's comfortable room for five adults and a huge 422-litre boot.

The S80 undercuts leading executive car rivals on price and with the current engine range, you get quite a bit of power for your Pound. Trim levels run from ES and SE to SE LUX and Executive but the DRIVe model is also offered with its special efficiency modifications.

Equipment levels on all models run to 16" alloy wheels, cruise control, electronic climate control and a punchy stereo package. More important standard features however, are those concerned with the S80's class-leading safety systems. It would take me all day to go into these, so I'll just give you the highlights. Volvo think that there's a great deal more to safety than just dotting airbags around the cabin - though of course, there are plenty of those. That's why a Collision Warning system has been developed for the car, along with a Brake Support set-up.

There's also Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), active Bi-Xenon headlights that swivel with the car and a patented body structure developed at the Volvo Safety Centre. Security hasn't been forgotten either. I like the idea of ordering the optional Personal Car Communicator which fits into your keyfob and is able to remotely check if the car is locked or not, alert you if the alarm has been activated and even includes a heartbeat sensor to warn you if there's anyone in the car who shouldn't be.

As we've already suggested, one of the highlight models in the range from the point of view of cost of ownership is the D3 diesel model: ask for it by name. After all, you can't really argue with limo luxury, 130mph performance, 0-60mph in a shade over nine seconds, 53mpg fuel economy and 139g/km CO2 emissions. The 1.6-litre diesel DRIVe model is even more frugal, returning a CO2 figure of just 119g/km and 62.8mpg on the combined cycle but it's hardly quick. If you do want to go faster (why - it's not a sports saloon for goodness sake), then the diesel D5 is a decent pick. Fuel consumption isn't too badly affected by the lively performance - official economy is 53mpg which is the same as the D3.

If you must have petrol power, bear in mind that the S80's V8 and 2.5T petrol engines deliver combined economy figures of 23mpg and 32mpg respectively, so they aren't the choice for the cost conscious. Depreciation is always a tricky subject for Volvo and you'll have to accept up-front that the S80 will lose its value more quickly than its key German rivals. Long servicing intervals and lower asking prices help to redress the balance though and overall, the S80 is a competitive proposition on cost grounds.

This has to be the thinking person's executive saloon. No, it's not the most dynamic car to drive and it certainly could be a bit more charismatic. Still, there's little doubt that a lot of thought has gone into the S80, to my eyes a handsome car with none of the pretension that accompanies some of its rivals.

Build quality and safety are obvious strengths but the cabin design will also win the S80 many friends and some of the engines are first class. If you're looking for a softer, friendlier antidote to all that Germanic slickness, this could be it.