In high school, I was never a sprinter.  Those 800 meter relays left me panting doubled over in the grass.  But laced up in my favorite Asics on a long, scenic back road, I was content as a puppy unleashed on a wooded trail.  This memory flashed before me during the week as I drove Volvo’s S80 flagship sedan.  This car is a long distance runner, not a sprinter.  Stepping on the gas to accelerate, the 300-hp 6 cylinder turbocharged engine has some weight to haul.  But once it’s going, you can settle in for a long distance run in some of the most comfortable seats ever. The S80 cruises beautifully offering comfort and luxury.  It’s not the most playful or sporty in driving.  Much less than it’s S60 sibling.  But this could be attributed to heavy steering and the All-Wheel Drive system with Instant Traction designed more for wet, slippery roads rather than enhancing performance.

From the outside the S80’s carries a strong presence that stands the test of time.  The design still says ‘I’m conservative’ especially when lined up next to its sexier German competitors with more aerodynamic designs.  But hey, you have to pay more for sexy.

On the interior, the S80 is on par with some of the finest crafted vehicles.  The model I drove was Platinum trim with the inscription package.  Enhancements include an elegant stitched leather covered dashboard, walnut trim on the steering wheel and gearbox, Sovereign hide leather seating (does that just sound soft?) and ventilated front seats.  Aesthetically the contrast of dark and light materials, silk-metal inlays and Volvo’s signature waterfall center stack make this luxury cabin a very pleasant place to be.   The Sensus infotainment system is relatively easy….neither touchscreen nor iDrive-like thingy….it’s a seven-inch high definition color monitor adjusted by plain ol’ buttons and knobs.  Not too hard to figure out.    One of the best features is Volvo’s Premium Sound System with Dolby Pro-Logic II Surround Sound, 12 premium speakers and a remarkable 650 watts.  Listening to Drew Zingg’s outstanding debut CD, I was blown away by the richness of sound quality picking up bass notes and chords I’d never get on an iPod.  Goose bumps hearing Monet Owens’s “You Make it Right (When it Rains)”….and I checked, it the cooling seats weren’t on.  There is also ability to adjust cool things like the sound stage to maximize the listening experience depending on where you’re sitting in the vehicle.

In the family department, this is a perfect car for a Mom with one or more kids.  Ample back seat room.  Car seat installation with Latches was easy and secure.  For out-of-car seat passengers, the rear seats also have warmers.  And the trunk is prepared to haul all the gear and groceries required for a long distance outing.

A top of the line luxury family sedan.  Not the best for performance edge, but a comfortable, safe sedan that’s ready to go the distance.

Some Basics
MSRP:  $42,960 – $51,445
engine: 3.0 L turbocharged, I-6
hp/torque: 300 hp/325 ft-lb.
drivetrain:  AWD
fuel economy:  18 city/25 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating: Good. Top Safety Pick.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
premium luxury sedan

What’s the best thing about it?
upscale interior

What’s the biggest drawback?
driving dynamics not as fun

Mom-friendliness score: A-

Driver-friendliness score: B+

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“I won’t tempt you to get in too much trouble…”