Model Overview: 2015.5 Volvo S80
08/13/2014
Volvo
Volvo enhances its S80 flagship sedan lineup for 2015 with the introduction of the T5 Drive-E. With its all-new and highly efficient engine, transmission and ECO+ functionality, Drive-E offers a trio of benefits including increased fuel economy, reduced emissions and fun-to-drive performance. The S80 lineup continues to offer a dynamic expression of luxury designed for those who desire the finest Volvo sedan.
Additional midyear changes introduced for 2015.5 include new standard Sensus Connect and Volvo On-Call with 6-month complimentary subscriptions, new Sensus Navigation with Map Care, and a new Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System which is standard on Platinum and optional on Premier trims.
All-New Drive-E Technology
The S80 gains Volvo's exciting new Drive-E technology for 2015. New T5 Drive-E models receive Volvo's new 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct-injection that produces 240 horsepower and 258 lbs.-ft. of torque. This engine is smaller and lighter than the normally aspirated 3.2-liter six-cylinder that it replaces while delivering equivalent horsepower, greater torque and improved fuel economy.
The new Drive-E engine is teamed with a new eight-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Additional gears enable the powerplant to operate at peak efficiency for optimum performance and fuel efficiency. The new transmission is designed to provide smooth shifts and reduced noise. Also new is the start/stop feature, which automatically stops the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. The engine restarts when the driver releases the brake pedal.
New ECO+ fuel-saving functionality also makes its debut to optimize shift points, engine control and throttle response. When activated by the driver, ECO+ can improve fuel economy by five percent depending on driving style, temperature and climate.
ECO+ functions include:
Start/Stop - The start/stop functionality is modified to allow the engine to shut down at 7kph/4mph as the car coasts to a stop.
ECO-coast - Helps conserve kinetic energy by enabling the vehicle to coast. The engine "brake" is disengaged and engine speed drops to idle speed when pressure on the accelerator is released.
ECO-climate - The air conditioning compressor is disconnected to reduce auxiliary loads. Pressing the AC button restarts cooling or the driver can deactivate ECO+.
All-Wheel-Drive Performance
Those seeking top flagship performance will find that the S80 T6 AWD delivers the goods. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine develops 300 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. Maximum torque is available all the way up the rev range resulting in quick acceleration and smooth drivability.
The S80 T6 AWD is fitted with Volvo's All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction(TM) for the best possible grip on wet, slippery or completely dry roads. The advanced Haldex(R) AWD system transfers power to the wheels with the best grip. When a tire loses traction, power is reduced to that wheel and instantly transferred to the more sure-footed wheels.
A six-speed Geartronic transmission that lets the driver select fully automatic operation or shift manually when desired is standard. The S80 T6 includes Advanced Quick Shift (AQS) optimization software that improves the speed of each gear change in Sport Mode by approximately 20-30 percent on second to sixth gears and as much as 50 percent faster in first to second gear change. The result is improved acceleration, making the S60 T6 AWD capable of launching from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds compared to 6.3 seconds in normal mode.
Engineered for Safety
The S80 upholds Volvo's long-standing reputation for safety. Among its accolades, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recognized S80 with its newest and highest rating for 2014, the Top Safety Pick+ award. IIHS created this award to recognize good or acceptable performance in the small overlap collision test. The S80 received the top good rating for this test.
The Top Safety Pick+ results include good performance in the small overlap front test, which replicates what happens when the front corner of a vehicle strikes another vehicle or object, such as a tree or utility pole, a very severe crash situation. In the test, 25 percent of the front end on the driver's side strikes a five-foot-high rigid barrier at 40 mph. Volvo's safety cage features a robust design with a blend of different steel qualities. The new IIHS test program confirms the exceptional crashworthiness of this patented solution.
IIHS also introduced a new test program that rates the performance of front crash-prevention systems. This evaluation is incorporated into the Institute's 2014 Top Safety Pick+ rating. According to this extended scope, the S80, which is available with City Safety and Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection, is among the car models with a 2014 Top Safety Pick+ rating.
City Safety, standard on S80, is a world-first technology that made its debut on the Volvo XC60. City Safety is a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions with a vehicle ahead occurring at speeds of 31 mph or less. It utilizes a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the S80 to help avoid a rear-end collision or lessen its impact.
Flagship Styling and Luxury
Sophisticated styling enhancements introduced last year include S80's redesigned front fascia, grille, lower front intake that stretches the full visual width of the car and LED daytime running lights. At the rear is a redesigned bumper and taillight design sporting LED graphics. For 2015, there's a wider chrome molding on the trunk lid and newly available Bright Silver Metallic paint.
Seventeen-inch "Rex" alloy wheels are standard on S80 T5 while 18-inch "Magni" alloys are standard on T6 AWD and optional on T5. Those seeking to enhance the dynamic presence and handling of T6 AWD can opt for 19-inch "Bor" diamond-cut alloy wheels. This option also includes a lowered Sport Chassis.
Inside the cabin, all S80s sport an adaptive digital TFT display instrument cluster. This electronic Thin Film Transistor (TFT) design allows drivers to select three themes for additional functionality. The Elegance theme has a traditional appearance with a large, circular speedometer flanked by secondary displays. Selecting the Eco theme alters background illumination to green to create an environmentally inspired look. The Performance theme features a red background while a tachometer replaces the speedometer and vehicle speed is displayed digitally.
A three-spoke leather steering wheel with decor inlays is standard. A heated steering wheel and heated windshield are included with the optional Climate Package. Using extremely thin gauge filaments imbedded in the windshield, the glass can be de-iced within minutes. This feature also allows quick defogging of the windshield in humid conditions.
Sensus Advances In-Car Connectivity
As a midyear 2015.5 enhancement, all S80s gain Sensus Connect featuring a wide array of new and improved in-car connectivity services including:
A Volvo unique cloud developed with Ericsson, a leader in mobile and fixed networking - Cloud-based apps including Stitcher, Pandora, Yelp, Glympse and more
Connected service booking
On-screen vehicle owner's manual
Internet browser
Connection achieved via internal modem, which includes 6-month trial service period
Improved voice control with state-of-the-art speech engine powered by Nuance
Volvo On Call is a new standard sophisticated telematics system that includes a driver-activated SOS button, automatic collision alert and GPS location tracking by emergency service operators. If an airbag or seatbelt pre-tensioner is deployed, emergency assistance is notified even if the driver is unable to press the button.
Wi-Fi Hotspot uses the standard 3G-based Volvo On Call plus the car's regular rooftop antenna giving the driver access to cloud-based Volvo services without an on-board smartphone. The driver can create a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the car so passengers can connect their smartphone, laptop or tablet to the Internet.
Every S80 receives new Sensus Navigation, with all navigation functions integrated into the car. The system is easy to use, without taking one's attention from traffic. Unlike using a smart phone as a navigation device, the navigation screen is displayed on the standard in-dash 7-inch monitor. Sensus Navigation has improved graphics including 3D imaging, improved voice recognition, new routing options and built-in apps.
Custom-Tailored Luxury
Volvo's trim level strategy lets buyers select an S80 equipped with features that meet their needs. S80 T5 Drive-E and T6 AWD are offered in Premier and Platinum trims. Platinum includes the new Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System, also available as a stand-alone option on Premier trims, with innovative Dirac Live(R) sound tuning technology, 12 premium speakers and a remarkable 650 watts.
A suite of cutting-edge driver support and safety technologies is offered in the Technology Package. Standard with the Platinum trim and available on Premier, it features Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with Full Auto Brake and Active High Beam that automatically switches the headlights to low beam when opposite traffic is detected. Road Sign Information (RSI) displays traffic speed signs for the driver on the instrument cluster based on the Forward Looking Camera (FLC). Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Queue Assist, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake (CWAB), Distance Alert (DA), Driver Alert Control (DAC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) are also included.
The new Convenience Package, standard on Platinum and available on Premier, includes a rear park assist camera, front and rear park assist, grocery bag holder and quick-fold front passenger seat.
Exclusive cabin appointments are the theme of the Inscription Package, available on all trims. Features include a leather-covered dashboard with elegant stitch work in Off-Black with Off-Black stitching or contrasting light stitching when the Sandstone interior is selected. Chestnut is another color choice for the Sovereign Hide soft leather seating. The "Inscription" brand is embroidered onto the front and rear headrests. This package also includes ventilated front seats, Inscription doorsill plates and floor mats and a leather center armrest cover.
2014 Safety Awards:
- Top Safety Pick+ honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety