REMEMBER the Volvo S80? It would be no surprise if you didn’t, because sales have dwindled somewhat since the top-shelf model was launched here six years ago. Now there’s a facelifted model at the same – some would say – inflated price but with a promising optional suspension system and a subtle but cleaner front-end design. Typically Volvo, the S80 is very nicely styled inside and out, well equipped and generally flawless in terms of finish, while riding along at the cutting edge of passive safety. The car comes close to being a viable contender in the intermediate luxury category, but does it come close enough?

Volvo S80 sedan
Released: May 1998
Ended: November 2003
Family Tree: S80VOLVO launched the original S80 sedan in May, 1998, both in naturally aspirated 2.9-litre six-cylinder guise (150kW/280Nm for an introductory $83,950) and in twin-turbocharged T6 form with a 2.8-litre 200kW/380Nm engine for $94,950. A 2.9 SE was added in July, 1999, as was a T6 SE which pushed close to a six-figure pricetag. Slow sales have seen the facelifted S80 range rationalised, the updated model launched in November, 2003, only as a single T6 variant.
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