2012 Volvo S80 Vehicle Preview

Posted By: Park Place Volvo - 2011-06-20

The Volvo S80 is known for its long-standing safety credentials and unique Scandinavian take on luxury. For 2012, the Volvo S80 gains more standard equipment across the board, enhancing the luxury, technology and safety outfitting mix that can only be found in a Volvo. All 2012 S80s carry plenty of equipment, from the S80 3.2 up to the turbocharged S80 T6. Classic Walnut wood inlays adorn the handsomely-designed cabin with its signature “floating” center control stack, which is redesigned for the 2012 model year with a new shape and more surface area to show off the handsome wood inlays. Lights are now integrated behind the central controls to lend an inviting feeling with indirect lighting that can be adjusted in intensity. The backlighting makes this standout feature more prominent, as well, helping underscore one of the unique traits that Volvo vehicles share across all models. In that control stack are controls for a 160-watt high performance multimedia audio system that sends sound from CD, USB or iPod sources through eight speakers. DVD video playback and MP3 capability are also part of this system’s bag of tricks. Bluetooth audio streaming also means that wires are no longer necessary to listen to music from your device, and using a smartphone, the S80s audio system can seamlessly play back playlists from Pandora or Grooveshark.

Volvo Sensus, an onboard operating system that includes information, navigation and user-adjustable vehicle settings is standard on all 2012 S80 models, and the upper instrument panel is re-shaped to accommodate the generously-sized seven-inch LCD monitor. Silk Metal and chrome accents throughout the interior are tasteful accents that look and feel rich in a distinctly Volvo way. Buyers looking for even more exclusivity in a Volvo S80 can opt for the S80 Inscription, which is offered across the model range. With the Inscription option, Sovereign Hide swathes the seats with sumptuousness and unique colors like Espresso Brown with Soft Beige stitching or Toscana Tan. The top console is also upholstered in this fine leather, and the gearshift and steering wheel are accented with Classic Walnut veneer. Inscription buyers also get the comfort of ventilated front seats and the package is further distinguished by “Inscription” branding embroidered into the headrests and on the aluminum kick plates, visible when you open the door. The Inscription package is a way for buyers to really put a personal stamp on their S80 using the finest materials and craftsmanship Volvo has to offer. Safety is a standard feather in the S80s cap with the revolutionary City Safety system keeping an eye out for impending collisions and stopping them before they can occur. City Safety uses detection technology that’s always alert, even when you’re not, and it can fully avoid, or at the very least mitigate common rear-ending accidents that occur in urban traffic. The S80s Adaptive Cruise Control system, which maintains a consistent following distance when on the highway, has also been upgraded with Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake and Queue Assist, which takes the stress out of stop-and-go crawling. The other side of the Volvo S80s personality is solid performance, and that’s what’s served up by the powerful 3.2 liter inline six cylinder and incredibly strong T6 turbocharged engine. With these two engines to choose from, buyers can find the ideal mix of fun and frugality. The S80s rigid structure is up to the challenge of delivering either engine’s power to the road. S80 3.2 models wear new 17” REGOR alloy wheels, with T6s carrying 18” MAGNI swept-spoke alloys. Both are sure-footed when the asphalt twists and turns, and the Dynamic Sport Chassis enhances the S80s capabilities even more by lowering and stiffening the suspension.

The 2012 Volvo S80 is the latest evolution of this unique brand’s interpretation of the big luxury sedan. The mix of safety, opulence and sport that’s available in the S80 is unique in the automotive world, and it’s wrapped in an equally-individual handsome body that’s easily recognized as a Volvo. The opportunity buyers have to express their individuality starts with the choice of brand, and the S80s flexible option list extends it even further, allowing you to get exactly what you want in a car. To learn more about the S80, come visit us at Park Place Volvo.