The 2013 Volvo S80 is the flagship sedan for the Volvo line of cars, and as such, it’s at the forefront of design and technology for the manufacturer. In fact, the 2013 Volvo S80 takes the stable, boxy design that Volvo is known for and makes it curvier, while maintaining a conservative and elegant feel. The four-door sedan seats up to five passengers in comfort in this full-size sedan.
There are two models of the 2013 Volvo S80, and each is fitted with a different engine. The 2013 Volvo S80 3.2 is equipped with a 3.2-liter, six-cylinder engine, while the T6 model comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine. The 3.2 model comes with front-wheel drive only, while the T6 can be equipped with all-wheel drive as an option.
New For 2013
The launch of the 2013 Volvo S80 sees a sedan that is relatively unchanged from the 2012 model. Features that have been added include:
- Headlight washers, a push-button start, and rain-sensing windshield wipers are now standard for both models
- Adaptive xenon high-intensity headlights are included with the Premium Plus package
Exterior
The designers of the 2013 Volvo S80 intended to create something that is intelligent and elegant, while being accessible and not elitist. In their minds, prestige should be attainable by all, and by shaking the boxy reputation of Volvo cars, the curvier 2013 Volvo S80 aims for this ideal. The 2013 Volvo S80 has a sleeker profile with rounded edges, giving it a much sportier look, while still being recognizable as a Volvo. Some may feel that it still looks dated from some angles, and it is definitely more conservative than the sporty Volvo S60, but overall, it is an attractive looking sedan. Seventeen- and 18-inch alloy wheels are available for both the 3.2 and T6 models.
Interior & Cargo
The interior of the 2013 Volvo S80 can definitely not be called old-fashioned. The use of contrasting materials and the unique Volvo center stack launch the style of the interior into the future. The thin metal panel of the center stack is the home of the audio system, and appears to float ahead of the extra storage space found behind it. The luxurious feeling of being in a high-end vehicle is enhanced through the use of real wood trim and a steering wheel with wood accents.
The 2013 Volvo S80 seats up to five passengers in some of the most comfortable seats found in any vehicles on the road today. Leather upholstery and bolstered and contoured seats ensure that passengers of almost any shape and size will be comfortable. The rear seats are made up of a 60/40-split bench that will seat two adults comfortably, but three will find it crowded.
Standard features included in the 2013 Volvo S80 models are an all-leather interior, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter, and brake handle; Bluetooth connectivity; and a high-end audio system equipped with satellite radio and a USB/iPod input port.
Safety
Volvo prides itself on creating safe cars. As such, the 2013 Volvo S80 is chock full of standard safety features, including front-side impact and full-length side-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability and traction control, and an accident avoidance system. Optional safety features include a blind-spot warning system, adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system, a distance alert, and a pedestrian-detection warning system equipped with full braking power.
Driving Experience
The 2013 Volvo S80 comes equipped with either a 3.2-liter, six-cylinder engine that provides 240 horsepower (hp), or a turbocharged 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine that produces 300 hp. The sole transmission is a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, which allows manual shifting. The models equipped with the 3.2-liter engine come with a front-wheel-drive configuration only, while the turbocharged T6 models come with all-wheel drive.
The engine choice will come down to how the driver likes to drive. The powerful T6 engine means that the 2013 Volvo S80 is fast, but the size and weight of the sedan, coupled with the less responsive steering and all-wheel drive, mean that handling is not as sharp as it could be. This model is great on the highway and travelling at speed, but for those who are looking for a car for around town, the smaller engine and front-wheel drive will probably be the better option, as it feels a lot more nimble than the T6.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Volvo S80
- 2013 Lexus GS350
- 2013 Lincoln MKS
- 2013 Cadillac XTS
- 2013 BMW 5-Series
- 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class