The new Chicago S80 Volvo model is out and there is plenty to say about it, especially after getting the chance to test drive one!  I love test drives and the hands on feedback that comes back to our loyal readers!

One area that really impressed me was the interior.  Like the Chicago S60, the time spent in the drivers seat was oh-so comfortable.  The car has plenty of leg and head room.  The test drive confirmed my wondering if this S80 would be good enough for my long trip to Texas.  Also, the gauges on this car were pretty user-friendly, as they are diagram-based buttons.

The engine options in the Chicago S80 include a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder making 235 horsepower, the 3.0-liter T6 turbocharged six-cylinder engine, and the a powerful V8 with 311 HP.  I drove a model with the base engine, and I felt that it drove pretty well.  I wouldn’t say it packs a punch like a more sporty Jag or BMW, but I don’t believe that’s its intent.  A few other highlights of my drive were the excellent brakes, and the overall competent handling of the car.

Like the Chicago S60, the new S80 has great safety features.  Safety is an area that Volvo feels very strongly about, and that is a good thing!  Volvo S80 has what’s called a Collision Warning System.  When the car senses that a crash is very close, it gets the brakes working!

Also, the Personal Car Communicator (PCC) is a safety feature that no other auto can rival at this time.  The PCC uses a small light on the keypad to tell you what state the car is in.  If it is locked or unlocked, a light will flash.  If the alarm goes off, the system goes to work to see if there’s a human heartbeat in the car, and then it warns you from a distance.  This is simply amazing that this can be done to keep you safe, especially if you are walking to your car alone, late at night!

The Chicago S80 was a treat to drive.  I would definitely consider driving one.  Would you?