New car news

17 January 2007 - 16:00

Slap of luxury

Volvo must have uncovered a cupboard-full of spare parts during its new year clean-out - and they're being put to good use.

Hot on the heels of the V70's makeover, the S80 is the latest model to get a bells 'n' whistles upgrade.

The soporific barge is to be made available in 'Executive' guise, which means the BMW 5-Series rival gets all the shiniest bits found during that parts-bin rummage.

The top-of-the-range model gets a smart set of 18-inch alloys, the dreaded walnut inlays, a fresh sound system and a whole bunch of new badges. There's even a fridge in the rear, although there's no word on whether it dispenses chilled water and crushed ice.

Three engine options are available for the S80 Executive. Volvo's tried-and-tested D5 diesel is the most economical in the range: the five-cylinder 2.4-litre lump returns 44mpg and dispatches 0-60mph in eight seconds.

The petrol options are thankfully more lively, with a 3.2-litre V6 and 4.4-litre V8 promising to raise the pulse to almost conscious levels. Available in all-wheel drive, the V8 will reach 60mph in six seconds but return a thirsty 24mpg.

All the engines channel their power to the road through six-speed Geartronic transmission.