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pushes the Scandinavian design thing even harder
Automobile Magazine »
offers all the flavor of Wasa crispbread, which is like eating particle board
Car and Driver »
a curvier, sleeker appearance with a slightly sportier profile, yet still an unmistakably Volvo design
Cars.com »
The general interior design...is one of the most refined we've seen. In good luxury style, it is muted, with nothing in particular calling attention to itself.
CNET »
well-crafted, modern-styled luxury sedan
AutoWeek »
STYLING | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
pushes the Scandinavian design thing even harder
Automobile Magazine
offers all the flavor of Wasa crispbread, which is like eating particle board
Car and Driver
a curvier, sleeker appearance with a slightly sportier profile, yet still an unmistakably Volvo design
Cars.com
The general interior design...is one of the most refined we've seen. In good luxury style, it is muted, with nothing in particular calling attention to itself.
CNET
well-crafted, modern-styled luxury sedan
AutoWeek
Volvo might have a number of vehicles that are especially dynamic, design-wise, but the S80 isn't one of them; it's simply quite conservative-looking from the outside. A new grille, some chrome accents, and a more visible dual exhaust helped sharpen the S80's appearance last year, but relative to other luxury sedans its profile and outside details are rather unremarkable.
The S80 feels more overtly stylish inside, where there's a version of Volvo's 'floating' center stack at its best; that's a thin center stack that resembles a high-end audio system, including extra storage just behind for smaller items. Materials are top-notch, and have been up to the caliber of traditional luxury cars in recent year, including chrome trims and real wood—with new silk-metal inlays and door-panel stitching added last year—and they bring a nice contrast to an interior design that's fundamentally a bit stark and Scandinavian.
For 2010, the S80 gets other minor changes inside, including silk-metal inlays and new door panel stitching.
Conclusion
The exterior of the 2011 Volvo S80 is a bit cold and conservative, but inside there's a lot to warm up to.