First look: Volvo's next-gen S80 flagship surfaces

A HIGH-PERFORMANCE V8 model will be the headline act for Volvo’s new-generation S80 luxury sedan – the first pictures of which were released this week – when it goes on sale in Australia later this year.

A 150kW/320Nm 2.5T and possibly a new 175kW/320Nm 3.2-litre in-line six-cylinder model will join the new V8, which develops 235kW/440Nm and will be mated to a new six-speed automatic and Volvo’s all-wheel drive system as seen in the XC70 and XC90.

Prices and specifications are yet to be finalised, however, the S80 range is expected to start from around $100,000.

The V8 is essentially a development of the same Yamaha-inspired 4.4-litre eight used in the North American XC90 V8 model and represents a significant lift in power and torque over the superseded car’s 200kW/380Nm 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged six.

Volvo also claims the V8 is one of the cleanest bent-eight engines available, with four catalytic converters and advanced emission electronics.

To make its world debut at the Geneva motor show launch later this month, the newcomer adopts an evolutionary approach to styling, a "floating" centre console from the S40 and has several new safety features.

The latter include a unique Personal Car Communicator (PCC) and several active safety systems – collision warning and brake assist system – with adaptive cruise control, active high-intensity headlights and a patented safety body structure.

The PCC is basically a keyless entry fob with a world-first innovation of incorporating intelligent technology to remotely check if the car is locked or not or alert the owner if the alarm has been activated. The system also incorporates a heartbeat sensor to warn if there is anyone in the car.

The collision warning system alerts the driver, via a heads-up warning display and audible buzzer, if the gap to the car in front closes so fast that a collision is likely.

Volvo Cars chief executive officer Frederik Arp said the company expected to sell 50,000 S80s annually around the world with the main market being the United States. He also predicted that about 70 per cent of customers would be new to the brand.

"The all-new S80 is about evolutionary design," said Volvo Cars design director, Steve Mattin. "All the shapes and materials represent a continuous development of our design language.

"On the outside we have given the S80 a more compact and dynamic stance.

"Inside, we have created an even more inviting atmosphere with refined materials and colours that blend smoothly with smart, user-friendly technology."