Test drive Volvo S80 2003 - 2006 sedan
Catching up
Driver's Car fashion captured everyone. Therefore, the leaders of this direction have to move further. It is not difficult to make sure that compare the new BMW 5-ER and the modernized Volvo S80. I have never had to deal with a couple of cars, which is so suitable for comparison with women. These two representatives of the middle class are defined as Driver's Car. However, in addition to this, the belonging of both brands to the segment called Premium Brands, the machines are as different as it is generally possible. So two ladies with good education and from good families can dress in different boutiques, and organize business in their own way, and completely differ in approaches to personal life ...
At the catwalk. Having taken a new novelty of this summer to the BMW 530i partners - Volvo S80, we understood that many results of comparison are quite predictable. Bavarka is a completely new model, and the Swede is after modernization, and except that the owners of the previous version recognize the novelty in this machine. In the attractiveness of the new BMW, we had to make sure in the first few minutes of communication with her. Near the parking lot, where we met with a photographer, a three -ladder stopped, the driver of which went to admire the new car. And the first thing he noted was the five looks rather compact. We did not have to hear other comments from a potential buyer. It seems that the car seemed so original to him that it was difficult to form his opinion in a few minutes.
In fact, everything is exactly the opposite: the dimensions of the five grew in almost all directions. Just the features of the new design - gentle hood and trunk plus a characteristic shape of the latter - the size conceals. By the way, if the previous generation of the fifth series, E39, was slightly smaller than the S80, then the new is already surpassing it, although not much. The new Volvo differs from its predecessor quite seriously - both the front and the back are completely processed. However, these changes, as in a business suit, are so neatly inscribed in the general style that they are not striking in the eyes. BMW practically the same came with the previous generations of the five: compare E39 with E34, which she replaced in 1996 and will see a complete similarity of character and concept. Do not blame the Swedes in conservatism: Volvo conducted a revolutionary transformation of its model row several years ago and S80 is one of the results of this cool turn. At the same time, we can say that Volvo was moving just in the direction of BMW, that is, she sought to make her cars with fun at the wheel. It seems that it was the aspiration in the same direction of many other brands that prompted the Bavarians to try to go into the gap. And in the end, the new Bavarka impress the unique Haute Couture collection against the background of the Pret-A-Porter models for years. It is worth it, however, keeping in mind that the best fate for shocking ideas from the catwalk is to be realized in a store that is quite familiar to the general public.
Here we will put a closet. The difference is equally noticeable in interiors. The five is made in an acute -shaking style literally, since the shape of many panels are formed by clear modern surfaces with pronounced ribs. Nothing dangerous, of course, but the overall impression is about the same as from the abundance of diamonds in modern frames. A relatively low landing and the covering shape of the panel with a powerful console cause vague memories of comparing the behavior of women of various nationalities first joint morning - namely, about the Russian that wakes up a push on the shoulder and reports that we will put the cabinet on this corner. Or just a boss, which fairly, but rigidly determines the circle of rights and obligations of its subordinates.
In contrast, the almost classic Volvo salon is especially perceived. The neat instrument panel is located relatively low, the armrest with a roomy box does not fall into the field of view, and therefore the landing seems a little calmer. If you recall the same joke, then the association will be the closest to the Frenchwoman that leaves the note: call me if you want to meet again. However, this pleasant unobtrusiveness has its disadvantages. For example, a too large and slightly hollow steering wheel or a somewhat primitive set of chair adjustments. BMW, however, has a sports seat that allows even the width of the back, it is a standard only on the Dynamic version.
The Swede definitely wins from the point of view of the rear passengers. The visual sensation of the spaciousness is fully consistent with reality, in addition, it is possible to fold the back in parts. Plus a children's armchair built into the armrest. I really liked the headrests: by pressing the console key, they are added to improve visibility. At the same time, they lean forward, so that sitting passengers will be forced to raise them - reasonable security care. The rear seat of the BMW has become more spacious compared to the predecessor, but it is quite difficult to evaluate this at first glance because of the high window sill line. And the almost vertical position of the back somewhat limits the freedom of choice of posture. A fairly powerful armrest on the reverse side has a container for small things and cup holders - suitable for a car, which in the classroom is just suitable for the role of official.
Sophisticated nature. A bright personality is about BMW. In order for this model to become the most noticeable star in the automobile sky at least this year, there is enough design. However, the case is not limited to them. The most powerful impression is left with active steering. This is when, in the parking lot for turning the wheels from the stop to the stops, less than two speeds of the steering wheel, and when moving, the transfer number decreases, and this is already needed for three revolutions. Moreover, the electronics of active steering can perform the Dynamic Stability Control commands and, if necessary, slightly change the angle of rotation of the wheels to maintain stability of movement. At the same time, as the standards require, the direct mechanical connection of the steering wheel with the steering mechanism is preserved, so even with an unlikely refusal of electronics and hydraulics, the driver remains control over the machine.
Volvo here looks noticeably more modest. As, however, all other competitors: BMW’s active steering wheel was seriously introduced in the world. But still, the Swedes would not hurt to configure the steering a little more further, since the rest of the S80 is quite at the level, even without an active Four-C suspension. Perhaps she sways a little more when passing smooth vertical bends of the road, but this is not such a noticeable drawback. If Volvo must be brought, then you should adhere to reasonable limits: the feedback on the BMW is so good that even on not too deep ruts, rolled over the summer on the asphalt, for example, the Moscow Ring Road, the steering wheel is noticeably twitched, which at least 100 km at least 100 km /h can deliver the driver not the most pleasant sensations. 
The creators of both machines are quite consistent. The completely aluminum chassis of the new five equally honestly works out all the irregularities than its steering wheel. Be prepared for the fact that with the help of this car you will learn about the existence of absolutely all the cracks, hatches and simply irregularities on the roads, which for many years considered almost ideal, and speedbracks will have to drive at a speed of half the required 20 km/h. Undoubtedly, this is not too much fee for stability and ideal behavior at high speed, but the previous five could serve as the standard of combination of comfort and handling. However, BMW considered it necessary to make the most driver in the class of E. Volvo limited herself to achieved, and for Russian conditions such a compromise looks more appropriate. Text Valery Chusov, photo Alexey Ilyin
Model/Modification BMW 530i Dynamic Volvo S80 2.5T
Manufacturer/country BMW AG/Germany Volvo Car Corporation/Sweden
Number of doors/places 4/5 4/5
ENGINE
Type/number/location of gasoline cylinders/6/in -line gasoline with turbocharged/5/in -line
Working volume (cubic meter) 2979 2435
Power (kW (L.S.) at about./Min.) 170 (231) at 5900 147 (200) at 6000
Moment (Nm at about./Min.) 300 at 3500 285 at 1800-5000
TRANSMISSION
The rear front drive
Automatic gearbox 6-speed automatic 5-speed
Brakes, safety
Front/rear ventilated disk/ventilated ventilated disk/disk
Assisting electronic systems DCS (includes ABS, PBS), DTC, emergency braking system ABS, DCTS stabilization system, emergency braking system
Safety pillows 8 8
Dimensions/mass
Length/width/height (mm) 4841/1846/1468 4822/1832/1434
Wheel base/clearance (mm) 2888/no data 2791/148
Tires 255/55 R16 255/55 R16
Massage of equipped/complete (kg) 1570/2055 1465/2140
The volume of the fuel tank (L) 70 70
Maximum speed (km/h) 250 210
Acceleration to 100 km/h (sec.) 6.9 8.5
Fuel consumption (city/highway, l/100 km) 14.1/7.0 14.8/7.6
Price in Moscow $ 79,700 from $ 41,900
Source: "Autopilot"
