Test drive Volvo S80 2006 - 2008 sedan

For a driver or for a passenger?

The end of the fall of 2006 was marked by the entry into the market of two serious representatives of the automobile business class. We hastened to reduce them in a comparative test.
 
So, on the one hand, there is a powerful Volvo attempt to squeeze, finally, into the prestigious segment of the car market. The Swedes with this car finally left the image of the manufacturer of boring, but safe suitcases. The second generation of the S80 in all respects can be considered a representative of an expensive business class. The sedan has excellent external data and, according to the strict laws of the genre, a powerful V8 with a volume of 4.5 liters and a power of 300 hp.
On the other hand, an equally interesting competitor. The Infiniti M45 arrived from the Ocean clearly demonstrates the current technical potential of Nissan. From him you should not expect typical habits of the American. Looking ahead, I will say that the M45 is not afraid of comparisons even with the top versions of German grads.
Will it not turn out that the Swedish beginner, the path even with the V8 and all-wheel drive, will be for the Japanese just sparring partner for warm-up? Or will Volvo still show its Swedish teeth?
 
In assessing the appearance of the test participants, there cannot be a victorious and loser. S80 has a light, verified European design. The car is proportional and finished, no matter what side. The profile is dynamic. At the same time, Volvo clan features. But they are presented with some special sophistication, not like before. A special chic of appearance gives the color of a white metallic with a pearl tint, I remember that the exhibition maybach at the car dealership in Paris was a similar colorer. Fashionable appearance.
Infiniti radiates a different mood. A gloomy facial expression on each side of the triple sight of the round headlights. A huge grille of the radiator, like a rally mouth. Infiniti is 9 mm longer than the opponent, but the winning in the base of 75 mm in favor of the Japanese. Perhaps that is why it seems that he is significantly larger than his opponent. Heavy feed M45 also works for this.
The view from the back also demonstrates the difference in the design approach. The Swede is visually easier, the headlights are elegant. Infiniti is filled to the impossibility. Huge trunk, giant flashlights, but how spectacular the picture is when the overall lights are included! Inside on each side two red rounds light up, composed of LEDs. You immediately remember that the New Year is coming soon. The appearance of the S80 is complemented by the modest flattened nozzles of the exhaust system located on the sides. Infiniti exhaust reminded me of the BMW M5 two barrels for each row of cylinders. Sports!
 
Strange, but Volvo has a louder sound. In idle, this uterine low -frequency rumble, with an increase in revolutions, the sound becomes assertive, and in the end the rolling roar blocks the song of the motor. M45 Tikhona. The engine pleases with a juicy muffled baritone, and the release does not try to shout it.
One of the requirements of the class is the presence of a system of non -clock access. In the M45, to unlock the doors, you must click on a small button on the handle. Only after that does the system consider the signal from the chip key and open the doors. On Volvo, just grab the handle and pull on yourself.
Both cars from the button are starting. In the S80, the key can be inserted into the groove on the front panel of the electric drives are pulled inside. Technological. In Infiniti, there is nowhere to insert the key. But the chair and steering wheel are helpful each time, simplifying the entrance and output.
 
In the Volvo salon, a feeling of spaciousness reigns and without difficulty the ease of being carried out. The decoration used light materials, and only the top of the front panel is made of black plastic. This at first glance pleasant elastic material was, to my surprise, completely tough. A new word in the design of business class, non-conformism in Swedish? But it looks five points. One bad floor and light rugs are quickly polluted. Especially in the conditions of the Moscow winter.
In the S80, as in the S40, the know-how of the company's interior is used in the air of the central console. However, it soars is not as defiant as that of a younger relative. The keys are accepted neatly in the center of the console, the reception is unusual. True, the buttons are shallow the first time you won’t get where you need. But there can be no complaints about the style of complaints.
In Infiniti, the front panel with a massive protrusion in the center visually divides the interior in front into two parts. Planting is lower than on Volvo, the atmosphere is more driver. On the bizarre bending of the torpedo is the control unit of a multimedia system with a colored display at the top. Vovlo has such a colorful option only in her small information screens inside the devices and a monochrome screen on the central console.
 
The control of the multimedia system in Infiniti is not complicated, but peculiar. For example, actions in the menu (selection of any option in the menu or exit) are duplicated. You can twist the control puck, press the keys around it or in the center, or even completely cost the switches on the steering wheel. Frankly, at first it confused me. The Japanese were overdoed. The menu itself is simple, but the animation prompted a seditious comparison with the Nissan brand. Yes, and the devices illuminated by the red, the devices (which are beautifully located in separate wells) seemed risen almost like on cheaper models of a Japanese company. But the Volvo tidy is impeccable short arrows run along the metal -finished dials with hungry white numbers and risks. But the chairs, in my opinion, are better in Infiniti, you sit deeper, the fixation is more reliable. The S80 seats are also good, but here he loses to the opponent, especially with regard to lateral support.
Traditionally, for the US market focused on the US market, M45 has a parking brake as a scabble. In the S80, a modern electromechanical design was used. The trunks of both cars are quite large, but in Infiniti, the loading height is slightly lower, and under the floor is a full -size reserve, while Volvo has a dock.
Mindful that the Swedish sedan is inferior to the opponent in terms of the length of the wheeled base, it is logical to assume that the S80 will be closer behind. I take a place for myself. In Volvo, my legs rested on the back of the front seat, and in order to take a convenient landing, it should be moved five centimeters ahead. So that the ceiling does not hang over his head, a tall person will have to slide down a little. However, in Infiniti with the ceiling is the same situation. But the stock for the legs is more. Well, if you move the front passenger a little more, then it will completely become free.
 
Both cars are not able to please with additional amenities of the rear passengers. In the M45 there are explosions in the center, ashtray, two cup holders and boxing in the armrest. In Volvo plus, there is heating of seats and access to passengers. But in the Japanese car, the front seats are equipped with ventilation, which S80 has no.
In the duel of power units, the winner should be recognized as Infiniti. With a similar volume, it is more powerful than the competitor, and the torque is greater. It would seem that the advantage of 34 nonsense forces, when it is about engines with a capacity of about 300 hp. However, the difference is felt. Even with a 5-speed M45 automatic machine, it puts the opponent on the shoulder blades when accelerated. And according to the passport and in fact. But this is if under the wheels of dry asphalt. On slippery coatings, the Swede trump card is played by all-wheel drive, which the Japanese sedan is deprived of the top version.
I must say that the response to pressing the accelerator in Infiniti is more clear, sharp. The volvo fuel supply drive is dotted. Despite its six steps, the S80 machine gun is calmer than on the M45. The programs are switched, although fast enough, but still with a small plug. Including down. It can be seen that the control electronics Infiniti is configured to a hotter driver. And this is still mildly said, she spurks a quick ride and sometimes even a little overtakes her activities! It is worth crushing the pedal a little stronger, as the machine immediately encourages a reduced gear, this is quite enough for a jerk. I completely recess the accelerator of the box jumps even lower, forcing the engine how to howl at increased speeds. Hot! Vovlo on the accelerator pedal has an easily perceived step by effort, if it is squeezed out, the motor will spin almost to the limiter in each gear, if not, the acceleration rate will not be maximum.
 
S80 boasts a proprietary suspension with variable rigidity. The choice of three modes is soft Comfort, intermediate Sport and hard Advanced. Infiniti M45 in the Sport version does not have such an option, but it has a specially configured suspension in its asset. And I liked it more.
Volvo behaves correctly and reliably well goes in a straight line, clearly performs rebuilding and can quickly bury into the turn. However, crossing the Infiniti, I immediately realized which car from this couple could claim the proud title of Drivers Car.
However, a business class is a pleasure not only from driving, but also from moving as a passenger in the back seat. In the smoothness of the progress of the palm belongs to the Swedish sedan. If you choose the soft operating mode of the suspension and sit at the back, we get a wins in comfort more the tough running part of the opponent (even when compared with the Volvo sports regime) tells the riders more vertically directed impulses and transfers more detailed information about the road microprofile. But if you like to drive a car and understand the whole charm of the combination of words the rear -wheel drive, a configured suspension, V8, you better be at the wheel of Infiniti.
 
Suspension M45 is elastic. Let it be a little tough, but how deliciously it passes irregularities. And if the speed grows, then the chassis ceases to notice the bad road, simply flying over the flaws. And the high -speed line M45 holds much better, and is rebuilt more clearly. In general, complete understanding with the car!
The chassis of Volvo is also quite good at breaking up with bumps and bumps, but it works more noisy. And in the sports mode, smoothness suffers. It is not surprising, because in this case, not only the stiffness of shock absorber racks increases, but the suspension working course decreases. The M45 steering wheel is longer from the stop to the stop exactly three turns, while the S80 steering wheel is 2.5. In motion, however, a Japanese car has more acute reactions. Yes, and to the touch, his steering wheel is more pleasant to be perforated with perforated skin (like a small automatic transmission selector), the Volvo wheel is half wooden.
 
Sitting in Infiniti, I immediately felt this car. Management reminded me of the glorious products of the Bavarian automaker. The rear -wheel drive, an elastic powerful steep engine, a clearly operating machine is pleasure! The information of the steering wheel at the height of eh, it would be a little shorter! The Volvo can adjust the efficiency of the hydraulic power steering, but the same transparency cannot be achieved, even if the steering wheel is weighed. The suspension work is not as verified as that of a competitor.
Insufficient rotation, as expected, is more expressed in S80. I was pleased, however, that when adding gas in the bend, more than the moment is transmitted to the rear axle, and if you roll into the turn, having previously loaded the front wheels, the help of traction on the rear will be noticeable. Traditionally, VOLVO everywhere manifests the safety of riders. To a much greater extent than in Infiniti M45. For example, if you do not fasten, the Swedish machine will drip on the brain with unpleasant sound signals, and the Japanese will only highlight a small not fastened icon on the dashboard. Further, the more S80 has a warning system on board with a dangerous rapprochement with a walking car. The machine warns the driver with flashes of red bulbs in the left side of the front panel and a sound signal. The system wakes up, for example, with active maneuvering in the stream, if the distance to the neighbors is enough. For a long time I did not understand why, in fact, all this was needed. I did not understand until once I gazed in front of a lying policeman, following a slow car. The alarm signal returned me to reality, I pressed the brake in time and, perhaps, so I escaped trouble.
 
Of course, you can not discount the difference in rubber. If the Japanese flaunted on the dough on fast driving tires without spikes Dunlop Wintersport M3 (245/40 R19), the Swede was shod in the Scandinavian tires Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4 with spikes (245/40 R18). Of course, on dry asphalt, rubber of this type causes tangible damage to controllability.
Infiniti stability and luxurious reactions in corners and during rebuilding are also explained by the presence of a unique rear wheels steering system, which is available only for the M45 Sport version. Active steering (Rear Active Steer) is carried out by a re -mechanism with an electric motor and analogues in the classroom. The device itself is installed on the back of the subframe, it moves the hinges of the lower rear levers. The angle of rotation is 1 degree. Depending on the speed and angle of rotation of the steering wheel, the system itself calculates when and how to trust the rear wheels. At the entrance to the turn, they turn into the opposite relative to the front, and when rebuilt to the same.
In truth, it was not possible to feel any obvious steering. However, it is good, because the class of any auxiliary system can be evaluated by the invisibility of its work. The machine clearly prescribes the laid trajectory, and if you try to trust it inside the turn, it will do it without delay. The reactions to the discharge of gas are quite calm. But in sliding with an overdose of traction, the M45 breaks easily. However, a sufficiently quick corrective movement of the steering wheel so that the sedan stabilizes.
It turns out that Infiniti M45 leaves the opponent behind. The car rides better, it is more spacious inside it. However, Volvo may seem more preferred to someone. He has all -wheel drive, a more modern and stylish interior. The choice is difficult in the fact that cars are offered at similar prices. I personally prefer cars with character that can bring pleasure from driving, hence the choice of the winner in a comparative test.
Infiniti M45 prices and configurations
Infiniti M45 is sold with a motor of 3.5 l (280 hp) or 4.5 l (339 hp). The gearbox is only automatic five -speed. There are three sets: Premium (from $ 64 900), Elite (from $ 66 100), Sport (from $ 79,900). The car is rear -wheel drive, however, in the trim levels Premium and Elite, you can order a car with all -wheel drive (plus $ 3000).
The car in the Premium configuration is equipped with only a 3.5-liter engine. It includes the front and lateral airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, VDC, TCS, a full electric package, a leather interior with aluminum inserts and wood finishes, front seats with electric regulations (driver’s driver’s driver) and ventilation, an on-board computer, a two-zone climate climate Control, cruise control, Bose audio system with a CD changer, xenon headlights, rear view chamber, hatch, 18-inch alloy wheels.
In the Elite configuration, electric drive and heating the rear seats, control of the audio system and climate control for the rear passengers, the rear curtain with electric drive are added. In this configuration, a 4.5 l motor is available (plus $ 12,800). Only a 4.5-liter motor, sports suspension, sports front seats and steering wheel, aluminum pedals, 19-inch alloy wheels, and the rear-wheel wheel sealing system are installed on the car in the SPORT configuration. The salon is finished with aluminum and rosewood.
VOLVO S80 prices and configurations
The most inexpensive version of the S80 T5 (from $ 45 900) is equipped with a 2.5 liter engine (200 hp) and a 6-speed manual transmission. A machine is offered for an additional payment. A more powerful version with a 3.2 liter engine (238 hp) (from $ 57 900) has a 6-speed automatic transmission in the database. You can order all -wheel drive to this motor. The most expensive version with V8 (315 hp) is already in the basic version is equipped with an automaton and all -wheel drive and costs from $ 74,900.
The standard package of the car includes airbags of the driver and passenger, ABS, on-board computer, climate control, audio system with CD and 6 speakers, driver’s seats electric drive, Manganite interior. The basic equipment of the version with the V8 is supplemented by an improved audio system, an electric passenger seat, heated rear seats, bi-xenon headlights. As additional options, the Keyless Entry system, BLIS system, pre -heater, Bluetooth, various options for decoration of the cabin and much more are offered.
Leonty Tyutelev

Source: Motor magazine [December 2006]