The Volvo S80 will set a new standard when it comes to driving, ride and sound comfort. This is a car that people will drive with delight and travel in as passengers with pleasure — factors which are absolutely vital in order to compete in this segment.

"The basis of top-class ride comfort is a basic design with a very stiff body, the correct wheel size and a well-insulated chassis system," says Hans Wikman, project manager for the S80. "Our commitment to comfort is a prerequisite in order to compete in this segment."

• The GSM phone, an option in the Volvo S80, is fully integrated into the driver's area. There are number of control buttons on the steering wheel and on the centre console. The microphone is built into the interior rearview mirror. For private conversations, there is a handset which is built into the centre armrest and is easily accessible from both the front and rear seats.
• The new climate unit has far higher capacity when it comes to both cooling and heating. The distribution of air has been modified to include an air vent in the pillars between the front and rear seats. This considerably improves the climate in the rear seat in summer and winter alike.
• In addition to the phone buttons, the adjustable steering wheel also features integrated buttons for cruise control and the audio unit.
• The interior rearview mirror has an electro-chromatic function which automatically filters the light from the headlights of cars behind to minimise glare without the need for adjustment.
• The rear seat is very roomy and is designed to give three passengers safe and enjoyable comfort.
• The rear head restraints can be folded forwards by pressing a dash mounted button, in order to improve the driver's rear visibility. This means that Volvo's head restraints, unlike the traditional type which fold backwards, cannot be left unused on the rear window ledge when there are passengers on the rear seat. It is not possible to sit comfortably on the rear seat with the head restraints folded forwards.
• The top-class audio system is available in a number of levels including a sophisticated Dolby Pro Logic Surround audio system with 4 x 50 W amplifier.