Volvo S80 Gets Subtle Update for 2004

While Exterior Mods are Slight, the Chassis Surprises

The S80, Volvos flagship sedan that revolutionized the direction of the entire brand when it was introduced in 1998 as a 1999 model, has been mildly updated for 2004.

But why mess with a great thing? Rather than reinvent the largest Volvo, the Swedish company has rounded its nose, added a more assertive egg-crate grille, incorporated LED technology to its slightly smaller taillights, reworked the rear end styling and splashed a little chrome to the door handles. You really need to be a Volvo enthusiast or current S80 owner to notice.

Inside the changes are slightly more evident, again only to an S80 owner, with a new chronograph-style instrument cluster, updated door panels and new interior colors.

But it wont be until carving up the corners that an S80 owner would truly notice a major difference, due to the addition of the brands Four-C chassis technology. Unlike conventional electronically adjustable shocks, common among premium cars, Volvos system pulls information in from a variety of sensors reading vehicle speed, braking force, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, suspension activity, engine torque, and steering input, reacting quicker to enhance performance and safety.

The updated Volvo also incorporates a new ZF steering rack for crisper turn-in and better response to input overall.

The 2004 Volvo S80 2.9 starts at $37,045, and goes up to $48,515 for a top-line T6 model. Its available at Volvo dealers now.