If you’ve seen the new Volvo’s, you’ve more than likely done a double-take, and thought for a moment, “What is that car?” The redesigned Volvos are, to be sure, still Volvos in style and looks, but remarkably different in attitude and appeal. I guess I always knew Volvo was a “good” car; dependable and SAFE. Well, we all did. But, let’s face it. How many of us thought we’d ever actually BUY one? Not this car buff. There just wasn’t anything “cool” about them.

Well, little did we really know. And, of course, looks aren’t everything. I have to admit, though, it is Volvo’s current “look” that has me interested. And driving one. Volvo’s interiors are so sensible; the controls well-placed and easy to operate. The ride is very comfortable and quiet. Given the highest absolute score of any car or truck in the Total Quality Index by Strategic Vision, the S80 earned first place in the Luxury Car segment. The Total Quality Index measures how buyers rate the whole experience of buying,owning and driving a new vehicle. Strategic Vision’s reports states: “The style, comfort, innovation and room/capacity of the new S80 make it a winner. Its owners feel in sync with a car that gives them an enhanced sense of esteem and pride, is fun to drive, a smart choice and a leader.”

Just five months after its launch, the new S80 sedan sold better than expected. Retailers moved 2,873 units in the U.S., taking 14.8 percent of the top and luxury sedan segment. And, there are some heavy hitters in that segment, such as BMW 5-Series, Cadillac Seville, Lexus GS300, Lincoln Continental and Mercedes E-Class. It was the best February for Volvo in the U.S. in twelve years, reported Hans-Olov Olsson, Volvo Cars of North America’s President and CEO. Total sales topped 8,530, up14.9 percent from February of 1998.

The S80 is the first Volvo to enter the luxury sedan segment. Volvo’s other vehicles are part of the “near luxury” segment, so this was a first for them. The S80 is also Volvo’s safest vehicle to date. Competition for the S80 includes the BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS 300/400, Saab 9-5 and Acura RL. Also new in the S80 is front-wheel-drive; the old S90 was rear-wheel-drive. Two versions are offered in the S80: the 4-door sedan, and the sportier T6 models. Both are equipped with a inline 6-cylinder, mounted transversely. The six is a 2.9-liter engine, with 201 horsepower; the transmission a 4-speed automatic. The T6 sports a twin-turbo 2.8-liter engine, with horsepower boosted to 268. The Geartronic automatic transmission is also something new for Volvo, and differs from traditional transmissions by teaming up with Volvo’s 6-cylinder transverse engine and adapting the gear-change program to match the driver’s style of driving. This enhances performance and allows for the best possible fuel economy. The “winter” mode assists on slippery surfaces. Manual transmission is not available on the S80.

Standard equipment is plentiful on the S80, and includes the usual: A/C, ABS, front and side airbags, traction control, front seat active head restraints, DRL’s, variable-assist power steering and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The rear seat is a split-fold, and cupholders are strategically placed. The 8-way power front bucket seats, with seat memory are very comfortable, and there are three versions of upholstery to choose from, with six different material combinations. The instrument panel is sporty-looking and easy to read, with tachometer, speedo and trip computer. The stereo system-AM/FM/Cassette/in-dash single CD player is superb, and operates effortlessly. This we appreciate, as all controls are learned quickly and operated simply.

Volvo’s claim to fame has always been it’s safety features, and the S80 is no exception; and, in fact, is far above its predecessors. In addition to front and side airbags, head restraints, seatbelt pretensioners, ABS and a telescoping steering wheel, the S80 offers a Whiplash Protection System, referred to as WHIPS, which offers better protection from neck and back injuries in a low impact collisions. Volvo’s new inflatable curtain (IC) provides increased protection from head injuries, not only to the driver, but to both front and rear seat passengers.

Our 4-door sedan came equipped with a few options, including leather-faced seating surfaces ($1,195), power sunroof ($1,200), 4-CD In-Dash Surround Sound ($1,075), level sensor ($85) and Interior Movement Sensor ($125).

The S80 is priced competitively and starts at $35,820 for the 2.9 automatic, and $40,385 for the T6, automatic. There are 10 different options to opt for, one of which includes a Navigational System ($2,495). Standard tires size is 16-inch, with an option package that offers a 17-inch tire and alloy wheels.

There isn’t much we didn’t like about the S80. Fit and finish are of top-notch quality, as is expected of Volvo. Safety is a given, and the trademark front grille is still there, so as not to mistake this for a Volvo. We expected the ride to be smoother and quieter. The amount of road noise was a surprise, as was the harsher-than-expected ride. The S80 feels more like a performance car than a “Volvo” as we know it. While this isn’t a bad thing, it’s not what you’d expect perhaps. Visibility can be a little impaired when looking out for traffic approaching on the driver’s right.

What we found much to our taste were Volvo’s very comfortable, very pleasing to the eye interior—in every way, comfortable seating, acceleration, room and design. It’s clear from the number of S80’s I’ve seen on the road, that Volvo has definitely prepared itself well for the new Millennium.