Exterior - Volvo S80 V8 road test

Unmistakably a Volvo from any angle, the design has now evolved into refined flowing lines. And do we love that muscular rear!

Exterior

The S80 is understated and has all the traditional Volvo lines. The design is markedly different from the traditional executive sedan. The big grille is quite aggressive-looking and shark-like from certain angles, and the waistline that runs from the front indicators to the flared rear fenders and tail-lamps stands out the most. (We also love the fact the the nose looks very Quattroporte-esque or Evo X – depending on whether you’re in the mood to drive to a candlelight dinner or put the fear of God into most other cars on the road!) The rear running lamps look fabulous, but it doesn’t look as expensive as it is, especially in the gray we got it in, which is not a good thing. Simple and elegant it may be, but for the Indian market, it needs to look more flashy and classy; after all, it is competing with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series and Audi A6. In the V8’s case, styling doesn’t matter so much because it’s going to go past in a flash anyway!