Re: Drove an S80 T6 (digital_dreamer)
Quote, originally posted by digital_dreamer » |
Okay. But, what we really want to know is how does it compare with the MBs you used to sell?!
regards,
MAJ |
That is a pretty vague question; which MB do you want me to compare this car to? Logically, it should be compared to the E-class. In that model, there are three cars (well, four if you consider the E320 CDI Bluetec but that was not available in California); E350, E550 and E63. We will eliminate the E63 because it is a unique vehicle and not too many sedans can hold a candle to it, from any brand, period.
E350 can only be compared because of price; a typical E350 (w/ P1 package and the no-charge Sport package, non-metallic paint) has an MSRP of $53,650, if I recall correctly.
As far as exterior design is concerned, I think the E-class is one of the most attractive and elegant cars around. Interior design is fine although it is really showing its age. The S80's exterior is not very distinctive but if you have the car with the 17" CANICULA alloys or with the Sport package, then it becomes more attractive.
The E-class seems slightly roomier in the rear seat area. The trunk is also large but not sure if it is larger than the S80 T6's. Folding rear seats are an option with the MB (go figure) while they are standard in the S80. The interior of the S80 T6 is a notch higher, period. More progressive and more functional. Although I do like the unique coin holder od the E-class. The MB's Navigation screen (a.k.a. COMAND) is just old and tired. Volvo's Nav system is much easier to use and more detailed. The S80's seats are more comfortable, too, although the MB's seats extend (below the legs) a little longer than those of the S80 which is handy for a taller person.
Engine wise, the E350 has a very powerful engine. My butt dyno thinks the S80 T6 is a tad quicker than the E350. The E350 has a wonderful 7-speed automatic transmission that shifts gears without you knowing (most of the times). I have not driven the S80 T6 enough to draw final conclusions but my brief experience gave me a feeling of confidence in the way the 6-speed transmission behaved vs. what I have experienced in the S80 3.2.
Audiowise, there is no comparison; Volvo's systems are better.
Both cars are extremely quiet and very comfortable on the highway. MB has certain features that are very nice and I would love to see on a Volvo; panoramic sunroof (amazing feature), power rear sunshade and cross-drilled front rotors. Another nice feature is that the dome light assembly and the power sunroof switches are surrounded by lights that are ambient. You can set the level of brightness from 1 (dimmest) to 5 (brightest although even at that level it does not interfere with driving). It is nice to have them on while you are driving in the dark.
I like he fact that the E350 (when equipped with the Sport package) has rear wheels that are wider than the front wheels. The car does have improved stability. Also, the dual exhaust tips are much nicer (true ovals and big) than those in the S80 T6 and S80 V8 (flattened ovals that look cheap and very domestic).
I like that, in the S80 T6, you can have heated and ventilated seats and not have to order the V8 in order to get them (in the E-class, you have to have the E550, at $62K or higher). I also like that the S80 T6 has gotten some of the features founded in the S80 V8 (electronic park brake, dual exhaust tips, etc.).
Finally, I thought that MB's Keyless Go system was nice. Until I experienced Volvo's PCC. PCC is, hands down, the better system. Only the more expensive MBs (S-class and CLs) have as good and fast reacting system. The other MBs use a more antiquated technology.
Oh, I would REALLY love to see Volvo incorporate this feature that all MBs have (regardless of cost); push the unlock button on the remote control and if you hold it the windows go down and the sunroof opens up. It is HUGE on a hot day. Conversely, push the lock button and hold it and everything closes up! It is a GREAT feature.
Overall, I think that the S80 T6 is a HUGE bargain priced in the mid-$40Ks.
Yannis
Modified by KeystoneVolvo at 1:10 PM 7-5-2007