Once connected, music starts playing instantly (the manual does say contents of a USB device take longer to scan, but I have not tried this yet) and you get to fully control your iPod on the head unit or steering wheel controls.

Dynamic playlists like "Recently Played" are also fully functional.

Unfortunately, just like with an MP3 CD, you either see the artist's or the name song, but not both.

(One of my favorite songs.)

A Volvo-branded, 1GB USB flash device is provided with this iPod interface. You can load it up with your music and connect it to the other cable whenever you feel like listening to something you don't want to upload to your iPod.

A small manual is also provided.

The iPod interface works great and way more integrated than I expected from a Volvo part (sorry, it's just the way it's been... think Bluetooth adapter). Those of you who have had yours in national backorder for months, call your Service or Parts departments and tell them to stop waiting, as the global interface will never be available for U.S. ordering. Instead, Volvo NA released a U.S. version on 12/5/2007 that has different part numbers. Tell your dealer to look in their VRC2 website in the "Accessory Blue" category.

The part numbers for MY07 (I am pretty sure they are the same for MY08) are as follows:

31260797 for the Base Kit
31201152 for the Installation Kit
31210067 for the iPod and USB cable

As far as prices, I recommend you get a quote from your local dealer and then contact John at Boston Volvo (SS user name is "Parts @ Boston Volvo"), get a quote on just the parts from him and then another quote from your dealer just to install them. You might be surprised.

I think I'm done "modding" my S80. I wish I could somehow inject it another 100 HP and switch out the auto for a 6-speed manual, but that's pretty much impossible within a reasonable budget. So this is it. Time to enjoy it now.

Rock on!

Although I do have approximate figures, you should get an accurate quote or two (read my recommendation above) which you can do with a quick phone call. This interface was negotiated as part of the deal when I got my car 5-6 months ago, so this install did not cost me a dime.