• A small offset makes the front end less sensitive to acceleration forces and vibrations from the wheels. So a small front-wheel center offset has been chosen, only 43 mm with wider tires, 49 mm for the others.
• The rear end plays an important role in a front-wheel drive car. In a car with a pronounced orientation towards dynamic handling and comfort, the need for a first-class rear suspension was obvious.
• The independent rear suspension is of the multi-link type and is mounted in a chill-cast aluminum subframe, which is attached to the car at four points by means of insulating rubber bushings to keep noise and vibration to an absolute minimum.
• The choice of aluminum gives the installation low weight and the low design enables the subframe to be installed without encroaching on the passenger compartment or luggage space.
• The movements of the wheels are controlled by four links on each side (multi-link)- two trailing arms, upper and lower links, a track rod and an anti-roll bar.
• This system permits a certain degree of rear wheel steer when cornering, and it provides assistance and helps to stabilize the car when braking.
• The multi-link design combines a very high level of comfort with fine handling and controlled behavior. There is also a safety aspect; the subframe is part of the rear impact protection system helping to protect the fuel tank and creating the space for the spare wheel to lie flat, on top of the frame but in the trunk, as it absorbs and helps to dissipate the impact forces.
• The coil springs and shock absorbers are integrated to form one compact unit. There is also the option of an automatic leveling system, Nivomat. This system keeps the car horizontal and stable even when it is heavily laden. This also results in improved rear visibility and reduces the risk of dazzling oncoming motorists in the dark.
• The steering uses the rack-and-pinion principle, which is the most space-efficient and precise way of moving the wheels. The system has a very direct response and does not transmit any vibration or torque force. The power steering a speed-sensitive version which adjusts the degree of power assist to match the speed and needs of the driver-light steering at low speed, more stable steering at higher speeds.
• The nimble steering, which responds even to low input from the driver, has only three turns of the wheel, lock to lock.
• Active safety also includes seeing and being seen in poor visibility or at night. The light provided by the headlights is a very important safety factor. Being able to see along a long stretch of the road ahead could be a decisive factor in certain situations, just like being detected from the rear from far away. The Volvo S80 has very effective headlights and large tail-lights.
• The headlights, double, so-called free-form headlights for both full and dipped beam, are available with wipers/washers, and can also be supplemented with elegantly integrated foglamps.
• When full beam is applied, the dipped beam function remains in operation, thereby generating a very powerful beam and considerably increasing the driver's field of vision in terms of both length and width.
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