In addition, a new seat design helps minimize whiplash injuries should the car be struck from behind. The upper part of the seat moves up and forward to provide extra support for the head and neck. The S80 is one of those cars you could drive for several hundred miles without tiring. Seats are soft. Besides independent suspension, including front struts with antiroll bar and antidive geometry, and rear multilink, the S80 has computerized stability and traction control and a refined antilock braking system.
Interior controls are well-placed and gauges are easy to read.
The Volvo has cargo space of 14.2 cubic feet, which can be extended with the split rear seatback. Fuel-tank capacity is 20 gallons. Shortly after its introduction, the S80 received the European Design Award, and this week was rated No. 1 in a survey of buyers of 1999-model automobiles. Strategic Vision, a San Diego-based research company, asked buyers how they felt about buying, owning and driving their 1999 automobiles. The Volvo was best in the luxury-car segment and posted the highest score among all cars, ahead of the Lexus LX 470, the BMW 3 series, the Chrysler LHS and Volkswagen Passat.