GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - The refreshed Volvo S80 is the result of an intensive dialogue between Volvo Cars' project group and the discerning customers in the premium sedan segment. "We are ready to give the competition a tough match. With the new S80, we're placing the bar at the very highest level when it comes to exclusiveness, quality, and driving properties," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell.

The refreshed Volvo S80 is being unveiled t the Geneva Motor Show in early March with sales starting spring 2009.

"From the outside, the refreshed S80 looks both larger and more elegant. But, we've also given it a tougher face. In Germany, they talk about the 'böser blick,' that is to say the front of the car should look rather menacing when it fills the rear-view mirror of the car in front,' explains Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.

Mattin adds, "However, the refreshed S80 should not just be seen, it has to be experienced. The atmosphere inside is both more comfortable and luxurious, with an increased aura of craftsmanship. We've also made the interior more driver-oriented, not least with a new steering wheel and upgraded instruments. Our chassis and engine experts have made sure the driving experience is as exclusively attractive as the interior is."

Mattin and his team have increased the exterior's elegant charisma with a number of details that give the S80 a lower, longer, and wider stance.

The front is more distinctive with a new grille featuring the larger iron mark, which is part of the more extrovert DNA of recent Volvo models.

Inside the car the spotlight is on increased exclusivity and comfort. The soft, sumptuous leather seats with their matching stitching are accompanied by door panels echoing the same trim. The super-slim floating centre stack is upgraded with a silk metal frame that emphasizes its original design and enhances its exclusive feel, while simultaneously creating a design link to the recently launched Volvo XC60.

The instruments in the refreshed Volvo S80 receive exclusive aluminum dials and Volvo Cars is also launching a new generation of steering wheels. The décor trim with silk matte metal-effect finish on the four-spoke steering wheel is also found in the gear selector and around the starter button.