Origin: Replacing the old rear-wheel-drive S90 sedan (which descended from the older-yet 760), the S80 joined Volvo's lineup as a 1999 model. Both a base sedan and a more sporty T6 were introduced.

Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive with 2.9-liter inline six-cylinder engine, or 2.8-liter turbocharged six, and four-speed automatic transmission; T6 has Geartronic manual-shifting provision.

Safety Features: Dual (driver and passenger) front airbags, front side airbags, and "Inflatable Curtain" system all standard; anti-lock all- disc braking also standard.

1999 Changes: Brand-new model for 1999 ... built on all-new platform ... choice of two engines ... distinctive styling ... new "Inflatable Curtain" to help prevent head injuries, plus "Whiplash Protection System" ... low drag coefficient (0.28).

Rivals: Acura RL, BMW 528i/540i, Lexus GS 300/400, Saab 9-5.

MODEL TESTED: 1999 Volvo S80 T6 sedan with leather upholstery, power sunroof, navigation system, dynamic stability/traction control, in- dash CD player, and ultra security system. Total price, as tested: $48,430 (including destination charge).

OVERALL IMPRESSION: Volvos have always been satisfying, if (until recently) uninspired automobiles. They're known to deliver ultra-solid construction and a focus on safety, as well as a generally pleasing driving experience. The S80 is something different. Distinctively styled, flaunting huge oddly-shaped fluted taillights, the S80 feels big. Really big. But instead of a genteel ride in keeping with the car's appearance, the S80 - at least in high-performance T6 trim - yields considerably more rocking and rolling than expected. Handling felt strange at first, and it may take some drivers a while to get used to the difference. Once that awareness takes hold, you realize that the S80 actually is a highly stable automobile - at least in sporty T6 form.

Though unique, with a slide-up screen that glides quietly up from the dashboard, the Volvo's navigation system is simply a pain to use. Each time we tried to input a new destination, we finally gave up in frustration. Having the controls on the back of the steering wheel is clever. So is the slide-up screen, which would require the driver's eyes to move only slightly aside from the road ahead (though for safety's sake, all navigation-system screens should only be used while standing still). But in the end, the system is balky and difficult to operate, at least until you undertake intensive study of the operating manual and learn exactly how to get the most out of it. Viewing the screen in bright daylight can also be a problem.

PLUSES:
+ Invigorating performance (T6 turbo).
+ Abundant interior space, front and rear.
+ Superior construction quality (a Volvo hallmark).
+ Excellent stability in curves (though with a unique handling "feel").

WATCH OUT FOR:
- Almost woozy, disconnected ride (T6).
- Overly light steering "feel" (T6).
- Some cryptic controls.
- High sticker price.

TARGET MARKET: Upscale buyers who value Volvo's reputation for durability, and are willing to pay high dollars for the Swedish brand of luxury (and in the case of the T6, a level of sportiness).

RESALE VALUE: Likely to be at least average.

BUILT IN: Sweden.

PERFORMANCE

Acceleration: Performance is clearly a strong point. With its 268- horsepower turbocharged engine, the sizable sedan tears forth with a torrent of unleashed strength, and is never at a loss for vigor. Step on it at 50 mph or so, and after a brief delay, the relatively heavy S80 virtually darts ahead, its speedometer climbing rapidly.

Transmission: Automatic-transmission upshifts are easy; barely noticed. Downshifts are delayed just a bit, but then arrive with crispness and certainty.

Handling: Steering with a light touch, the S80 T6 lacks some of the anticipated crispness in control - at least initially. Actually, steering is quite precise, and the lightness is misleading. Once the driver is used to it, this is a truly stable machine, leaning little through fast curves. But at first, it can feel almost scary, even when pushed only moderately.

Braking: Excellent pedal feel; easy to modulate the response, but a bump while drawing to a halt can almost lift one's foot right off the pedal.

Noise: Very quiet running overall. Refined engine sound is heard, but little else.

Fuel Economy: Fair. Got roughly 19 mpg in mixed driving. Takes premium fuel.

Controls/Gauges: Average white-on-grey 160-mph speedometer on the left and 8000-rpm tachometer (6100-rpm redline limit) on the right, plus well-calibrated fuel and temperature gauges. Power window switches on door are easy to use, with automatic up/down. Power locks may be confusing at first, European in style. Power mirror controls are small, ahead on the door. Gearshift lever is excellent in size, with a gear indicator in the instrument panel. Handbrake is top-notch, right next to the driver. Quite a few controls and buttons are cryptic, especially those on the steering wheel, which use only symbols rather than words.

Climate Control: Takes a little while for air conditioner to start cooling after start-up, but otherwise the auto-temp (dual-zone) system needs no guidance or attention.

Stereo: Plenty of buttons, which are somewhat complicated; but sterling sound quality.

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

Ride: Not exactly a bonus, at least in the performance-focused T6 edition. Ride is fine on the highway (though a little too light for a sport-oriented sedan, bordering on woozy). In town, you get a lot of bounce and excess motion - not typical of Volvo.

Visibility: Thick B-pillars don't help, but otherwise over-the-shoulder views are okay. Mirrors are nicely-shaped and adequate in size.

Driving Position: Excellent; no complaints on this score.

Comfort/Seating: Seats are supremely comfortable, nicely bolstered and supportive - clearly constructed for comfort and control. Front headroom is ample; legroom bountiful; elbow room vast. Rear headroom is very good; legroom abundant; elbow room ample. Center rear seatback is hard (as in most cars these days), but otherwise all five seating positions are pleasing.

Entry/Exit: No problem at all into front or rear.

Storage: Trunk is highly ample in size, with low liftover - nearly an exact rectangle, very deep. Glovebox is easy to reach and good-sized. Covered two-section console box is handy. Single cupholder in console is deep and useful.

Assembly Quality: Top-notch, as expected from Volvo; solid and tight all-around. Paint finish is excellent. Panel fit is very good, though not 100-percent symmetrical.

Warranty: 4-year/50,000-mile.

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Dual-overhead-cam inline six-cylinder
Displacement: 2.9-liter (178 cubic inches)
Horsepower: 201 at 6000 rpm
Torque (lbs-ft): 207 at 4300 rpm
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
EPA rating: 19/27 mpg (city/highway)
Fuel required: Premium (recommended)
Standard in: 2.9 (base) sedan

Type: Turbocharged, dual-overhead-cam inline six-cylinder
Displacement: 2.8-liter (170 cubic inches)
Horsepower: 268 at 5400 rpm
Torque (lbs-ft): 280 at 2000 rpm
Compression ratio: 8.7:1
EPA rating: 18/27 mpg (city/highway)
Fuel required: Premium (recommended)
Standard in: T6 sedan

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 109.9 in.
Length: 189.8 in.
Width: 72.1 in.
Height: 57.2 in.
Track: 62.3 in. (front); 61.4 in. (rear)
Weight: 3602 pounds (2.9 base); 3682 pounds (T6)
Seating capacity: 5
Fuel tank: 21.1 gallon
Cargo volume: 14.2 cubic feet

LIST PRICES AND EQUIPMENT

Volvo S80 2.9 (base) four-door sedan $35,820
Volvo S80 T6 four-door sedan $40,385
Destination charge $575

Standard equipment includes 2.9-liter engine, traction control, daytime running lights, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, eight-way power front bucket seats with driver's memory, split-folding rear seat, cassette/CD player, heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, tachometer, steering-wheel radio/climate controls, theft-deterrent system, and 215/55R16 tires on alloy wheels.
T6 includes turbocharged 2.8-liter engine, Geartronic automatic transmission, heated front seats, wood interior trim, heated headlight wipers/washers, foglights, and 225/55R16 tires.

Major Options:
Power sunroof $1,200
Dynamic stability/traction control system $1,095
Navigation system $2,345
CD changer $750/$1,075
Leather upholstery $1,195 (base); $1,595 (soft leather, for T6)
Ultra security system $485
Cold weather package $450