The 2003 Volvo S80 marked a significant refreshment for Volvo’s flagship sedan, retaining its recognisable shape while introducing a host of new design details that elevated its presence. According to Steve Harper, the designer responsible, these new parts were likened to “cut diamonds, precious gems,” which collectively forged a powerful image of elegance and prestige for the car.
Exterior Polish and Presence
The most noticeable changes focused on creating a more refined and integrated look. The front section surrounding the grille was reworked with a gentler transition to the body sides and spoiler area. A key feature was the reprofiled lower air intake, which now included a transverse chrome strip linking the new, larger-aperture foglamps. The grille itself featured a new square mesh pattern in dark silver metallic with chromed surrounding trim, adding a three-dimensional effect.
Elegance was further emphasized through a combination of chrome details and colour-matched mouldings. This included chromed door handles and mouldings below the side windows. Even the door mirrors were redesigned, not just for style, but to improve aerodynamics and reduce dirt accumulation on the side windows.
The rear section was also substantially revised for a more distinct style. The bootlid was fashioned as a single piece and featured a new handle capped with a chrome trim above the number plate. The tail lamps were subtly downsized thanks to the use of LED brake lamp technology, which offered quicker activation. This change created room for a body-coloured panel between the lights and the bumper, accentuated by a slim chrome strip.
An Elevated Interior Experience
Inside the cabin, the feeling of higher quality was immediately evident with new door panels that blended more smoothly with the instrument panel. The front doors received new handles designed to make it easier to reach and close a wide-open door.
Interior trim details were enriched with a darker charcoal colour for the centre console and controls, which improved the clarity of the control graphics. Buyers had the option of panel inserts in aluminium or genuine walnut, with the latter adding a distinct refined tone to the whole interior. The ventilation system controls featured chromed inlays, and the rear hatshelf textile upholstery was updated to the same high quality found in the Volvo XC90.
The instrument cluster also received a facelift. Six-cylinder models featured refined watch-dial type gauges, similar to those in the sport-focused S60 R and V70 R, creating an elegant and sporty feel. Five-cylinder models adopted the instrument type found in the XC90, characterised by a thin metal ring surrounding the dials.
The S80 Executive Flagship
At the pinnacle of the line was the Volvo S80 Executive, the most exclusive version available. This variant came standard with several premium features, including unique leather upholstery and genuine walnut panel inserts, ensuring an extraordinary motoring experience.
The Executive model specifically catered to rear-seat passengers, offering spacious legroom and high-class amenities. Options included a built-in refrigerator and a unique Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system, solidifying the S80’s status as a top-tier luxury sedan focused on passenger comfort and prestige.
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Source: Volvo
