Welcome to Volvo’s flagship sedan. The 2009 Volvo S80 is, as ever, built from the ground up to offer luxury and quality driving experience in equal measure. The S80 comes in three trim levels which all include a raft of luxury and safety features but differ quite substantially in engine performance.

The trim options include the front-wheel-drive 3.2, an all-wheel-drive T6 and the AWD V8. The 3.2 slopes in with a reasonable 235-hp 3.2-liter 6-cylinder engine, while the T6’s feature a turbocharged 281 hp 3-liter 6-cylinder engine. The V8 rounds out the collection with a high end 311 hp 4.4-liter engine.

All models come with a reasonable compliment of safety features which include ABS, traction control, front side airbags, curtain side airbags and an antiskid system. Volvo also includes its own ‘BLIS’ (Blind Spot Detection System) which warns of nearby objects that are likely to be unseen by the driver. GPS navigation, DVD entertainment and a raft of other higher end options are available in all models. All of the above is included as standard in the V8.

The 2009 Volvo S80 retains its trophy as one of the finest midsize luxury sedans on the market. A good price point and high end fixtures and fittings will certainly help shift units and that’s before you even consider the generous engine performance.