We are about to get the new s80 V8 here in a week or so. After vowing never to buy the first of a new model, I am thinking of the s80 v8 for my wife anyway. Does anyone have one, and have they had any trouble with it? What is the turning circle like? She (who must be obeyed) needs something that is easy to park. Any feedback would be appreciated.

I can only share with you my experiences behind the wheel of the new "flagship" Volvo. She handles well at @ 120 mph :grin: Corners very nicely at low and high speeds...not as much body roll as I anticipated....and the acceleration is very acceptable for a normally aspirated V-8 :thumbsup: On a scale of 10...I give it @ 8.75....not a bad first year model at all.
Keep in mind ...the V-8 powertrain has been out for 2 years in the XC90...so any inherent 1st year "issues" have been addressed. I don't think Volvo wanted a "repeat" performance of the 99 S80....so they took their time with the S80 launch. :amen:
I would certainly give it some very strong consideration before i spent more $$ for a BMW/Benz/Audi/Lexus top of the line model....
Of course...I may be slightly biased :57:

The V8 sounds great, we (dealer) have not had any come back yet. It's a good looking car too...

[QUOTE]Of course...I may be slightly biased

HA...I'll say! :beer:

Picked up a fully loaded s80v8awd on Monday. 1st Trip to the shop on Wednesday, and was given a loaner car because they don't know what the vibrating/clucking noise coming from under the car when the the 4C chassis is set in "advanced" mode.

Other Modes Comfort and Sport work fine. They told me they will swap parts with a new s80 v8 on the lot, because it doesn't make as much noise as mine and they want to see what happens.

Since both s80's with the 4C suspension on the lot make the rattle clunk sounds of a 1970 pinto when in advanced chassis setting, I am beginning to feel that this may be the first major gremlin to effect this new "flagship"

Will keep you posted as to progress.

Other than this problem, the car is great. Good pickup, smooth, great premium audio. Not dissapointed with the handling either, and my other car is a Mazda Rx8. Steering is a bit numb, but not bad.

NYTimes reviewed the V8 and the 3.2 and reckoned the 3.2 was a better deal, saying the Yamaha sourced V8 didn't add much.