VOLVO'S updated executive saloon is a triumph of evolution over revolution.
The Swedes have resisted the temptation to wield the design axe on the S80 - instead preferring a series of subtle changes to make it more enticing to potential customers.
Thus the new model is a sensible beast offering outstanding levels of comfort and safety at a price that gives it a fighting chance against the best the Germans have to offer.
The S80 also offers healthy performance on the road with the turbocharged D5 engine hitting the right notes. The six-speed automatic gearbox can be a bit slow on the uptake but in fairness it makes a reasonably decent fist of transferring the 185bhp to the road.
The car takes nine seconds to sprint from 0-62mph but Volvo have gone for smoothness with their executive saloon rather than raw power.
The S80 corners well thanks to a stiffer, far more sporting chassis with virtually no lean through tight bends.
The exterior of the car offers a sleek style without imprinting itself on the memory. It doesn't have the heavy shoulder line that gave its predecessor an air of solidity - but this is still a motor that can't be mistaken for anything other than a Volvo.
The interior of the car is a comfortable and a relaxing place to spend a few hours making a long journey fly by as you're cossetted in the sumptuous leather seats.
The materials used look and feel high quality and the standard of finish is excellent.
The S80 follows the lead of the S40, V50 and C70, in boasting a 'floating' centre console with clearly laid-out controls for the climate and entertainment systems.
There's plenty of room in rear for two, with sculpted backrests that of all things drew admiring comments from my eleven-year-old daughter.
Up front the driving position is comfortable as the electric seat and steering wheel are fully adjustable.
But pop up the boot lid of this saloon and to be frank the initial reaction is one of disappointment.
A car of this nature usually comes with a cave at the back, but the boot opening on the S80 is narrow making it hard to load and it is more difficult than it should be to reach items pushed to the front.
As far as safety is concerned Volvo is back on sure ground fitting the S80 with one of the most advanced crash protection systems in the motoring world.
There are six airbags, active anti-whiplash head restraints and stability control fitted as standard.
Handy optional extras include sensors that warn if a vehicle enters your blindspot and adaptive cruise control that keeps the car a safe distance from the one in front.
Deadlocks and an alarm are fitted to all models to prevent theft.
The S80 is bristling with equipment. There are four trim levels - S, SE, SE Sport and SE Lux.
The S trim is only available with the 2.5-litre petrol and 160bhp diesel and comes with alloy wheels, climate control and cruise control.
The SE adds powered front seats, leather upholstery, and a great sound system, while SE Lux models adds heated seats trimmed in softer leather, walnut wood inlays, luxury floor mats, Xenon headlamps and rear park assist.
The SE Sport combines the luxury features of the SE with sports styling and handling enhancements including 18-inch alloys and the active Four-C chassis.
The optional sat nav system is a bit fiddly to use and I'm not sure I'd bother at an extra £1,850.
The S80 is competitively priced, while lower company car tax bills, long servicing intervals and good fuel economy make it cheaper to run than many of its rivals.
FAST FACTS
Volvo S80 D5 SE Lux auto
Price: £32,150
Mechanical: 185bhp, 2,400cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 140mph
0-62mph: 9 secs
Combined mpg: 38.7
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 193g/km
BiK rating: 28%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust