Domesticated Geely Volvo S80 L

petershen1984 · Post by **petershen1984** » 05 Nov 2010, 01:47

I'm posting this for your entertainment. This is a Chinese review of a Chinese-produced Volvo S80 with long wheelbase, which places it right up there with the Audis and BMWs..

Youtube

I'm really not a fan of chrome Chinese characters on-a my car. The Chinese computer interface is quite welcoming, though...

Skip to about 3/4 of the way, and the dude does a review of the interior assembly quality (You don't have to understand Chinese to hear the squeaks). So in short, Chinese dude reviewing a Chinese made foreign car, with the final result being it not quite as good as its Swedish sibling.

I miss the RWD 960s... even with longer wheelbase you could always turn the car around with the handbrake. The Long Wheelbase version of a FWD car is a bit awkward to make a U turn... but then again, you're more likely to be chauffeured in this car in China, rather than driving yourself...

Retired MVS Contributor · Post by **Retired MVS Contributor** » 05 Nov 2010, 07:34

It is more the restrictions imposed by the mechanics of the CV joints than the wheelbase...The front wheels simply cannot be turned as far...I have a 1991 740 and, although the tires scrub a bit, I can make a non-stop U-turn in front of my house...I can't do that with the XC70...

Post by **dcarlson12** » 05 Nov 2010, 15:23

So generally what did he say?

petershen1984 · Post by **petershen1984** » 06 Nov 2010, 10:42

Here's a human translation

1st minute: the Chinese Volvo S80 follows BMW and Audi in this market segment in lengthening the wheelbase; the model is all wheel drive (which in addition to the CV joints also makes the car draw a larger circle around turns). Model reviewed is the 3.0T engine; the guy had previously driven a Swedish S80 with the 3.2 engine

1:30 - this has slightly less power than the BMW engine, but the turbo engine makes the car really quick (7.0 s 0~60mph). gas mileage is in the range of 11~14 L per 100 kms (17 to 21 mpg in real testing)

2:40 - smooth shifting in normal driving. if you drive more aggressively the gear shifts are more pronunced; which is desirable for sport driving. However, the computer seems a little bit late for his taste..

suspension is identical to the swedish import, however, it is tuned softer for"Chinese" road conditions

only a handful of cars is more comfortable than the Volvo. the comfort suspension drives like a boat; if driven too aggressively passengers could get car sickness. moderately driven, however, it is very comfortable

heavier body and good sound insulation - Chinese Volvo S80 gets double thickness windows. Steering is too sensetive; this car is not meant to be driven for the fun factor -- it doesn't excel in the cone maneuver tests.

the car has the same number of airbags and DSTC as the imported version; but does not have auto door lock, and auto headlight/wipers [i'll give you some perspective, this is being compared to Shanghai General Motors, for example]

domesticated Volvo S80 is not without its problems (beginning 6:50). He described the previous import version having a glossy "white chocolate" instrument panel, and the domesticated version lacks the glossy finish. leather seats are too firm; the instrument cluster is not as robust (some of the "feel" is taken away, unavoidably). If you forcibly flex the instrument panel it would squeak (this could happen when driving)

he was disappointed with the pop up touch screen that needs a remote trigger; and the touch screen is in an awkward position. the GPS uses an embedded PDA-class software (I've seen the same in Taiwan; the Volvo S80 uses GPS powered by Garmin and Papago). he would like to see a tailored GPS similar to BMW...etc

8:00 - talks about the bigger turning radius due to the wheelbase and AWD combination. Price is cheaper than import, but it's not necessarily good news due to the quality compromise (MSRP is 700k CNY, but import cars are VERY expensive in China). He finds the 2.5T to be of better value.

But as I've said before, potential buyers of this segment are mostly "backseat buyers" with drivers..

I hope the domesticated Volvos stay in the mainland and aren't re-exported to another country... I'm glad Chinese funding is keeping the automobile brand alive, though...

(Note: this car is produced in China by Chang-An Volvo, which is a Ford factory in China)