Volvo’s flagship saloon, the S80, has been given a more dynamic-looking exterior, a more refined interior that could only have been designed in Scandinavia and improved ride and handling characteristics that have been developed on British roads. The new cars go on sale in August.

Performance and economy are provided by Volvo’s proven 2.4 litre, five-cylinder 2.4 ( developing 162 hp) and D5 (183) turbodiesels, the existing 2.5 (198) turbo petrol and also two new petrol engines – a 3.2 litre, six-cylinder (235) and 4.4 litre V8 (310).

S and SE trim levels continue and added comfort is provided by new SE Sport and SE Lux models while a substantially enhanced, range-topping Executive model will become available later in the year. Prices aren’t cheap – they start from £24,375 and rise to £41,725 for the all wheel drive V8 Lux – but quality and longevity are guaranteed.

New luxuries available include a Personal Car Communicator, ventilated and heated leather upholstery, Active Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Brake Support, a Clean Zone Interior Package to help allergy sufferers and a 650W Dynaudio Premium Sound audio system with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound and 12 high quality Dynaudio speakers.

The PCP is an advanced personal security facility that uses a remote control unit to tell you if the car has been left locked or unlocked, whether the alarm is active and, wait for it, a heart beat sensor that tells you if there is anyone in the car! The system also employs keyless drive so you don’t need a key to enter the car or start it.

The new interior includes the provision of the ‘floating’ centre console stack introduced in the S40, V50 Sportswagon and C70 Convertible Coupe. This contains all the key information required, the ventilation and entertainment controls and storage space behind it.

The S specification features 16 inch alloy wheels, an 80 watt sound system with iPod input, dual zone electronic climate control, traction control, an alarm and cruise control. SE, expected to be the most popular model, adds 17 inch alloys, leather upholstery, an driving seat with electrical adjustment, a 160 watt audio system, silver chrome knobs and vents and colour co-ordinated lower doors and bumpers.

SE Sport provides 18 inch alloys, speed dependent powered steering (also available on SE Lux), ventilated and powered front seats with cooling and heating settings and an Active chassis with three settings called Comfort, Sport and Advanced.

For the ultimate in cosseting how about Lux’s soft leather upholstery, walnut wood trim, heated and powered front seats, Bi-Xenon headlamps, rear parking sensor and luxury floor mats?

Service intervals have been extended to 18,000 miles and insurance groups range from 16E to 19E.