41 Votes

Should Audi and Acura be worried about this new car and its lower pricing?

Agent001 submitted on 11/8/2006 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 12:54:30 PM

68 user comments | Category: Spy News | Source: www.autospies.com

Tag Links: 2007, Volvo, S80

The mid-size luxury sedan market is not only crowded but it is tremendously competitive between the different cars and brands.

Produce a winner here and it really gives your company more freedom and adds a lot of cachet.

Enter Volvo with its totally new S80 sedan.

001 was in Vegas yesterday testing this new ride and the new vehicle really IS new and improved from the previous S80.

On ALL fronts. But the thing that sticks out most in my mind is the new aggressive pricing model and residual structure (see photos below).

The new S80 undercuts the competition by a significant amount and Volvo tells us residuals will be high, so look for competitive lease prices at your dealer when it arrives in February 2007.

The Spies have the full marketing pitch for you so dig in and get to know the all new Volvo S80...

Should Audi and Acura be worried about this new car and its lower pricing?

About the Author

FWD Torque Steer. Absolute proof the Devil exists.
— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

It may have improved, but it still kinda looks the same. The design of the car is not that appealing, at least to me, anyway.
— SSP350 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 1:19:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Who the hell would choose a Volvo over an Audi?
— BMW_DRVR (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 1:32:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Someone who can't afford one! Don't be so close minded! Not everybody is rich, you know.
— mstangpny07 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 4:37:56 PM | | Votes: 1

lincoln town car buyer ... Lexus , buick , big car for cheap is the theme there
— thecar (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 5:01:20 PM | | Votes: 0

i think acura and audi would need to become cars to be worried about before volvo should be directly competing with them.
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 6:02:52 PM | | Votes: -8

I am a BMW fan also, but I would choose a volvo over an audi, especally the XC90
— Larry (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 10:38:40 PM | | Votes: 1

LS is S class segment PAL
Cheaper than S for sure
Lexus is only Luxury in US , and mid luxury everywhere
— nascar1 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 1:58:28 PM | | Votes: 2

Volvo's 15 minutes of fame were up years ago. I guess only the Swedes like them.

Should Audi and Acura be fearful - no.
— Loki (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 1:38:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

Which model would it compete against? Not that it matters. I just know so little about Volvo. I guess the S80 means it's there largest model. Does it stack up against the A6 or A8.
— iown1 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 2:00:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I would say A8, but the price is much less. I think its less of a threat to Audi, but given a choice between Acura or Lexus and the S80 V8 AWD, I might just save a few grand and go for the Volvo.
— markusck (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 2:06:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

it competes with the a6/e class segment. that size anyway. volvo don't make a big luxury car.
but this lack of knowledge clearly shows how volvo have completely lost their way. i had to research to find out what it competes with.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 3:10:22 PM | | Votes: 0

I Dont know about that Rupert.
I Think the:
S 40 Is in the 3-Series/A4/C-Class Segment
S 60 Is in the 5-Series/A6/E-Class Segment
S 80 Is in the 7-Series/A8/S-Class Segment

Obviously the Volvo in each Segment is Correctly Priced BELOW its Rivals.
— I95SPEEDINGTICKETS (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 2:14:36 PM | | Votes: 1

No...

This makes a lot more sense:

S40's only real competition is the Acura TSX.

S60's competitors are the 3 Series/A4/IS/C-Class.

S80's competition includes the 5, A6, E, GS, etc.

S80 is too small and not nice enough to be considered A8/7/S competition.
— S4cabriofox (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 11:34:51 PM | | Votes: 1

Acura should be worried, because Acura, like Volvo is not a real luxury company. Also, Acura's RL consistently has the lowest sales in it's segment, and this threatens it even more.

— AUDIMAN4 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 2:48:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

"Acura should be worried, because Acura, like Volvo is not a real luxury company. Also, Acura's RL consistently has the lowest sales in it's segment, and this threatens it even more."

This is goign on a wall at the Audi of SoCal clubhouse.
— EL34i (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 2:54:42 PM | | Votes: 1

Nonetheless, Acura still sells more vehicle than Volvo. Acura doesn't have to worry about Volvo. Especially when Volvo is a lot uglier than Acura.
— SSP350 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 3:05:26 PM | | Votes: 1

To answer the title question: NO
— CarNut (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 3:16:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

The ONLY Volvo that rules its segement is the XC90, and for obvious reason; there's really no machine like it; the Audi Q-range may be a threat to it but I would still opt for the Volvo...

As for the S80; the first one I bought depreciated faster than a falling brick...good cr nonetheless, but would buy one again!!!
— Baapo (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 3:23:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I sell both Volvo and Acura. Beleive me, whatever Volvo produces, you can count on at least 3 times more problems than Acura.

While its true that even I don't believe Acura is a true luxury brand, it is an excellent alternative. The drivability is on par if not better than most in this segment, (CD's "10 best in the world" 2 years running). It is more or less just lacking the luxury brand reputation rather than the execution.
— golfer38 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 3:23:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I'm not putting to much stock into it, I'm simply stating another viewpoint that substantiates what I'm saying. Except for a short wheelbase, small trunk, and no V8 option, the RL is a wonderful car to drive.

In fact, I just took in a 2004 BMW 745Li in trade on a white RL.
— golfer38 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 4:16:21 PM | | Votes: 1

the focus is the best handling hatch out there.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 5:55:36 PM | | Votes: 1

you have the old ford focus, which at the time was the best handling hatch. but as usual, you americans like your suspension soggier than 3 day old yoghurt and your steering to feel like its going through jelly (and i mean the wobbly stuff, not jam), so none of your cars handle as good as the ones here. mercedes, audi, merc, vw, toyota, they all change the suspension for you (or for us, not sure). remember the gs v a6 v e class test recently? they complained about the gs's supension being really stiff, because it is way stiffer here than in america.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 11:16:49 AM | | Votes: 1

Shouldn't BMW, LExus, Mercedes Benz and other companies worry as well?????????????????????????
— chewy (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 3:59:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

audi shoudl be worried by Kia, and Hyundai, its emerging competition.
— AmazingBimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 5:04:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

DUDE why the fu*k do u have to comment in every audi topic... I will tell it to u straight: Audi is BMW main threat, and because it is PROBABLY better u hate it.. get a life.. i mean grow up
— CarNut (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 4:43:12 PM | | Votes: 2

AmazingBimmer, you mean BMW and Mercedes-Benz should be worried of the R8 with V10 as their competition
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 5:22:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Looks like a cross between a VW Passat and the previous generation BMW 5-Series.
Not necessarily a bad thing.
Although Acura may sell more cars, Volvo has it's own snob appeal.
-Alex
— tecnopolis (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 7:30:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

It really does look like an old bimmer. And your right, it's not a bad thing. How much does it cost?
— iown1 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 7:53:12 PM | | Votes: 1

The problem here is putting Audi and Acura together. Acura is not on the same level as Audi.
— NYC45 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 7:41:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

If you look at their price comparison slides, you'll understand why we used Audi an Acura as examples.

Plus their product people told us that they are two of the key competitors that are cross-shopped in the buying process.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 9:30:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

The A6 and RL are so obviously better, in every aspect, than this car.

And so is everything else in this class, except the POS Jaguar S-Type.

This is a stupid article. S80 is just another car... it doesn't break any new ground.
— S4cabriofox (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 10:07:13 PM | | Votes: 2

S4, yer right..right right.
— Homer008 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 11:57:12 AM | | Votes: 2

I prefer volvo and acura over audi
— Larry (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 10:41:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

nothing can beat audi for design execution refinement and quattro handling, lexus can beat it for reliability any day, but they are toyota cheap, tinny and common
— bocabimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 11:30:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

You should try the super handling AWD in the Acura RL. Even though I think they could of been more creative with the name, it really does say it all. Acura's AWD system speeds up the outside rear wheel on a turn to create a "turn in" effect, unliminating understeer that Audi's quattro system is famous for.
— golfer38 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 9:34:57 AM | | Votes: 0

I see nothing wrong with this car at all! Why so much negativity? It has clean and modern styling inside and out, plenty of technological and safety features, plus an available V8. I really like it.
— caguy518 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/8/2006 11:46:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I prefer Volvo and Acura over Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 12:04:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Ovlov used to be great back when it was its own company, when it made RWD vehicles..I miss my old 740, solid as heck...
— 610looper (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 12:20:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

What is Ovlov? Is it a Tampon?
— Homer008 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 12:04:34 PM | | Votes: 2

Agent.. you are correct. too bad the audi crowd has their head up their a$$
— AmazingBimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 12:25:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Logical or Amazing or whatever screenname you are using today. GO AWAY

001 the problem with this site is the haters/ If you like your car put up a post and stay there. Sounds like you are worried about Audi still
— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 3:04:22 AM | | Votes: 2

why do volvo place their nav screen way back and hide it?
— Parkinglot2 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 2:26:05 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

001 the answer is NO Ford destroyed Volvo
— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 3:02:16 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

Volvo had a fame back in late 80's as a rugged and tough cars with bank vault like structure but all that magical claim has now evaporated. Fast forward to year 2000..IIHS comes along and Volvo is put to a shame.

Can everyone say this together, Thank You Subaru:) "Modern day Volvo"

sheepdog
— Homer008 (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 7:50:16 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

volvo used to have quality on par with mercedes, and were over engineered with the best of them. but it all went wrong. i don't get acura or infiniti here (UK), so i can't compare. i'd get it over a GS, and probably an S-type, but nothing else. 5 series is close though.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 11:13:07 AM | | Votes: -2

i was merely echoing agent's 001's thoughts. Do you want him to go away as well? just because we dont agree with you and like the rest of mankind, think that audi makes inferior, fwd cars?
— AmazingBimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 4:41:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

When it comes down to what I look for in a car (Expressive styling, performance, & luxury), I would never choose Volvo over BMW, Mercedes, Audi, or even Acura for that matter. I'd even buy a Lexus before a Volvo.

GermanNut you claim to own a couple of Bimmers yourself, yet you never miss a chance to try and slam them...Why is that?
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 10:55:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

He's not actually slamming the cars- he's slamming the relentlessly ignorant OWNERS of the cars.

Take AmazingBimmer, for example. You must admit, he's an idiot. Hating on Audi for no reason. Why can't we all just admit that we can like Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes all at once?
— S4cabriofox (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 11:39:36 PM | | Votes: 1

The proportions of the car, and especially the greenhouse, look a lot like the Ford Fusion to me... with hints of Audi and the current E-class in the taillights, 3-series in the profile of the rear door shutlines. The broad shoulder is the key Volvo identifier, and it's a good one. Inoffensive and modern, progressive but not trendsetting, just like the typical Volvo driver.

IF the price is right, they'll sell alright, but the Swedes won't be eating anybody's sushi for lunch. Everybody knows that Japanese reliability and low running costs are a huge motivator in this segment.

After owning a string of German uber wundercars, I'm ready for some Japanese reliability myself! Make mine an S2000.
— Zino (View Profile)

Posted on 11/9/2006 11:34:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

MunichRob I attempt to slam BMW at almost every chance I get because it is their drivers who have a lack of appreciation for other brands that are capable of engineering perfectly good cars for their own design philosophy such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

BMW owners in general can't accept the fact that Mercedes-Benz is not trying to make sport-oriented, amazing handling cars. The Benz philosophy is luxury cars with brute amounts of power and torque that allow the cars to go REALLY fast in a straight-line

The Audi philosophy is a mix of BMW's and Benz's with the luxury of a Benz (I think better luxury) and sportiness of a BMW (just toned down a bit, except for a few cases such as the R8 and RS4 and RS6).

Yes, BMW is a symbol of success. With our family having owned more than just a couple, I'm extremely familiar with what BMW produces.

It is the closed mindedness of BMW drivers and their lack of appreciating what other competitors can do that makes me go both ways with BMW.

It's love and hate.

The stereotypes are so bad for the company. If BMW did not have the yuppy, snob, estate agent or aggressive image they would be exponentially more successful than they currently have been.
— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 11/10/2006 12:43:35 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I'll agree to the above with also making clear that yes...I'm a BMW fan & driver, but No...I don't fall under the typical, yet dilutional BMW fan stereotypes!
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 11/10/2006 1:36:34 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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Should Audi and Acura be worried about this new car and its lower pricing?

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