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Luxury massage seats in the Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive

The Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive models both receive new features forthe 2009 Model Year to reinforce and add to their luxury appeal. Thesemodels are available to order imminently, with prices to be confirmed aheadof the start of production in May. A new unique combination of relaxingmassage and ventilation functions in the front seats will make journeyseven more soothing, while a range of enhanced materials and trim detailsadd to the high quality of the cars.

These two Volvo Executive models have been created for customers whowant to relax after a demanding day at work or want to get to work alert totackle the day ahead. These cars are also often used for employmentpurposes and this imposes extra demands on comfort, aesthetics andmaterials. The new massage function consists of five inflatable pocketswhich have been built into the front seats and are pumped up and drainedsequentially to create a wave-like motion (adjustable at two levels) thatmassages the lower back and wafts away feelings of tiredness and stiffnesson long journeys. Together with the built-in ventilation, the new massagefunction keeps the occupant’s body and clothing pleasantly fresh,while the inflatable cushions also double up as a new lumbar support.

As well as the new massage seats the Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive modelsalso get updated upholstery in perforated soft material with a choice ofthree interior trim colours. The centre console cover now comes in softleather and optional 8" wide VGA LCD screens integrated into the rear ofthe front seat headrests are also available.

Enhancements on the Volvo XC90 Executive also include hand-sewn leatherin the door handles. While the Volvo S80 Executive benefits from anexclusive analogue clock set into the wood inlay on the instrument paneland additional ambient lighting in the door panels, storage compartmentsand in the front cup holders and along the floor by the front seat. Newtouches in the Volvo S80 Executive also include an aluminium sliding coverin the front console that matches with the aluminium panel surrounding thegear lever, whilst the refrigerator will get new lighting and the Executiveemblem will be engraved in the crystal glasses.

“Our surveys show that customers attach particular importance toseating comfort and the quality of the leather. This is the reason why weare now updating the Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive with a massage functionand ventilation in the front seats, along with exceptionally soft hide inall the seats. What is more, we have enhanced the aura of craftsmanship inthe stitching and materials and added several new details, for instance anexclusive analogue clock,” explains Lennart Stegland, ManagingDirector of Volvo Special Vehicles.

Safety Luxury is also about having relaxed control over bothone’s own automobile and the surrounding traffic. That is why the Volvo S80and XC90 Executive can be equipped with all of Volvo’s active safetysystems. One example is Volvo’s Adaptive Cruise Control which adjustsspeed to ensure that the set gap to the vehicle in front is alwaysmaintained, permitting more relaxed driving when traffic is moving at anirregular pace, helping the driver to maintain a safe distance to thevehicle in front.

Volvo’s new Collision Warning with Auto Brake automatically brakesthe automobile if there is an imminent risk of a collision with a moving orstationary vehicle. The system starts by alerting the driver and preparingthe braking system for emergency braking. If the driver does not respond,the brakes are applied automatically. Studies show that distracted driverscause up to 90 percent of all traffic accidents, this is why Volvo has alsodeveloped Driver Alert Control, a world-first in passenger cars. Thetechnology is designed to alert the driver when his or her level ofconcentration is dropping, for instance on long, monotonous spells behindthe wheel. Lane Departure Warning is another new safety feature that alertsthe driver if the automobile crosses a road marking without the indicators beingactivated. All these functions have been available as options on the VolvoS80 Executive since the end of 2007.

Driving experience The engine choices in the Volvo S80 and XC90Executive offer a wide range of powerful and energy-efficient powerplantsthat provide a refined driving experience. There is a powerful V8 engine,and Volvo"s high-efficiency in-line six-cylinder 3.2 litre petrol engine.There is also the very latest generation of D5 diesel engines offering asuperb alternative for customers looking for diesel power under the bonnet.All the engines are extremely compact and are installed transversely foroptimum safety and maximum passenger space. All the engines are mated to asix-speed Geartronic transmission. The Volvo S80 Executive V8 engine isalso available with Volvo’s AWD (All-Wheel Drive) featuring InstantTraction for extra comfort, driving pleasure and safety. The Volvo XC90Executive features four-wheel drive as standard.