
Volvo S80L uses MacPherson independent suspension for the front suspension and multi-link independent suspension for the rear suspension. The MacPherson suspension has only one L-shaped control arm, which does not occupy engine compartment space; the multi-link independent suspension is an improvement based on the double-wishbone suspension, replacing the two wishbones of the double-wishbone suspension with separate links. MacPherson suspension is an independent suspension, meaning there is no connection between the two wheels on the same axle, thus eliminating any motion interference. Multi-link suspension can improve the tire's ground contact performance, enhancing grip and thereby improving the vehicle's handling.

I've been driving the S80L for five or six years, and the suspension is truly comfortable. It uses MacPherson strut independent suspension in the front and a multi-link independent suspension setup at the rear. Normally, driving over speed bumps in the city is barely noticeable, and when encountering uneven surfaces on the highway, each wheel moves independently, making the body sway very naturally. Once, I drove fully loaded with five people on mountain roads, and even during continuous turns, there wasn't much body roll—the suspension support is really solid. The rubber bushings are of good quality; even after 70,000 kilometers, there's no unusual noise, but the shock absorber oil seals need checking every two years. Compared to German cars, Volvo's tuning focuses more on comfort—it's softer than an Audi over bumps but more stable than Japanese cars.

As a long-time owner, I find the S80L's suspension setup quite practical. The front wheels use a MacPherson strut design that saves space, while the rear multi-link suspension precisely controls tire angles. It maintains good grip when cornering in the rain, and the effect is even more noticeable in snow mode. What's most comfortable in daily driving is going over speed bumps in residential areas – even rear passengers don't feel significant bumps. However, regular wheel alignment is necessary, especially if you frequently drive on rough roads. During maintenance, I've replaced the lower control arm bushings – OEM parts are expensive but durable. Overall, it offers more resilience than other cars in its class, making long-distance driving less tiring.

I drove my brother's S80L on a long trip and was impressed by its suspension system. It uses a front MacPherson and rear multi-link setup, tuned for comfort without being too soft. When going over highway joints, the sound is muffled and crisp, with no unnecessary wobbling at the rear. It provides solid support during continuous lane changes, unlike the boat-like feel of American cars. The air suspension version is more comfortable but expensive to maintain, while the standard version is more than adequate. Compared to the 5 Series I drove before, the Volvo filters vibrations more delicately, significantly reducing the chances of my family getting carsick.


