Competitively priced against the Audi A6, BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, insurance isn’t too steep and the five-cylinder diesels are surprisingly economical, returning more than 40mpg and, thanks to improvements in efficiency for 2013, well over 60mpg for some engines.

The S80 can now go for up to two years or 18,000 miles without a service, and Volvo has reduced the ‘labour content’ of servicing by 30 per cent, which should also reduce costs.

Depreciation rates should be close to the equivalent A6 saloon and BMW 5-series.

For 2013, updates to the engine range meant CO2 emissions were reduced across the board which helps reduce Volvo S80 running costs in terms of VED and company car tax.

Tweaks to engine efficiency as part of the 2013 facelift mean that Volvo S80 emissions for the manual 113bhp D2 diesel are down from 119g/km to 109g/km – very good for the largest saloon car in the Volvo’s range. In fact, they’re the same as the company’s smallest car from three years ago, the C30 DRIVe hatchback.

No major problems are expected with Volvo S80 reliability, but be aware that there is much new technology available on the car and there have been several recalls since it was launched.