2012 Volvo XC70 and S80 give refresh, tech upgrades

On the outside, the changes to the 2012 Volvo S80 and XC70 aren't immediately noticeable. The headlamps have been redesigned, the S80 gets LED turn signals in the side mirrors and every model gets a latest exterior color choice. Underneath the skin, however, these two Volvos have received a handful of new tricks.

Volvo's Sensus infotainment method, which made its debut with the 2011 S60, has found its way into the 2012 S80 and XC70, allowing the driver to simply operate audio, video, Bluetooth and navigational controls. It also gives information and setting adjustment for safety features such as City Safety, Collision Warning and Active Cruise Control.

The City Safety system is currently a standard feature on both of these 2012 models. The automaker has also added Pedestrian Detection, which keeps an eye out for foot traffic and provides an audible warning if it feels a collision is imminent. Should the driver fail to heed that warning, the S80 or XC70 can completely engage the brake automatically.

Check out the updated 2012 Volvo XC70 and S80 in the galleries below. Also, be sure to take a look at the complete press released posted after the jump.