IF actress Cate Blanchett is the thinking man's sex symbol, then the Volvo S80 T6 must be his sports sedan.

At first glance, the top-of-the-line T6 looks slightly sedate and just like the other two S80 variants available - the entry-level 2.5T and the 3.2. But a couple of things set it apart visually. Other than the 'T6' badge, there is also one that says 'AWD' - for all-wheel-drive, versus the front-wheel-driven operation of most S80s. Then, there are the racy 18-inch alloy wheels.

Beyond these relatively minor details lies a more significant difference under the bonnet. The 2.5T has an inline five-cylinder engine with light pressure turbo, while the 3.2 has an inline six-cylinder naturally aspirated unit. The T6, on the other hand, seems to have taken the best features of both - it has a three-litre inline six-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger.

The advantage of this is that boost is provided from very low engine speeds, thus minimising turbo lag. In the T6's case, the oomph starts at a mere 1,500 rpm and the experience continues right up to 4,800 rpm.

The result is an intoxicating torrent of torque accompanied by a muted but still sporty exhaust rasp. Blast off in the T6 from a stationary start and it never seems to run out of breath. The twin-scroll turbo helps to make the straight-six feel like it has bigger lungs than just its three litres of displacement. The silky smooth engine keeps pulling and pulling until the fear of losing your licence forces you to ease off the accelerator.

This power is distributed to all four wheels for enhanced traction. The electronically controlled AWD system can direct up to 50 per cent of the torque to the rear wheels if needed but when cruising on dry, straight roads, the front wheels receive up to 95 per cent for greater efficiency.

More importantly, when cornering, the AWD channels power back and forth to provide sharper steering and better stability. Enter a sweeping curve fast and the T6 carves a path confidently and neatly around it.

With the calm reassurance of its neutral behaviour, the T6 even encourages you to accelerate in mid-corner.

The T6 engine option is also available in a wagon body. They may have identical specifications but the V70 T6 estate somehow feels a little different from the S80 sedan. Perhaps it is because of the more slippery, aerodynamic shape, but the V70 seems softer and less sporty.

Both cars offer a comfortable ride that is a nice compromise between a stiffly sprung sports saloon and the mushy waterbed experience of a luxury limo. But the low-speed ride quality of the S80 T6 is unusually ragged. The car does not do well going slow over irregular surfaces.

Another aggravating feature is its larger turning circle. Because of the bigger 18-inch wheels, the T6 is not as manoeuvrable in tight surroundings as the other S80 variants.

That, and its higher price tag, slow down the otherwise attractive T6 in a segment that is chock-full of choice. But if a discreet yet dynamic alternative is what you're looking for, it should fit you to a T.

This article was first published in The Business Times on Mar 15, 2008.