Hate to say it Volvo, but the C70 is the luxury coupe we would tell our mothers to buy.

Somewhat scathing words for a car meant to wipe away some of Volvo's stodgy reputation as a builder of safety-first family cars, but our conclusion rests on more than just a reputation.

After all, it's not that the C70 looks like your mother's luxury coupe. Quite the contrary, it scored a close second to the BMW and Mercedes (a tie) in the exterior design category of our evaluations. It also joined the BMW as one of the two coupes in the test with a manual transmission, and its turbo powerplant certainly doesn't scream grocery getter.

Our recommendation stems from the fact that while the C70 can be pushed to admirable levels of performance, its real calling is less enthusiastic cruising where its soft and supple suspension and wispy inline engine glide you along with few interruptions from any less-than-perfect pavement below. The capability is there, but you're not reminded of it every time you traverse a pothole or bounce over a speed bump -- a trait dear ol' mum is more likely to appreciate than a sub-15-second quarter-mile time.

With 236 horsepower on hand courtesy of the turbocharged, 2.3-liter five-cylinder under the hood, the C70 moves with surprising gusto. The power delivery is buttery smooth, but the turbo engine definitely likes to be kept spinning to make full power. Driven side by side with the torque-rich powerplants in the other three cars, the Volvo was noticeably lacking in low-end punch. Track testing confirmed our seat-of-the-pants observation as the Volvo finished last in the acceleration department, posting times of 6.8 and 15.1 seconds in the zero-to-60 and quarter-mile tests respectively.

Keeping the feisty five-cylinder in its powerband was facilitated by the standard five-speed manual transmission (an automatic is available for an extra $1,000), but the shifter itself didn't display the positive action we grew to love in the BMW. Various editors complained about the rubbery feel and imprecise shift gates, although it did garner a few compliments for its well-shaped leather-covered knob.

After enjoying the comforts of the Volvo's forgiving suspension around town, we were prepared for an unexceptional performance on winding back roads. To our surprise, the C70 was found to exhibit a remarkably tossable feel despite its hefty weight and front-wheel-drive configuration. Yes, there was noticeably pronounced body roll and the lack of torque required constant attention to the gearbox, but keep the revs up high and the steering inputs smooth and the C70 delivers its fair share of toothy grins.

Staying true to Volvo's safety-conscious heritage, the C70 was equipped with vise-like brakes that hauled it down from 60 mph in an incredible 111 feet. To put that into perspective, the best stopping car we've ever tested, the limited-edition Z06 Corvette, turned in a 109-ft. distance in the same test. Too bad the Volvo's clamps couldn't manage to maintain their grip over the long haul. After flogging the C70 down a twisty mountain road, those same brakes began to fade ever so slightly, a condition that the BMW and Mercedes coupes never suffered.

Back in its element of crowded boulevards and bumper-to-bumper freeways, the C70 scored big points for its comfortable and stylish interior. The softly padded leather seats manage to provide plenty of support despite their couch-like feel. Spirited driving leaves you wishing for more side bolstering, but again, the C70 excels at coddling rather than cornering. Rear quarters are above average, scoring about even with the BMW for comfort and available room. Twin buckets and two shoulder belts indicate that this area is for two extras only -- we agree.

The dash design and climate control cluster were models of simplicity that mustered few complaints. The analog gauges are neatly arranged and sport a high-quality matte gray finish that makes them legible in all levels of light. A comprehensive trip computer is nestled neatly below, providing plenty of information like miles-to-empty and overall mileage with the flick of a switch. The climate control system uses large, easily manipulated dials that require no more than a glance to comprehend and adjust.

Fit-and-finish was solid throughout, with a loose seat track cover the only sign that all was not perfect. At speed, the Volvo rarely made a discouraging sound, earning it an almost perfect score in the squeaks and rattles department. The overall quality of the interior materials was excellent, with three out of four editors agreeing that the Volvo's cabin was every bit as luxurious and expensive looking as the Mercedes' and BMW's.

Our C70 test car was equipped with the optional premium sound system that literally blew us away. The bulging speaker in the center of the dash was a little odd, but once we heard the power of this optional system we were hooked. The awkward in-dash three-disc changer was complicated compared to the Acura's no-brainer six-disc system, but audiophiles shouldn't let this minor shortcoming keep them from ordering up this truly remarkable system.

Speaking of ordering, for those who think that the C70 might be your ticket, be prepared to pay for it. Our well-optioned test car priced out at $39,525, almost a grand more than the BMW, making it the second priciest of the group. Part of the blame goes to the aforementioned sound system that adds $1,200 to the $34,500 base price, while the other major addition came in the form of the grand touring package that bumps the bottom line a healthy $2,200. For that you get a sunroof, leather seats, trip computer, auto-dimming rearview mirror and the wood accents on the dashboard.

All these luxury options made the Volvo one of the most lavishly appointed cars in the test, so why the third-place finish?

For one, consider that the Mercedes barely edged out the Volvo for second place, less than one percentage point to be exact. With that close a finish, it could practically be considered a toss-up between the two.

Second, with its softly tuned suspension and subdued sheetmetal, the Volvo exhibits a subtler demeanor than the Mercedes and BMW coupes it finished behind, a demeanor that appeals to a different audience than our largely Gen X editorial staff, which almost always prefers stiff and sporty over soft and forgiving. Add to that generally well-maintained Southern California roads that don't exact a huge penalty for stiffly sprung cars with low-profile tires and you can begin to see how the Volvo got left behind when the final scores were added up.

Its third-place finish notwithstanding, the C70 is still a coupe worth considering. If jaunts down twisty mountain roads are largely an accidental occurrence, then the Volvo will suit you just fine. Its blend of smooth, seamless power, isolating suspension, and quiet, comfortable cabin make it a perfect companion for those looking for a sleek coupe that won't have 16 year olds lining up to race you at red lights. Throw in an impeccable safety record and rock-solid build quality and there's no doubt that the C70 is a coupe any mother could love.

Second Opinions

Editor-in-Chief Chris Wardlaw says: Buyers looking for a stylish coupe with a nice ride and comfy seats will like the Volvo C70. It was the most softly tuned vehicle in our test, with the plushest, and most pungent, leather upholstery. As a bonus, I felt it also contained the highest quality materials inside. Bought as a performance coupe, you might face some disappointment in direct comparison to the 330Ci and CLK430, but head-to-head against the Acura the C70 shows well. Yeah, turbo lag is evident, as well as torque steer, and the manual shifter on our test car was less precise in terms of feel than you might like, but spool up that smooth inline five and the C70 rockets forward. Despite competency as a luxury coupe and attractive styling, the C70 still equates to vanilla. People don't notice this car. But then, you, as I do, might like things that way.

Associate Editor Erin Mahoney says: The turbocharged five-cylinder engine is a silent beast; before you know it, you're cruising along at 80 mph. And the shifter, while it doesn't initially feel precise, finds gears easily and accurately. My problem with dubbing the C70 a performance car developed in the canyons. Cabin isolation, which is such an asset around town, became a liability in the twisties. I had no feel for the road, and therefore drove more conservatively than I could have. Aside from its numb demeanor in the canyons, the Volvo was thoroughly enjoyable to drive -- it certainly delivered on its claim to luxury.

Associate Editor Liz Kim says: The Volvo provides the unique sensation of pretending that you're on the puck of an air hockey table. It's smooth and compliant, but disconnected. Some may find it luxurious -- I find it disconcerting, yet not wholly displeasing. I think that if the majority of your driving situates you on rough roads and/or in traffic, this will make a fine, isolating vehicle within which you can while away your hours. I can't say that I'd recommend this car to driving enthusiasts. While it eschews the lumbering boat-like ride of yore, and gives more than competent performance in the canyons, its forte is on surface streets where its torque steer and body roll aren't readily apparent. Most of the interior materials were superior to the other vehicles in the test, but while the wood was handsome, copious and richly hued, I wasn't crazy about the texture of the plastics on the dash.