The Volvo S80 is a sedan and it's the carmaker's flagship. It is now in its fourth year on the market and has had visual and mechanical improvements. The S80 has a nicer grille, a larger badge, as well as new brightwork on the front fascia, the taillights, and the bottom of the doors.
The S80's cabin sports a newer steering wheel and new trim surrounding the starter button and gear shift. The S80 sports a 4.4-Liter V8 engine churning out 311 horsepower, and while this motor is impressive, it isn't very fuel-efficient. The T6 variant delivers greater fuel efficiency and it is often what consumers turn to when seeking a economical offering. The S80 gets 18 miles per gallon. The T6 has a 3.2-Liter inline six motor and all-wheel-drive. The base and T6 offerings come with an Executive package if desired so the vehicle matches top of the line V-8 selections. Features include leather seats, ventilated seats, and wood veneers. The S80 also comes with a fridge, crystal glasses and it is in the rear of the vehicle.
The Range
Bodystyles: 4-door sedan
Engines: 3.2L I-6, 3.0L turbocharged I-6, 4.4L V8
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
Models: 3.2, T6 AWD, V8 AWD
What's New
The S80 soldiers into 2010 with list of small refinements. In addition to several visual enhancements, the luxury-oriented interior gains softer-touch leather surfaces, with matched stitching that's echoed on the door panels. The slim, waterfall center-stack acquires a silk metal surround. Meanwhile, the 3.2 and T6 models gain a new optional Multimedia Package including the Dynaudio Premium Sound with headphone jacks in the rear.
Exterior
The most notable changes to the S80's exterior are a bolder Volvo badge and discreet bright work around the front fascia, door bottoms, and taillights. Otherwise, the S80's sheetmetal soldiers onward without looking particularly dated, but it's not going to wow anyone, either.
Interior
Within the S80, you'll find a subdued and comfortable rendition of Volvo's Swedish design philosophy. Its surfaces are flowing, seats plump, and yet the instrument panel's twin, primary gauges are easy to read and the center stack's controls are unusually intuitive.
Performance & Handling
With 235 horsepower, the S80's base 3.2-liter inline-6 engine should see the Volvo sedan to 60 mph in a sedate 7.4 seconds; the 281-hp turbocharged 3-liter, in about 6.5 seconds, the 311-hp V8, in a quick 6 seconds flat. The optional Sport Chassis (available on the T6 and V8 models) includes firmer springs, shocks, anti-roll bars and stiffer subframe bushings to deliver more agile handling.
Safety
No crash test results are available from the NHTSA, however the IIHS has issued the S80 nothing but ‘good ratings.' Among Volvo's legendary list of technologically advanced safety features is its Blind Spot Information System and the ‘Heartbeat Sensor' which can detect if someone uninvited is hiding in your S80.
EPA Fuel Economy
3.2: 18 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
T6 AWD: 16 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
V8 AWD: 15 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Volvo's only sedan offering with a V-8
- Standard all-wheel-drive on T6 and V8 models
- Ample interior room
You Won't Like
- V-8's mediocre mileage
- Lack of feedback through the steering wheel
- Slightly dated exterior
Sum Up
Volvo's flagship sedan soldiers on
If You Like This Vehicle
- Audi A6
- BMW 5 Series
- Infiniti M
- Lexus GS