The Volvo S80 has reached its fourth year in production in 2010 and this full sized sedan will not see many changes this year. The grill on the exterior may have a slightly bolder emblem and there may be some small changes to the ground effects and door lining, but other than that this is the same as the previous year's model. The external styling of the S80 gives a very bold impression which Volvo has spent plenty of time refining. As far as the interior goes, there is a new steering wheel design. This sedan can be equipped with Volvos strongest engine, the 4.4 liter V-8 that produces 311 horsepower that is a lot of power, but much needed in this full size sedan.
The S80 offers an optional all wheel drive package that gives the ultimate in driving control even in the most severe road conditions. In the different trim levels the S80 offers many different amenities that are totally unique to Volvo like the optional rear seat refrigerator. There are many luxury options available to meet any taste.
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