Acceleration

2.5T AWD	T6 w/Four-C, nav. sys.	T6 Premier	Class Average
6	7	7	6.7

The 2.5T provides good acceleration with little turbo lag, though 2.5T AWD tested suffered nonlinear throttle action. More-potent T6 is smooth, almost free of turbo lag, and quick: 7 sec 0-60 mph in our test. Both transmissions impressively smooth, prompt-shifting.

Fuel Economy

2.5T AWD	T6 w/Four-C, nav. sys.	T6 Premier	Class Average
5	5	5	4.2

Fine for the class. Test 2.5T AWD averaged 20.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test T6s averaged 19.7-20.7 mpg. Volvo recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

2.5T AWD	T6 w/Four-C, nav. sys.	T6 Premier	Class Average
7	8	7	8.2

Comfortably absorbent on 2.5T models with 16-inch tires, though a bit too floaty over fast humps. 2.5T AWD and 2.5T with optional 17s have harsher reactions to bumps but less float. Firmer T6 is more stable at speed but can jiggle on broken surfaces. Four-C's Comfort mode softer than standard T6 base suspension and allows some float, but firms with speed; tauter Sport mode quells float, never is harsh.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.5T AWD	T6 w/Four-C, nav. sys.	T6 Premier	Class Average
7	7	7	6.8

Even with base suspension, S80s are sure-footed and fairly agile for their size. Steering-system revisions for '04 eliminate numb, overassisted feel of previous setup. 2.5T AWD adds extra measure of security. T6 benefits slightly from Four-C's Sport setting. Short, undramatic simulated emergency stops, but some testers complain of poor pedal modulation.

Quietness

2.5T AWD	T6 w/Four-C, nav. sys.	T6 Premier	Class Average
7	7	7	8

Little engine or wind noise. Tire thrum evident on coarse pavement.

Controls

2.5T AWD	T6 w/Four-C, nav. sys.	T6 Premier	Class Average
6	4	6	6.1

Classy gauges. Rational controls, with two exceptions: Some audio functions are not intuitive, and navigation system uses odd pop-up screen that's hard to read in sunlight and is controlled by tricky buttons on back of steering wheel. Sophisticated materials, solid workmanship.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.5T AWD	T6 w/Four-C, nav. sys.	T6 Premier	Class Average
8	8	8	8.6

Wide, plush seats. Plenty of leg space. Good 6-footer head clearance even with sunroof. Take-charge driving stance is very adjustable. Front headrests impede visibility astern, though rears can be folded down via dashboard button--a handy feature.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.5T AWD	T6 w/Four-C, nav. sys.	T6 Premier	Class Average
7	7	9	8.2

Generous leg room. Good head room and under-seat foot space. No-strain entry/exit. Still, two adults are happier than three on long trips. Premier's luxury trimmings border on opulent.

Cargo Room

2.5T AWD	T6 w/Four-C, nav. sys.	T6 Premier	Class Average
4	4	4	4.9

Trunk aperture isn't that large, though lid opens more than 90 degrees, and floor is long, wide, and flat. Split rear seatbacks drop fully without removing headrests.

Value within Class

2.5T AWD	T6 w/Four-C, nav. sys.	T6 Premier	Class Average
3	4	3	5.1

The base 2.5T model feels larger and more substantial than many like-priced upscale sedans, though amenties such as leather upholstery and sunroof are optional here and standard on most rivals. The 2.5T AWD adds the security of AWD, but is hard to recommend over AWD competitors or even Volvo's own AWD S60. The T6 is the best all-around luxury value in this line, while the Premier pampers rear-seaters for less than other makers charge for similar features.

Total Score

2.5T AWD	T6 w/Four-C, nav. sys.	T6 Premier	Class Average
60	61	63	66.8

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		57
Average Score		66
High Score		80