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2009 Volvo S80 Full Review
Date Published: 8/20/08
Also in the 2009 Volvo S80 Review:
5.
6.
Volvo S80 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Volvo S80 Review
The 2009 Volvo S80 may receive a new model, the Executive. This is Volvo's flagship sedan. It comes in three trim levels: the front-wheel-drive 3.2; the all-wheel-drive T6; and the AWD V8. The Executive is currently slated for European models, but may become available in North America for model-year 2009. The 3.2 has a 235-hp 3.2-liter 6-cylinder engine. T6 has a turbocharged 281-hp 3.0-liter 6-cylinder. The V8 has a 311-hp 4.4-liter engine. All S80s have a 6-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Available is Volvo's Blind Spot Information System. BLIS detects and warns of nearby objects that may go unseen by the driver. An optional Sport Package includes driver-adjustable power-steering settings and Volvo's Four-C adaptive suspension with Comfort, Sport, and Advanced settings. Other options include a navigation system and DVD entertainment. The Executive adds luxury touches such as a massage function in the front seats, an available refrigerator, and 8-inch LCD screens integrated into the rear of the front-seat headrests. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Volvo S80.
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2009 Volvo S80 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Build quality | Acceleration (6-cyl.) |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The 3.2's smooth 6-cylinder provides adequate power but lacks punch compared to V6-powered class rivals and even cars costing thousands less. T6 and V8 versions are a bit docile from a start but deliver willing power appropriate for the class. With either engine, the transmission shifts seamlessly. No opportunity to test an S80 Executive.
| 3.2 w/navigation | T6 | V8 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
The 3.2's smooth 6-cylinder provides adequate power but lacks punch compared to V6-powered class rivals and even cars costing thousands less. T6 and V8 versions are a bit docile from a start but deliver willing power appropriate for the class. With either engine, the transmission shifts seamlessly. No opportunity to test an S80 Executive.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, an S80 3.2 averaged 19.9 mpg. A T6 averaged 17.3 mpg, and a V8 averaged 17.8. S80 uses regular-grade gas.
| 3.2 w/navigation | T6 | V8 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an S80 3.2 averaged 19.9 mpg. A T6 averaged 17.3 mpg, and a V8 averaged 17.8. S80 uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
The base suspension is comfortable and composed. Some of our testers say the T6 feels unsettled. The comfort setting of the available Four-C suspension allows too much float over humps, while Sport and Advanced settings can trigger jiggle over bumps and washboard surfaces.
| 3.2 w/navigation | T6 | V8 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 8.2 |
The base suspension is comfortable and composed. Some of our testers say the T6 feels unsettled. The comfort setting of the available Four-C suspension allows too much float over humps, while Sport and Advanced settings can trigger jiggle over bumps and washboard surfaces.
Steering/Handling/Braking
S80 never feels sporty, but handles with controlled competence. Four-C suspension's Sport and Advanced settings reduce body lean in turns. Sport Package's steering-force-level choices range from light to moderately heavy, but the steering never feels sports-car firm. Nice, tight turning radius. AWD adds a measure of security in slippery conditions but isn't available on 3.2 models. Braking is worry-free, but one test model suffered from a slightly mushy pedal. Sensors in the available adaptive cruise control can ready maximum braking force if a collision is imminent.
| 3.2 w/navigation | T6 | V8 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
S80 never feels sporty, but handles with controlled competence. Four-C suspension's Sport and Advanced settings reduce body lean in turns. Sport Package's steering-force-level choices range from light to moderately heavy, but the steering never feels sports-car firm. Nice, tight turning radius. AWD adds a measure of security in slippery conditions but isn't available on 3.2 models. Braking is worry-free, but one test model suffered from a slightly mushy pedal. Sensors in the available adaptive cruise control can ready maximum braking force if a collision is imminent.
Quietness
S80's cabin is subdued, but not as quiet as many luxury-class competitors. Both 6-cylinder engines growl under acceleration. V8s have a bit sportier exhaust note, but they sound more refined overall. Little wind noise with noticeable tire thrum on some coarse surfaces.
| 3.2 w/navigation | T6 | V8 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8.1 |
S80's cabin is subdued, but not as quiet as many luxury-class competitors. Both 6-cylinder engines growl under acceleration. V8s have a bit sportier exhaust note, but they sound more refined overall. Little wind noise with noticeable tire thrum on some coarse surfaces.
Controls
The gauges are easy to read. While the abundance of buttons can seem complicated, the controls are actually very easy to use. Some are set low, requiring a quick look away from the road. The navigation screen pops up from the dash, and it includes a hand-held remote control. The available Blind Spot Information System can be useful, but it occasionally gave false readings in one test car.
| 3.2 w/navigation | T6 | V8 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.3 |
The gauges are easy to read. While the abundance of buttons can seem complicated, the controls are actually very easy to use. Some are set low, requiring a quick look away from the road. The navigation screen pops up from the dash, and it includes a hand-held remote control. The available Blind Spot Information System can be useful, but it occasionally gave false readings in one test car.
Details
Most materials aren't especially rich for a premium car. The wood trim is particularly dull. Still, the cabin is decently appointed overall.
| 3.2 w/navigation | T6 | V8 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 |
Most materials aren't especially rich for a premium car. The wood trim is particularly dull. Still, the cabin is decently appointed overall.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Comfortable, supportive seats have enough settings to make most backsides happy. Ample headroom and vast legroom are appreciated by all drivers. Manually adjustable tilt and telescoping steering wheel and lumbar support are appreciated, but they are usually power-operated in this class. Thick roof pillars obscure view to front corners but not to the rear.
| 3.2 w/navigation | T6 | V8 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.8 |
Comfortable, supportive seats have enough settings to make most backsides happy. Ample headroom and vast legroom are appreciated by all drivers. Manually adjustable tilt and telescoping steering wheel and lumbar support are appreciated, but they are usually power-operated in this class. Thick roof pillars obscure view to front corners but not to the rear.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Decent room, but foot space is cramped below the front seats and legroom diminishes with the front seats far aft. The seatback may be too firm and angled steeply back for some tastes. Easy entry and exit.
| 3.2 w/navigation | T6 | V8 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Decent room, but foot space is cramped below the front seats and legroom diminishes with the front seats far aft. The seatback may be too firm and angled steeply back for some tastes. Easy entry and exit.
Cargo Room
Low liftover, nonintrusive hinges, and standard split-folding rear seats are pluses. The trunk's small opening won't permit loading of large boxes. Interior storage is disappointing. The glovebox and center console are on the small side.
| 3.2 w/navigation | T6 | V8 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Low liftover, nonintrusive hinges, and standard split-folding rear seats are pluses. The trunk's small opening won't permit loading of large boxes. Interior storage is disappointing. The glovebox and center console are on the small side.
Value within Class
S80 is stylish and comfortable, but it can't match the brand cachet and the sportiness or pure luxury of the best in this class. The 3.2 model trails rivals for power and isn't offered with all-wheel drive. T6 and V8 versions are more in line with luxury buyers' expectations, and judiciously equipped, can undercut V8-powered competitors on price.
| 3.2 w/navigation | T6 | V8 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.9 |
S80 is stylish and comfortable, but it can't match the brand cachet and the sportiness or pure luxury of the best in this class. The 3.2 model trails rivals for power and isn't offered with all-wheel drive. T6 and V8 versions are more in line with luxury buyers' expectations, and judiciously equipped, can undercut V8-powered competitors on price.
Total Score
| 3.2 w/navigation | T6 | V8 w/Sport Pkg | Class Average |
| 69 | 70 | 68 | 73.9 |
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
| Low Score | 68 | |
| Average Score | 73 | |
| High Score | 87 |
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2009 Volvo S80 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 08/18/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 3.2 4-door sedan | $39,600 | $37,224 | $825 |
|
|
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| AWD T6 4-door sedan | $42,050 | $39,527 | $825 |
|
|
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| AWD V8 4-door sedan | $51,850 | $48,221 | $825 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
3.2
Powertrain
3.2-liter 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, fold-flat passenger seat, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through, power-folding rear headrests, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn signals and tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, 225/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
T6 adds to 3.2:
Powertrain
3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive.
V8 adds to T6:
Powertrain
4.4-liter V8 engine.
Safety
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated/cooled/massaging front seats, heated rear seats, keyless access and starting, satellite radio, heated washer nozzles.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Headlight washers, 245/40VR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Executive Pkg.
|
||
|
T6
|
$2,495
|
$2,345
|
|
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery, heated/ventilated/massaging front seats, wood/aluminum interior trim, rear control for front-passenger seat, analog clock, 245/45VR17 tires.
|
||
|
Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
3.2, T6
|
$3,045
|
$2,862
|
|
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, keyless access and starting, security status, upgraded sound system, rear radio controls, air filtration system, humidity sensor, alarm.
|
||
|
Technology Pkg.
|
||
|
V8
|
$4,995
|
$4,696
|
|
Navigation system, traffic information, upgraded sound system, rear radio controls, upgraded power steering, steering-linked bi-xenon headlights.
|
||
|
Collision Avoidance Pkg.
|
||
|
3.2, T6, V8
|
$1,695
|
$1,593
|
|
Collision warning w/automatic braking, distance alert, lane-departure warning, driver's alert control, adaptive cruise control.
|
||
|
Climate Pkg.
|
||
|
3.2, T6
|
$1,425
|
$1,340
|
|
Heated front and rear seats, heated washer nozzles, headlight washers.
|
||
|
|
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Safety |
||
|
Blind-spot alert
|
||
|
3.2, T6, V8
|
$695
|
$653
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
3.2, T6
|
$2,120
|
$1,993
|
|
Includes traffic information.
|
||
|
DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
3.2, T6, V8
|
$1,800
|
$1,692
|
|
Includes 2 screens.
|
||
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
3.2, T6
|
$395
|
$371
|
|
Rear refrigerator
|
||
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V8
|
$695
|
$653
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Steering-linked bi-xenon headlights
|
||
|
3.2, T6
|
$800
|
$752
|
|
Special paint
|
||
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3.2, T6, V8
|
$525
|
$494
|
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Premium paint
|
||
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3.2, T6, V8
|
$675
|
$635
|
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245/40ZR18 tires
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||
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3.2, T6
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$750
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$705
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Chrome alloy wheels
|
||
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V8
|
$1,550
|
$1,457
|
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Includes 245/40ZR18 tires.
|
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|
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||
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2009 Volvo S80 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Volvo S80 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3825 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I6 | Turbocharged dohc I6 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.2 /195 | 3.0 /180 | 4.4 /269 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 235 @ 6200 | 281 @ 5600 | 311 @ 5950 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 236 @ 3200 | 295 @ 1500 | 325 @ 3950 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 6-speed automatic | 16/24 | 15/23 | 15/23 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Volvo S80 4-door sedan |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Sweden
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2009 Volvo S80 Review:
5.
6.
Volvo S80 Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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