Volvo S80 (2006 – 2016) Review

Volvo S80 (2006 – 2016) At A Glance

3/5

+Very comfortable seats and excellent ride quality. Feels like a solid and well made car.

-Lags behind the competition when it comes to handling. Smaller engines lack refinement. Serious issue of carbon build-up in pre-AdBlue EU6 D4 VEA engines that have not been run on high Cetane superdiesel.

Insurance Groups are between 18–41
On average it achieves 84% of the official MPG figure

The front-wheel drive revolution at Volvo continued with the arrival of the S80 executive saloon, which consigned the rear-drive 900 Series models to the history books. In one sweep, Volvo also put itself firmly into the mainstream of the executive class too.

While the S80 does not worry the BMW 5 Series for dynamic ability, the Volvo does not pretend to be the last word in handling finesse. What it does deliver in large Scandinavian portions is comfort and space. If you’re considering an Audi A6 or Mercedes E-Class, think about the S80 before signing on the dotted line.

The S80 shares much of its chassis and mechanical parts with the V70 and XC90, so reliability is good and there are a fair spread of engines and transmission options. Most UK buyers will plump for the turbodiesel models, which are offered in 2.5 D 140PS and 163PS D5 forms, with a 185PS version of the D5 arriving in mid-2005 that also enjoyed a boost in mid-rev shove to 400Nm.

Most S80 models will be fitted with a five-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox, reflecting the predilections of buyers in this class and the type of car the S80 is. It’s a cruiser rather than a sports saloon, though there is the option of a 272PS T6 model with 2.9-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol engine.

Other petrol motors include a non-turbo 2.9-litre with 196PS and Volvo’s usual five-cylinder range of 2.4-litre petrols with 140PS, 170PS and turbocharged 200PS and 210PS units. Rounding off the engine line-up is a 2.0-litre turbo five-cylinder engine with 180PS that joined the range in early 2003.

Performance varies from sedate to rapid depending on the engine you choose, but all S80’s have a very spacious, cosseting cabin. Rear seat passengers are treated to generous legroom, while the driver has Volvo’s typically thoughtful and logical dash layout to peruse.

All models are underpinned by a long list of standard safety equipment. This includes twin front, side and curtain airbags, as well as anti-lock brakes, ESP traction control and anti-whiplash headrests.

Volvo S80 D5 2007 Road Test

Volvo S80 D5 205 Twin Turbo 2009 Road Test and Video

Volvo S80 DRIVe 2011 Road Test

 

Real MPG average for a Volvo S80 (2006 – 2016)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

84%

Real MPG

22–64 mpg

MPGs submitted

261

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Satisfaction Index What is your car like to live with?

We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.

Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index now

Ask Honest John

When should I change the cam belt on my Volvo S80?

"What is the cam belt change interval on a 2016 Volvo S80 2.0 diesel? My local Volvo dealer is advising to replace the cam belt at 90,000 miles, is this correct?"
I would suggest getting it done now. All cam belt problems we hear about happen after five years or 60,000 miles (whichever happens first). Your local dealer may advise replacing the cam belt at 90,000 miles, but they won't guarantee it. And that means you'll be left to pick up the cost of a new engine if the belt fails before then.
Answered by Dan Powell

What comfortable car is best for doing a lot of miles?

"I do a lot of miles (35k+ year on mixed roads) around the UK. I currently have a 2006 Audi A6 Avant and I'm looking to change for something comfortable for around £5000. Any suggestions?"
You'll want a diesel for 35k miles a year but any diesel at this price has the potential to produce some hefty bills. How about a Toyota Avensis? It's not an exciting choice but it'll be extremely dependable. If you'd prefer something a bit more upmarket, a Volvo S60 or S80 could be a very comfortable choice.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Should I drop a gear to increase the revs on my Volvo S80 to clean the DPF on long journeys?

"I have a Volvo S80 D5 and regularly do long journeys but not at more than 3000 revs. Should I drop a gear to keep revs up to clean the DPF?"
If you do long journeys regularly the DPF will actively regenerate every 200 - 300 miles anyway and you may be aware of it by a drop in mpg on the instant readout and/or a hot, burning smell from under the car. Best not to switch off mid-regen. Better to let the regen complete.
Answered by Honest John

How much should I pay for a used Volvo S80?

"How much does a 2007 Volvo S80 sell for these days? "
Go here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/used-prices/ And key in all of the relevant details.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions