The Volvo T6 S80 AWD, An Unbiased Look

Classy and Feature-Packed, the New S80 AWD Turbo is a Class Leader

Jul 27, 2008

Luxury and Safety Features Galore are S80 Highlights. When BMW and Mercedes Vehicles are Better Known Rivals You Need to Offer More Simply to Survive.

When one’s marketplace rivals are BMW's "5" series, the Mercedes "E's" and the top-line Cadillac’s you'd better offer a fine product. Volvo, with its recently restyled T6 S80 turbo all-wheel drive has no worries about competing even in this rarefied atmosphere. It's a full-sized vehicle loaded with creature comforts and safety features.

Inside: Lots to Like

The S80 T6 turbo sports adequate analog instrumentation and a trip computer nestled amid its burled wood dash. Overhead is:

There ar more items to like. Power rack and pinion steering with an adjustable column, push button starting with keyfob entry, auxiliary sound system controls embedded in the wheel hub, a center console, advanced Stability and Traction Control systems to prevent skids, mediocre cupholders, excellent control "feel" and more features than there's room to mention are packed inside this $43,000 base price vehicle. The 60/40 fold-down rear bench offers expansive legroom; the trunk is huge, finished nicely, and boasts low liftover height.

More Safety Features

Buying a Volvo automatically means you'll get the industries' most advanced set of safety features. The S80 uses dual front and side airbags, accident-triggered "side curtains" to prevent head injuries and minimize vehicle ejections plus a Whiplash Protection System. It works by limiting "head snap" during crashes. It's a simple solution to a painful problem. Standard, too, is a tire pressure monitoring system, another safety enhancement. A burglar alarm is standard too.

Note Volvo offers numerous other safety features as options. A Blind Spot Monitoring System with fold-away mirrors is $695 and Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Departure Warning, a Collision Warning System with Automatic Braking and a Distance Alert/Driver Alert Control System package is $1,695. All but Blind Spot Monitoring seemed unnecessary ... and during the week-long test period this reporter never used it.

Under the Hood

An inline six cylinder, 4-valve per combustion chamber 3.0 liter engine with variable valve timing powers the S80. The 281 HP turbo produces so much torque over so large an RPM range you'll seldom realize the car isn't normally aspirated. Fuel efficiency was observed at 15 city and 21 highway (EPA 15/23). Turning to 0-60 acceleration, seven seconds was recorded on a Belkin accelerometer. That’s sprightly for a 4,016 pound vehicle. The mileage figure approaches the genre's top, as does its sprint time.

The T6’s engine was mated to a properly geared 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability and lockup torque converter. It shifted flawlessly.

The Suspension Shines

The Volvo’s suspension was a stellar example of firmness and compliance. Traditional European rock-solid "feel" is retained yet the ride is family-comfortable and controlled. On the road superb handling is the norm. Body lean on freeway ramps is minimal and the wide Michelin mud and snow radials grip well. At a measured 38 feet the turning circle is average for the class. The “active” 4-wheel independent suspension offered “Comfort, Advanced” and “Sport” modes. Just leave the suspension in “Comfort” for best all-around performance, the other modes just made the ride harsher. Remember, too, this vehicle’s full-time four-wheel drive capability is meant for inclement weather, not off-roading. There’s no Hi/Lo transfer case, certain proof of the manufacturer’s intention. Towing capacity is 3,007 pounds.

The Sound System

An AM/FM/CD sound system with WMA and MP3 capability was standard. It worked well. The dual zone, passenger/driver controllable air conditioner and heater had adequate capacity. Overall quality control was flawless.

The Verdict

The Volvo S80 T6 All-Wheel Drive variant is an excellent machine, even qualifying as an “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle.” It hasn’t been crash tested by the government yet but, as these tests are artificial and near-worthless it’s moot. Regardless the S80 is well worth a long test drive.

The copyright of the article The Volvo T6 S80 AWD, An Unbiased Look in Car Care/Ownership is owned by Zane Binder. Permission to republish The Volvo T6 S80 AWD, An Unbiased Look in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.