Volvo S80 (06 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 14 July 2011
Volvo's S80 is a premium, large saloon alternative to the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series. While it may not be seen as being as desirable as its German competitors, the S80 is stylish in a subtle way, and although most people would be interested in the diesel engines, there is also a range of four, five, six and eight-cylinder petrol engines. Safety features include a collision warning system, and a 'personal car communicator' key-fob which can tell if you've left the car unlocked. In 2009, Volvo further enhanced the S80s appeal with a mild redesign, both exterior and interior, added new features and upgraded the D5 diesel. The S80 is also now offered with two chassis: a performance version which sits lower and with stiffer suspension, or a comfort version for a more limousine-type ride. Late in 2009, a low-emissions DRIVe version was introduced.
3.5 out of 5

Other Volvo reviews

4 out of 5

Running costs

Competitively priced against the Audi A6, BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, insurance isn't too steep and the five-cylinder diesels are surprisingly economical, returning more than 40mpg. The S80 can now go for up to two years or 18,000 miles without a service, and Volvo has reduced the 'labour content' of servicing by 30 per cent, which should also reduce costs. Depreciation rates should be close to the equivalent A6 saloon and BMW 5-series.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,461 - £2,668 *

Diesel

£1,034 - £1,781 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Two years/18,000 miles.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£30.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3.5 out of 5

Green credentials

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CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Diesel S80s are far more common than petrol versions, and they offer fairly low emissions given the size of the car and the power outputs. In 2009 Volvo launched a 1.6 DRIVe version with 129g/km of CO2 which at the time was class leading. Economy is an impressive 58mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2