Strengths

Good value combined with luxury; innovative safety features; attractive design using unique colors and materials; dynamic performance

 

Changes

Once again, the 2009 Volvo S80 offers three models based around their engines: the 3.2, the T6 and the V8. Bluetooth is now standard on all models. The new Convenience Package offers front- and rear-obstacle detection, rear audio controls, and keyless access/engine start. Alpine amplifiers, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound and Dynaudio speakers are now available. A refrigerator in the rear-seat area is optional on the V8. The Sport Package has been discontinued.

 

Value

The 2009 S80 is Volvo's flagship sedan and is an excellent choice for those looking for first-class refinement, a bevy of innovative safety features, luxury galore, solid power options, and a competitive price across the range. The 3.2 gives efficiency-minded buyers a great option. The Yamaha-built V8 delivers smooth power across the rev range, and the turbocharged T6 presents buyers with a smart blend of both. Car buyers who look at the S80 also look at the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes Benz E-Class. Combined mileage is estimated at 20 mpg.

 

Overview

The front-wheel-drive 3.2 model, powered by a 3.2L, 235 horsepower inline-6 engine with 236 pounds/feet of torque, offers plenty of creature comforts, including footwell entry lights, a tilt and telescopic leather-clad steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, power one-touch windows and locks, power heated mirrors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. All S80s utilize Volvo's 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, which allows for manual shifting for more control.

The T6 model (formerly the XC70) is all-wheel-drive and is powered by a turbocharged, 281 horsepower 3.0L inline-6 engine that slots between the 3.2 and the V8 AWD. In addition to the 3.2's excellent standard features, the T6 adds Volvo's all-wheel drive with Instant Traction, a power parking brake, watch dial instruments, Canicula 17-inch alloy wheels, and dual exhaust tips.

The top-of-the-line V8 AWD features as Yamaha-sourced 4.4L V8 engine with 315 horsepower and 325 pound/feet of torque. The V8 AWD features Volvo's Personal Car Communicator, a remote that connects owners with their cars in several ways, such as keyless start and a security system. Additionally, the V8 includes premium leather, an interior air quality system, humidity sensor, classic wood inlays and interior accents. Brushed aluminum door moldings and heated rear seats are available in the Climate Package. Dynamic Stability and Traction Control is available on all models

All 2009 Volvo S80s come standard with antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, anti-whiplash front head restraints and seatbelt pre-tensioners in all five positions. In crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Volvo S80 earned the top rating of "Good" for both frontal-offset and side collision protection.

The 3.2 comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, active bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, sunroof, leather upholstery, wood interior trim, eight-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and an 8-speaker stereo with in-dash CD changer and auxiliary input jack. The T6 adds a turbocharged engine, electronic parking brake and upgraded instrumentation. The V8 comes with 18-inch wheels, headlight washers, front and rear park assist, satellite radio, massaging ventilated front seats, heated seats front and rear, analog clock, interior air quality system and the aforementioned Personal Car Communicator.

The new Convenience Package adds a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system and satellite radio to 3.2 and T6 models, while the Climate Package provides heated front and rear seats and headlight washers to the 3.2 and T6. The new Executive Package for the T6 adds special 17-inch alloy wheels, wood cabin accents, massaging ventilated front seats, upgraded leather and an analog clock. Other option packages include various 18-inch alloy wheels, a navigation system, a dual-screen rear entertainment system, the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and, for V8 models only, a rear-seat refrigerator. The Collision Avoidance Package includes adaptive cruise control, distance alert, and a lane departure warning. An Executive Package is optional on the T6, and most of its features are standard on the V8.