Volvo S80 2.0T (A) Review
18 Jan 2011|20,195 views
For some reason or another, Volvo's attempt at a serious luxury car didn't win the respect it deserved. With the Swedish marque going up against tough competition like the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series, it's not surprising that the S80 is unable to stand out from the crowd.
There are, no doubt, plenty of premium-brand sedans that feel more upscale than the S80. And there are just as many that surpass its balance and grip on a winding back road. But competitors sure as hell can't beat one thing - Volvo S80 certainly boasts the industry's most supportive seats.
But Volvo has made some tweaks to the latest model and while it may not be seen as being as desirable as its German competitors, the S80 is stylish in a subtle way. And yes, there is also a choice of four and six-cylinder petrol engines in Singapore. This simply means if the 2.0-litre GDTi engine isn't good enough for you, the 6-cylinders in-line Turbocharged engine should just do the trick.
Exterior
On first glance, the shell of the S80 is a tad soft. It does not appear to be aggressive. What it does, though, is it looks more handsome and chic, exuding a commanding stance when motionless - something all automotive designers try to achieve.
There are, no doubt, plenty of premium-brand sedans that feel more upscale than the S80. And there are just as many that surpass its balance and grip on a winding back road. But competitors sure as hell can't beat one thing - Volvo S80 certainly boasts the industry's most supportive seats.
But Volvo has made some tweaks to the latest model and while it may not be seen as being as desirable as its German competitors, the S80 is stylish in a subtle way. And yes, there is also a choice of four and six-cylinder petrol engines in Singapore. This simply means if the 2.0-litre GDTi engine isn't good enough for you, the 6-cylinders in-line Turbocharged engine should just do the trick.
Exterior
On first glance, the shell of the S80 is a tad soft. It does not appear to be aggressive. What it does, though, is it looks more handsome and chic, exuding a commanding stance when motionless - something all automotive designers try to achieve.
 |
Up front, it's no surprise that the nose looks very familiar with the Swedish automaker's trademark "egg crates" grille with its diagonal bar and Volvo logo. Like the dual-kidney grille on BMW, you'll not mistake the S80 for anything else.
The slightly raised waistline of the side also contributes to its dynamic stance, which is further reinforced with the crisp and indented line that runs across the side doors. And similarly to the front end, the back is a familiar face. Volvo lettering has been spaced further apart while the high placements of the curvy tail lamps follow a styling theme that has been adopted by all Volvo models.
As a result, the entire look of the bodywork looks tidier and better-balanced, which can be no bad thing. The effect is distinctive, tasteful and dynamic - not to mention, individualistic.
 |
Interior
Step inside and the front seats are luxuriously comfortable with the dash presenting all important controls in a way that makes the driver's job an easy one. I've driven quite a number of cars over the years and their seats are truly second to none.
It resembles most of the Volvo models, as the interior design is attractive in an inoffensive way and the materials all have a quality feel. However, the whole interior effect isn't nearly as interesting as the BMW 5-series
Space wise, rear benches provide the luxury of giving ample head and legroom to up to three lengthy adults while the front ones provide the passenger and driver a high seating position. Even some luxury cars in this class are not quite as spacious in the back as they should be.
Step inside and the front seats are luxuriously comfortable with the dash presenting all important controls in a way that makes the driver's job an easy one. I've driven quite a number of cars over the years and their seats are truly second to none.
It resembles most of the Volvo models, as the interior design is attractive in an inoffensive way and the materials all have a quality feel. However, the whole interior effect isn't nearly as interesting as the BMW 5-series
Space wise, rear benches provide the luxury of giving ample head and legroom to up to three lengthy adults while the front ones provide the passenger and driver a high seating position. Even some luxury cars in this class are not quite as spacious in the back as they should be.
And as mentioned before, although this is more a luxury sedan than limousine, the front seats are very supportive and comfortable.
The spaciousness doesn't end there. In the boot, the Volvo S80 boasts a luggage space of 480 litres, allowing two golf bags to be fitted inside with ease.
Not only is the Volvo S80's interior a comfortable place to be, its ergonomics and control layout are superb. The interior matches Audi for material supremacy. While both brands get high marks for deploying top notch materials, the Swedish marque pulls ahead with user-friendlier interfaces.
The spaciousness doesn't end there. In the boot, the Volvo S80 boasts a luggage space of 480 litres, allowing two golf bags to be fitted inside with ease.
Not only is the Volvo S80's interior a comfortable place to be, its ergonomics and control layout are superb. The interior matches Audi for material supremacy. While both brands get high marks for deploying top notch materials, the Swedish marque pulls ahead with user-friendlier interfaces.
 |
The Drive
On the move, the 2.0-litre GDTi power plant that hides humbly under the bonnet unleashes a potential that can surprise many. After all, Volvo says that this engine "is as powerful as a 2.5-litre 5-cyliner unit".
The S80's massive power and torque make progress relatively effortless indeed. With outputs of 203bhp at 6000rpm and 300Nm over a wide range between 1750rpm - 4000rpm, the handsome Swedish feels punchy at all revs. Shift the gear lever over to sport mode and the S80 will put on a performance that will make a cynic change his mind about Volvo. The roar that it makes under full throttle is surprisingly stirring too.
Apart from some tyre noise and the firm suspension's dislike of big manhole covers and bumps, the S80 has loads of grip in a predictable, safe manner. There's not one time when you'll experience a fightback. Thus, it doesn't irritate in any way. Driving it round a bend feels as safe as, say, a 5-Series on a straight road.
Although a turbocharged engine is not new to the S80, this 2.0-litre power plant delivers an almost perfect blend of comfort and performance, thanks to its new feature of direct injection which gives a high fill rate in the combustion chamber.
On the move, the 2.0-litre GDTi power plant that hides humbly under the bonnet unleashes a potential that can surprise many. After all, Volvo says that this engine "is as powerful as a 2.5-litre 5-cyliner unit".
The S80's massive power and torque make progress relatively effortless indeed. With outputs of 203bhp at 6000rpm and 300Nm over a wide range between 1750rpm - 4000rpm, the handsome Swedish feels punchy at all revs. Shift the gear lever over to sport mode and the S80 will put on a performance that will make a cynic change his mind about Volvo. The roar that it makes under full throttle is surprisingly stirring too.
Apart from some tyre noise and the firm suspension's dislike of big manhole covers and bumps, the S80 has loads of grip in a predictable, safe manner. There's not one time when you'll experience a fightback. Thus, it doesn't irritate in any way. Driving it round a bend feels as safe as, say, a 5-Series on a straight road.
Although a turbocharged engine is not new to the S80, this 2.0-litre power plant delivers an almost perfect blend of comfort and performance, thanks to its new feature of direct injection which gives a high fill rate in the combustion chamber.
This results in swift acceleration and good driveability even from low speeds. Given the car's ability to respond instantaneously puts it above some of its competitors in its class. It feels even quicker than the official time of 8.5 seconds for the sprint to 100km/h would suggest.
Conclusion
Based on the number of S80s on our roads now, it's evident that many have found the right reasons in buying the brand.
In my honest opinion, there are other cars I may consider. At a price of $218,000 (as of 7th Jan 2011), the S80 isn't a great drivers' car, but it feels somewhat grown-up. More importantly, with a holistic approach to safety, this car is certainly a good direction in transporting your family members around in a fuss-free manner.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
Based on the number of S80s on our roads now, it's evident that many have found the right reasons in buying the brand.
In my honest opinion, there are other cars I may consider. At a price of $218,000 (as of 7th Jan 2011), the S80 isn't a great drivers' car, but it feels somewhat grown-up. More importantly, with a holistic approach to safety, this car is certainly a good direction in transporting your family members around in a fuss-free manner.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
For some reason or another, Volvo's attempt at a serious luxury car didn't win the respect it deserved. With the Swedish marque going up against tough competition like the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series, it's not surprising that the S80 is unable to stand out from the crowd.
There are, no doubt, plenty of premium-brand sedans that feel more upscale than the S80. And there are just as many that surpass its balance and grip on a winding back road. But competitors sure as hell can't beat one thing - Volvo S80 certainly boasts the industry's most supportive seats.
But Volvo has made some tweaks to the latest model and while it may not be seen as being as desirable as its German competitors, the S80 is stylish in a subtle way. And yes, there is also a choice of four and six-cylinder petrol engines in Singapore. This simply means if the 2.0-litre GDTi engine isn't good enough for you, the 6-cylinders in-line Turbocharged engine should just do the trick.
Exterior
On first glance, the shell of the S80 is a tad soft. It does not appear to be aggressive. What it does, though, is it looks more handsome and chic, exuding a commanding stance when motionless - something all automotive designers try to achieve.
There are, no doubt, plenty of premium-brand sedans that feel more upscale than the S80. And there are just as many that surpass its balance and grip on a winding back road. But competitors sure as hell can't beat one thing - Volvo S80 certainly boasts the industry's most supportive seats.
But Volvo has made some tweaks to the latest model and while it may not be seen as being as desirable as its German competitors, the S80 is stylish in a subtle way. And yes, there is also a choice of four and six-cylinder petrol engines in Singapore. This simply means if the 2.0-litre GDTi engine isn't good enough for you, the 6-cylinders in-line Turbocharged engine should just do the trick.
Exterior
On first glance, the shell of the S80 is a tad soft. It does not appear to be aggressive. What it does, though, is it looks more handsome and chic, exuding a commanding stance when motionless - something all automotive designers try to achieve.
|
Up front, it's no surprise that the nose looks very familiar with the Swedish automaker's trademark "egg crates" grille with its diagonal bar and Volvo logo. Like the dual-kidney grille on BMW, you'll not mistake the S80 for anything else.
The slightly raised waistline of the side also contributes to its dynamic stance, which is further reinforced with the crisp and indented line that runs across the side doors. And similarly to the front end, the back is a familiar face. Volvo lettering has been spaced further apart while the high placements of the curvy tail lamps follow a styling theme that has been adopted by all Volvo models.
As a result, the entire look of the bodywork looks tidier and better-balanced, which can be no bad thing. The effect is distinctive, tasteful and dynamic - not to mention, individualistic.
|
Interior
Step inside and the front seats are luxuriously comfortable with the dash presenting all important controls in a way that makes the driver's job an easy one. I've driven quite a number of cars over the years and their seats are truly second to none.
It resembles most of the Volvo models, as the interior design is attractive in an inoffensive way and the materials all have a quality feel. However, the whole interior effect isn't nearly as interesting as the BMW 5-series
Space wise, rear benches provide the luxury of giving ample head and legroom to up to three lengthy adults while the front ones provide the passenger and driver a high seating position. Even some luxury cars in this class are not quite as spacious in the back as they should be.
Step inside and the front seats are luxuriously comfortable with the dash presenting all important controls in a way that makes the driver's job an easy one. I've driven quite a number of cars over the years and their seats are truly second to none.
It resembles most of the Volvo models, as the interior design is attractive in an inoffensive way and the materials all have a quality feel. However, the whole interior effect isn't nearly as interesting as the BMW 5-series
Space wise, rear benches provide the luxury of giving ample head and legroom to up to three lengthy adults while the front ones provide the passenger and driver a high seating position. Even some luxury cars in this class are not quite as spacious in the back as they should be.
And as mentioned before, although this is more a luxury sedan than limousine, the front seats are very supportive and comfortable.
The spaciousness doesn't end there. In the boot, the Volvo S80 boasts a luggage space of 480 litres, allowing two golf bags to be fitted inside with ease.
Not only is the Volvo S80's interior a comfortable place to be, its ergonomics and control layout are superb. The interior matches Audi for material supremacy. While both brands get high marks for deploying top notch materials, the Swedish marque pulls ahead with user-friendlier interfaces.
The spaciousness doesn't end there. In the boot, the Volvo S80 boasts a luggage space of 480 litres, allowing two golf bags to be fitted inside with ease.
Not only is the Volvo S80's interior a comfortable place to be, its ergonomics and control layout are superb. The interior matches Audi for material supremacy. While both brands get high marks for deploying top notch materials, the Swedish marque pulls ahead with user-friendlier interfaces.
|
The Drive
On the move, the 2.0-litre GDTi power plant that hides humbly under the bonnet unleashes a potential that can surprise many. After all, Volvo says that this engine "is as powerful as a 2.5-litre 5-cyliner unit".
The S80's massive power and torque make progress relatively effortless indeed. With outputs of 203bhp at 6000rpm and 300Nm over a wide range between 1750rpm - 4000rpm, the handsome Swedish feels punchy at all revs. Shift the gear lever over to sport mode and the S80 will put on a performance that will make a cynic change his mind about Volvo. The roar that it makes under full throttle is surprisingly stirring too.
Apart from some tyre noise and the firm suspension's dislike of big manhole covers and bumps, the S80 has loads of grip in a predictable, safe manner. There's not one time when you'll experience a fightback. Thus, it doesn't irritate in any way. Driving it round a bend feels as safe as, say, a 5-Series on a straight road.
Although a turbocharged engine is not new to the S80, this 2.0-litre power plant delivers an almost perfect blend of comfort and performance, thanks to its new feature of direct injection which gives a high fill rate in the combustion chamber.
On the move, the 2.0-litre GDTi power plant that hides humbly under the bonnet unleashes a potential that can surprise many. After all, Volvo says that this engine "is as powerful as a 2.5-litre 5-cyliner unit".
The S80's massive power and torque make progress relatively effortless indeed. With outputs of 203bhp at 6000rpm and 300Nm over a wide range between 1750rpm - 4000rpm, the handsome Swedish feels punchy at all revs. Shift the gear lever over to sport mode and the S80 will put on a performance that will make a cynic change his mind about Volvo. The roar that it makes under full throttle is surprisingly stirring too.
Apart from some tyre noise and the firm suspension's dislike of big manhole covers and bumps, the S80 has loads of grip in a predictable, safe manner. There's not one time when you'll experience a fightback. Thus, it doesn't irritate in any way. Driving it round a bend feels as safe as, say, a 5-Series on a straight road.
Although a turbocharged engine is not new to the S80, this 2.0-litre power plant delivers an almost perfect blend of comfort and performance, thanks to its new feature of direct injection which gives a high fill rate in the combustion chamber.
This results in swift acceleration and good driveability even from low speeds. Given the car's ability to respond instantaneously puts it above some of its competitors in its class. It feels even quicker than the official time of 8.5 seconds for the sprint to 100km/h would suggest.
Conclusion
Based on the number of S80s on our roads now, it's evident that many have found the right reasons in buying the brand.
In my honest opinion, there are other cars I may consider. At a price of $218,000 (as of 7th Jan 2011), the S80 isn't a great drivers' car, but it feels somewhat grown-up. More importantly, with a holistic approach to safety, this car is certainly a good direction in transporting your family members around in a fuss-free manner.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
Based on the number of S80s on our roads now, it's evident that many have found the right reasons in buying the brand.
In my honest opinion, there are other cars I may consider. At a price of $218,000 (as of 7th Jan 2011), the S80 isn't a great drivers' car, but it feels somewhat grown-up. More importantly, with a holistic approach to safety, this car is certainly a good direction in transporting your family members around in a fuss-free manner.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Also read our comparison article on:
Lexus ES250 2.5 Luxury (A) vs Volvo S80 T5 Drive-E (A)
Car Information
Volvo S80 2.0T (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12km/L
Horsepower
151kW (203 bhp)
Torque
300 Nm
Acceleration
8.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volvo S80
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