Volvo S80 T5 steps in to replace 2.5T
Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) introduced the latest round of updates for its S80 flagship today, with two new T5 variants stepping in to replace the outgoing 2.5T. Following the current trend of engine downsizing in Europe, the S80 is now sold with one cylinder less, as a 2.0-litre four-pot now takes residence under the hood.
Don’t dismiss that as a downgrade though – you are getting more horses. Maximum output is raised from the previous 231hp of the 2.5T to 240hp @ 5,500rpm. There is a 20Nm deficit in torque now, though the window in which the full 320Nm is spread is now slightly wider, stretching from 1,800 to 5,000rpm. As suggested by its badge, this is the same motor in the same state of tune also offered in the S60 T5 and XC60 T5.
A legacy of Volvo’s days under Ford ownership, the T5’s motor is a more highly tuned version of the 2.0-litre EcoBoost motor recently introduced in the Mondeo and S-Max. It is a highly advanced gasoline turbo direct injection (GTDi) engine, which goes some way to explain its impressive outputs and how they go hand-in-hand with a commendable 8.3 litres/100km fuel consumption rating. Getrag’s 6-speed Powershift transmission connects the engine to the front wheels.
Sitting on Ford’s EUCD platform, the S80 T5 now comes with a new Dynamic chassis setup for improved handling characteristics. Claimed benefits are more precise control, and reduced body roll. It comes standard with Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) which reduces engine torque and/or applies braking power when so needed to counteract situations potentially leading to skids.
For this new update, VCM is marketing the S80 T5 in two trim levels – Standard and Exclusive – priced nearly RM30k apart from each other. That money pays for Pedestrian Detection, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Alert Control, and Lane Departure Warning among other additional equipment.
Its not all bare bones in the standard T5 though. There is still Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System, an 8-speaker high-performance audio system, immobiliser, power adjusting front seats, B-pillar-mounted air-con vents, side airbags, whiplash protection, front and rear seat-belt pre-tensioners, and ISOFIX mounts to count as standard equipment across the board.
Available for viewing and test drive at all Volvo showrooms nationwide, the new locally assembled S80 T5 is priced (OTR without Insurance) at RM268,000 for the standard model and RM295,000 for the Exclusive variant.
Where does it stand relative to the S60?
Though Volvo is very clear about the S80 being the company’s flagship model, it is being overshadowed by the newer and more dynamic S60, which actually has a more expensive and more powerful T6 version complete with all-wheel drive.
Even the S60 T5 model sits nicely between both variants of the S80 T5 in terms of pricing, being offered to the market at RM288,000. The S60 T6, powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six good for 304hp and 440Nm, is priced at RM348,000, almost RM50k above the S80 T5 Exclusive.
This deployment of troops by Volvo is somewhat bizarre, but it won’t remain this way for long, as the S60 will begin local assembly soon. The S60 T6 will not be rolling out from Shah Alam, and in all likelihood, the S60 T5 will receive a hefty slash on its price tag.
So if you want your S60 with six-cylinder power, don’t wait for the CKD version to come out. However, CKD plans of the S60 will include a new T4 variant, to be powered by a 1.6-litre GTDi engine rated at 180hp and 240Nm.
