Home Test Drives & Reviews Volvo S80 T5 Test Drive Report

Volvo S80 T5 Test Drive Report

Test Drives & Reviews

by Kon - May 11, 2012

The Volvo S80 is now in the fifth year of its model cycle, and age is beginning to catch up. The current second generation model was introduced worldwide in 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show, and its launch in Malaysia took place in the latter half of 2007. Today, its appearance has remained largely unchanged, but Volvo’s flagship model has been receiving a number of powertrain revisions over the last five years.

Latest engine under the hood is a 2.0-litre turbocharged lump with direct injection that is also used in the S60 and XC60, both platform mates of the S80. This latest variant is dubbed the S80 T5, and that means it has 237hp and 320Nm at the driver’s disposal. It replaces the previous 2.5-litre five-cylinder motor which made 231hp and 340Nm, and is now the only engine offered with the S80.

Not as dynamic-looking its newer siblings, but lines are graceful.

Customers are given two choices with regards to equipment. The Standard model, at RM268,000 before insurance, offers a comprehensive array of safety equipment that includes Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), whiplash protection, ABS, EBD, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Isofix mounts, and too many airbags to count. Creature comforts include electric front seat adjustment, 8-speaker audio system, B-pillar mounted rear air-con blowers, steering-mounted controls, and USB/Aux connectivity.

Topping an extra RM27k for the Exclusive model as tested here adds Lane Departure Warning, Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake, Active Bending Lights, and rain sensors among other things. Its rims are one size bigger than the standard model at 17 inches, though our test car is opted with even bigger 18″ rims wrapped with Michelin PS3 tyres, adding a further RM18k to its invoice. Other items of note in the arsenal include adaptive cruise control, 6-disc changer, keyless access, and Bluetooth handsfree.

Side impact protection system.

Also found in our test car is a built-in GPS navigation system with touchscreen interface, and this is where the S80 clearly shows its age. Unlike the newer S60, the S80’s sat nav screen is the retractable type, and its appearance clearly suggests that it was added there as an afterthought. However, positives to note is that the Garmin-powered system worked competently and was almost painless to use. Also, despite its awkward appearance, the screen was tilted at just the right angle so as not to be glared by mid-day sunlight.

If you can get past the fact that you’re not sitting in the newest cabin in the business, there are quite a lot of things to like about the S80’s cabin, especially if you’re person of mature tastes. Harsher critics may use the word ‘uncle’, but we won’t go as far as that. I would have preferred a little more restraint with the wood, but overall cabin atmosphere is typically pleasant like most Volvo vehicles, and I personally found that panel gaps are actually more consistent than they are in the newer S60.

Sat nav screen is a pop-up unit that looks like a distinct after thought.

According to Volvo, the S80 T5 for our market is specified with the more aggressive Dynamic chassis settings for sharper handling attributes. The reality is that the S80 is still a little too soft for spirited driving, and our recommendation is that you opt for the smooth rather than balls-out approach when the roads begin to twist. Ride quality can a little harsh on poor roads, so do your best to avoid the potholes.

Whilst its dynamic repertoire is rather average, the S80 redeems itself with its excellent powertrain. One of the most highly-tuned 2.0-litre engines in the market (second only to the BMW 528i), its outputs are sent to the front wheels by Getrag’s 6-speed Powershift dual clutch transmission. It effortlessly propels the S80’s 1,742kg kerb weight up to highway speeds, proving itself more than adequate as a replacement of the previous five-pot mill. Straight line stability is good, but undulations can be felt on poorly surfaced roads.

The S80 is one of the early adopters of Ford’s EUCD platform.

The S80 is hardly an automatic choice among buyers in its market segment, but it is still a car worth looking at. It is an aging product, no doubt, but the new engine gives it a new lease of life, and this is undoubtedly one of the safest cars in the business. Volvo’s list of options can be frighteningly long and expensive, but with standard kit being sufficiently generous, the S80 is rather good value for its money.