Soon to be replaced by the upcoming S90 sedan (Volvo’s second salvo in its new product assault), the aging S80 flagship four-door soldiers on. For 2016, Volvo ditches the T6 six-cylinder turbo and AWD. The S80 is now front-wheel drive only, and is labeled T5 Drive-E FWD.
The S80 runs with Volvo’s new-generation 2.0L Drive-E turbo-four (240 hp, 258 lb-ft) and smooth eight-speed auto. Official fuel consumption is 8.3 L/100 km combined. As with all Volvos, the front seats are worth the price of admission alone, which is a reasonable $50,950 for the base S80 model.
The cabin is nicely rendered, getting creamy leather, dark walnut inlays, a digital gauge cluster and Volvo’s “floating” centre console with its cluster of small buttons. Back seat room is modest when compared to other premium European flagship models - this car is classed as a mid-size sedan.
The base car gets Volvo’s City Safety collision mitigation, sunroof, and Sensus interface with 7-inch colour display, navigation and smart phone integration. Moving up to the $55,900 Platinum adds Harman Kardon audio, adaptive cruise, lane departure warning, front and rear park assist, road sign info, back up camera and more.
Both models ride on 17-inch alloys.
Blind Spot Information is an additional $800 for either trim, and the Climate Package (heated steering wheel, rear seats, windshield and washer nozzles) runs $1350.
The 2016 S80 T5 Drive-E FWD could be worth a look for those seeking a comfortable, safe, premium European sedan that delivers good fuel economy and doesn’t cost the moon. They’ll be an elite group however, as only sixty-two Canadians bought the S80 in 2015.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
