“Handles well, lives up to mileage claims, uses 87 octane gas, comfortable, roomy, economical and insurance is reasonable compared to other cars I considered and has a much better safety rating!”
2016 Volvo S80: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Volvo S80 is the loss of the T6 AWD, leaving the front-wheel-drive T5 Drive-E as the only U.S. powertrain. This is otherwise a light final-year update focused on more standard equipment rather than a redesign.
About the 2016 Volvo S80
2nd generation, final U.S. model year, after the 2014 styling update.
Volvo positioned the S80 as its large, understated luxury sedan for drivers who cared more about comfort, safety, and calm long-distance travel than flashy styling or sporty handling. The core appeal was classic Volvo seat comfort, a quiet cabin, strong built-in safety technology, and efficient Drive-E power. Against rival luxury sedans, the S80 stood out by feeling more safety-led and more restrained in its design.
The 2016 S80 is a comfort-focused sedan offered as the T5 and the more fully equipped T5 Platinum. Both use a 240-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic; the T5 has leather, built-in navigation, and a digital instrument display, while Platinum adds premium Harman Kardon audio, adaptive cruise control, upgraded headlights, and a broader driver-assistance suite.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Volvo discontinued the T6 AWD and streamlined the U.S. range around the front-wheel-drive T5 Drive-E powertrain. The remaining trims were T5 and T5 Platinum; the previous T5 Premier Plus and T6 trims were dropped.
Styling
18-inch Magni alloy wheels became standard across the remaining lineup.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring became standard on the T5 Platinum.
Tech
Heated front seats, a power glass sunroof, and the cabin air-quality system became standard across the remaining lineup.
2016 Volvo S80 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, 2.0T | 4-Cyl, Drive-E, 2.0T |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic | Auto, 8-Spd Geartronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240 hp | 240 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3900 lb | 3900 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.9 cu-ft | 14.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35 in | 35 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Cruise Control | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| HID Headlights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Volvo S80?
The biggest change is that Volvo discontinued the T6 AWD, making the front-wheel-drive T5 Drive-E the S80’s only U.S. powertrain for 2016. The lineup was reduced to the T5 and T5 Platinum trims.
Does the 2016 Volvo S80 have all-wheel drive?
No. Every U.S.-market 2016 S80 uses front-wheel drive because the T6 AWD was dropped. Both remaining trims have a 240-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
What equipment became standard on the 2016 Volvo S80?
Heated front seats, a power glass sunroof, a cabin air-quality system, and 18-inch alloy wheels became standard across the remaining S80 lineup. Blind-spot monitoring also became standard on the T5 Platinum.
What is the difference between the 2016 S80 T5 and T5 Platinum?
The T5 Platinum has more safety and luxury equipment than the T5, but both use the same engine and front-wheel-drive layout. Platinum adds features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a Harman Kardon audio system, upgraded headlights, parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
Was the 2016 Volvo S80 redesigned?
No. The 2016 S80 was not redesigned; its changes centered on dropping the T6 AWD and making more equipment standard. It was the second generation’s final U.S. model year, following the 2014 styling update.
2016 Volvo S80 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Volvo S80.
4.4
2016 Volvo S80
(27 reviews)
“The 2016 Volvo S80 is the very definition of clean, streamlined, and refined. It's the luxury car for the person who is not insecure, who doesn't need bells and whistles or anything gaudy to enjoy comfort. It's unpretentious elegance.”
“If you are replacing old S80 for the new one keep in mind that the engine has changed. Now it is a ridiculous light 4-cyl engine instead of the solid 6-cyl in line. The car does not feel the same. Very deceptive.”