“Previously owned Cadillac cars for many years. This car is much easier to drive due to my age and provides as much comfort. I feel that I did not give up any features or safety.”
Volvo S80: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Volvo S80 is a five-seat luxury sedan known for comfortable seats, a quiet cabin, strong safety technology, and calm long-distance travel. It favors understated design and an easygoing ride over flashy styling or sporty handling.
The S80 was Volvo’s large, restrained luxury sedan, with comfort and safety at the center of its identity. Across the years, updates steadily added safety, convenience, and cabin technology rather than changing its relaxed character. Its powertrains evolved from six-cylinder and V8 choices to the more efficient turbocharged T5 Drive-E near the end of its run.
Strengths
- The seats and quiet cabin make the S80 well suited to long, relaxed drives.
- Safety remained a central theme, with automatic low-speed braking becoming standard across the lineup for 2012.
- Its restrained styling gives it a lower-key presence than many luxury sedans.
- The late T5 Drive-E balances useful power with efficiency, producing 240 horsepower and earning a 37-mpg highway rating in 2016.
- Earlier T6 AWD and V8 AWD models offer stronger performance and added foul-weather traction.
Who it's for
The S80 suits someone shopping for a comfortable used luxury sedan without the showy image or sporty feel of many rivals. It makes the most sense for commuting and highway trips, especially for drivers who value supportive seats, a quiet cabin, and safety-focused design.
Volvo S80 lineup
The 3.2 was the straightforward six-cylinder version, while the T6 AWD paired stronger performance with all-wheel drive. The V8 AWD sat at the richer, more powerful end of the earlier lineup. In later years, the front-wheel-drive T5 Drive-E became the efficiency-focused choice and was the only U.S. powertrain for 2016. Platinum models added more luxury and driver-assistance equipment, so they suit shoppers who want a more fully equipped S80.
Volvo S80 generations
From 2009 to 2016, the S80 spans 1 generation. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2007.
2nd Generation (2007–2016)
The second-generation S80 kept the same basic body through its final U.S. model year, with styling and cabin updates in 2010 and 2014. Later years added safety and touchscreen features, followed by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a simplified final-year lineup.
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2016Trim changes
The T6 AWD leaves the lineup, making the front-wheel-drive T5 Drive-E the only version. More equipment becomes standard.
2015Trim changes
The T5 Drive-E brings a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic. The Premier Plus grade leaves the lineup during the model year.
2014Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, new light designs, and a standard digital instrument cluster update the S80.
2013Trim changes
Rain-sensing wipers, headlight washers, and keyless entry become standard across the lineup.
2012
Premier Plus and Platinum versions join the lineup. The cabin layout and touchscreen system are updated, and automatic low-speed emergency braking becomes standard.
2011Trim changes
Both six-cylinder engines gain power, and the T6 rises to 300 horsepower.
2010Mid-cycle update
A mild refresh brings a larger grille badge, added exterior chrome, and revised cabin trim.
2009
Bluetooth and rain-sensing wipers become standard, along with added equipment across the lineup.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Volvo S80.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Volvo S80?
The Volvo S80 is a large, five-seat luxury sedan. Its focus is a quiet cabin, supportive seats, built-in safety technology, and relaxed highway travel rather than bold styling or sharp sports-sedan handling.
What is the Volvo S80 known for?
The S80 is known for comfort, safety, and an understated design. Its supportive seats and calm cabin suit long trips, while its restrained look appeals to drivers who do not want a flashy luxury sedan.
Is the Volvo S80 a sporty sedan?
Not primarily. Stronger T6 and V8 versions provide easy passing power, but the S80 is built around comfort and calm long-distance driving rather than quick, aggressive handling.
Who is the Volvo S80 a good fit for?
The S80 fits someone who wants a comfortable, safety-focused luxury sedan with subtle styling. It makes particular sense for commuting and highway travel, especially if supportive seats and a quiet cabin matter more than sporty handling.
How many generations of the Volvo S80 are covered here?
The later S80 covered here is the second generation, sold in the U.S. from 2007 through 2016. It received updates along the way, including a cabin and feature refresh, a mild styling refresh, and later Drive-E power.
Does the Volvo S80 come as a hybrid?
No. The S80 models covered here use gasoline engines. Later T5 Drive-E cars use an efficient turbocharged four-cylinder, but Drive-E is Volvo's name for that engine family, not a hybrid system.
Does the Volvo S80 have all-wheel drive?
Some do. Earlier T6 and V8 versions use all-wheel drive, while the 3.2 and later T5 Drive-E versions are front-wheel drive. The final U.S. lineup was T5 Drive-E only, so those cars are front-wheel drive.
Volvo S80 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Volvo S80.
4.4
Volvo S80
(59 reviews)
“Auto-dimming headlights react to reflections from road signs. Blis system does not detect 18 wheel trucks regularly. Auto-dimming headlights do not work well on windy roads with signs and reflectors.”
“So far we are extremely happy with our recent purchase and absolutely love the car.”
“Wind noise in posts not acceptable. Trunk ought to pop open, doesn't. Defrost control not clear.”
“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.”
“It is good looking! It has all sorts of new technology! It is classy but not flashy! It is a brand that is very safe and enduring! It's not cheap but not too costly!”