The Volvo S80 2.4 20V Automatic, produced from 2003 to 2006, represents a mid-cycle refresh of the first-generation S80 (P2 platform). This variant occupied a crucial position in Volvo’s lineup as a comfortable, relatively affordable entry point into the premium executive sedan segment. It aimed to balance Scandinavian practicality with a degree of performance, appealing to buyers prioritizing safety, comfort, and a refined driving experience over outright sportiness. The facelift brought subtle styling updates, improved interior materials, and refinements to the engine and transmission options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S80 |
| Generation | S80 (facelift 2003) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 20V (140 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2003 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.7 l/100 km (17.2 US mpg, 20.6 UK mpg, 7.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.7 l/100 km (24.2 US mpg, 29.1 UK mpg, 10.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 232 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp, 92 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm, 144.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 57.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 3300 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 3300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B5244S2 |
| Engine displacement | 2435 cm3 (148.59 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1521 kg (3353.23 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2020 kg (4453.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 499 kg (1100.11 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1126 l (39.76 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4822 mm (189.84 in.) |
| Width | 1832 mm (72.13 in.) |
| Height | 1452 mm (57.17 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2791 mm (109.88 in.) |
| Front track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1548 mm (60.94 in.) |
| Front overhang | 964 mm (37.95 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1067 mm (42.01 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.28 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.6 m (38.06 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 288 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 288 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16; 225/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16; 7J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S80 2.4 is Volvo’s B5244S2 engine, a 2.4-liter inline-five cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated design, featuring multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine code ‘S2’ denotes a specific iteration of the B5244 family, optimized for emissions and fuel efficiency. The 20 valves contribute to a relatively broad powerband, though peak output of 140 horsepower arrives at 4500 rpm, with 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque peaking at 3300 rpm. The engine’s transverse mounting and front-wheel-drive configuration were standard for Volvo’s contemporary models. The automatic transmission is a 5-speed unit, designed to provide smooth shifts and enhance the car’s usability in everyday driving conditions. It’s not known for being particularly sporty, prioritizing comfort and refinement over rapid gear changes.
Driving Characteristics
The S80 2.4 Automatic delivers a comfortable and composed driving experience. Acceleration is adequate for most situations, with a 0-60 mph time of around 10.8 seconds. However, it’s not a particularly quick car, and the automatic transmission can sometimes feel hesitant when attempting brisk overtaking maneuvers. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel economy and smooth cruising, rather than outright performance. Compared to the more powerful 2.9-liter six-cylinder or the turbocharged variants, the 2.4 feels noticeably less responsive. The manual transmission versions of the 2.4 offered a more engaging driving experience, but the automatic was favored by buyers seeking convenience and ease of use.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The S80 2.4 Automatic typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These included power windows, power locks, a CD stereo system, air conditioning, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, often denoted by options packages, added features such as leather upholstery, a sunroof, heated front seats, and upgraded audio systems. The interior design emphasized Scandinavian minimalism, with a focus on clean lines and user-friendly controls. Safety was a key selling point for Volvo, and the S80 2.4 included features like side airbags and whiplash protection system (WHIPS) as standard equipment.
Chassis & Braking
The S80 2.4 utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality and good handling characteristics. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The chassis is designed to prioritize comfort and refinement, rather than sporty handling. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The S80 2.4 Automatic was generally well-received by critics as a comfortable and safe family sedan. However, it was often criticized for its lack of outright performance compared to its German rivals. Fuel economy was considered average for its class. Compared to the higher-output S80 variants, the 2.4 offered a more affordable entry point into the model range, but at the expense of performance. The 2.9-liter six-cylinder engine provided significantly more power, while the turbocharged models offered even greater performance. The 2.4 was often seen as a sensible choice for buyers prioritizing comfort, safety, and fuel efficiency over sporty driving dynamics.
Legacy
The B5244 engine family, including the B5244S2, is known for its durability and reliability. While not without its potential issues (such as oil leaks and occasional sensor failures), the engine is generally considered to be robust and long-lasting. The 5-speed automatic transmission is also reasonably reliable, although regular maintenance is essential. Today, the S80 2.4 Automatic can be found on the used car market at relatively affordable prices. It remains a viable option for buyers seeking a comfortable, safe, and reliable family sedan, provided it has been well-maintained. Its enduring appeal lies in its blend of Scandinavian practicality, safety features, and relatively low running costs.
