The Volvo S80 II facelift, specifically the 3.0 T6 AWD Geartronic variant, represented the pinnacle of Volvo’s executive sedan offerings between 2009 and 2011. Positioned as the flagship trim, it combined a potent turbocharged inline-six engine with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. This iteration of the S80, built on the Volvo P2 platform (also known as the 1HX0 chassis), aimed to deliver a blend of Scandinavian luxury, performance, and safety. The facelift brought revised styling cues, including a new grille, headlights, and taillights, along with interior enhancements. It was primarily marketed towards buyers seeking a comfortable, refined, and capable grand tourer, particularly in North America and Europe.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S80 |
| Generation | S80 II (facelift 2009) |
| Type | 3.0 T6 (285 Hp) AWD Geartronic |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 17.1 l/100 km (13.8 US mpg, 16.5 UK mpg, 5.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.3 l/100 km (20.8 US mpg, 25 UK mpg, 8.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 264 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.8 kg/Hp, 171.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.2 kg/Nm, 240.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 285 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1500-4800 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1500-4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B6304T2 |
| Engine displacement | 2953 cm3 (180.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93.2 mm (3.67 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-scroll turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.9 l (9.4 US qt | 7.83 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1665 kg (3670.7 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2290 kg (5048.59 lbs.) |
| Max load | 625 kg (1377.89 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 480 l (16.95 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%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4851 mm (190.98 in.) |
| Width | 1861 mm (73.27 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2106 mm (82.91 in.) |
| Height | 1493 mm (58.78 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2835 mm (111.61 in.) |
| Front track | 1588 mm (62.52 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1585 mm (62.4 in.) |
| Front overhang | 978 mm (38.5 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1038 mm (40.87 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.7 m (38.39 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives front wheels, rear driven by clutch. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission Geartronic |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 225/55 R16; 225/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16; 7J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S80 T6 was the Volvo B6304T2 engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder gasoline engine. This engine featured a twin-scroll turbocharger and intercooler, boosting output to 285 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque available from a low 1500 rpm all the way to 4800 rpm. The engine utilized multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The 9.3:1 compression ratio was a compromise between performance and the ability to run on readily available fuel grades. The Geartronic six-speed automatic transmission was specifically tuned to handle the engine’s torque output and provide smooth shifts. This transmission offered a manual shift mode for more driver control.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.0 T6 AWD Geartronic offered a noticeably different driving experience compared to the lower-powered S80 variants. The readily available torque from the turbocharged engine provided strong acceleration, with 0-60 mph times around 6.6 seconds. The all-wheel-drive system enhanced traction, particularly in inclement weather, making it a confident performer year-round. The Geartronic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t as quick-shifting as some of its competitors. The gear ratios were optimized for comfortable cruising, rather than outright performance. Compared to the 2.5T models, the T6 offered a significant power upgrade, while the AWD system provided superior grip compared to front-wheel-drive versions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The T6 trim was the most luxurious offering in the S80 lineup. Standard features included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, a premium audio system, automatic climate control, and a sunroof. Volvo’s signature safety features, such as side impact protection system (SIPS), whiplash protection system (WHIPS), and a comprehensive airbag system, were standard. Optional extras included navigation system, rear park assist sensors, and upgraded interior trim materials.
Chassis & Braking
The S80 II utilized an independent suspension setup at all four corners. The front suspension employed McPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear featured a multi-link setup with a stabilizer bar. This configuration aimed to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics. The T6 model was equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. The chassis was designed to accommodate the all-wheel-drive system and provide a stable platform for the powerful engine.
Market Reception & Comparison
The S80 T6 was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and strong performance. However, some reviewers noted that the handling wasn’t as sporty as some of its German rivals. Fuel economy was also a point of criticism, with the combined fuel consumption of 11.3 l/100 km being relatively high for its class. Compared to the 2.5T models, the T6 offered a significant performance advantage but came at a higher price point and with increased fuel consumption. The 3.2, while offering a naturally aspirated alternative, lacked the T6’s outright power and torque.
Legacy
The Volvo S80 II T6, while not a high-volume seller, remains a desirable used car option for those seeking a comfortable and capable luxury sedan. The B6304T2 engine, when properly maintained, is known for its durability. Common maintenance items include regular oil changes, timing belt replacement (typically around 100,000 miles), and inspection of the turbocharger. The Geartronic transmission is generally reliable, but fluid changes are crucial for longevity. Today, these vehicles can be found in good condition, offering a blend of Scandinavian design, performance, and safety at a relatively affordable price point.
