The Volvo S80 II (facelift 2011) 1.6 T4F, producing 180 horsepower and designed to run on both gasoline and ethanol (E85), was a significant offering in Volvo’s lineup during its 2011-2013 production run. This variant occupied a middle ground within the S80 range, positioned as a more fuel-conscious and environmentally friendly alternative to the higher-powered gasoline engines, while offering a more accessible price point than the flagship models. It was primarily marketed in Europe and other regions where flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) technology was gaining traction, offering consumers a choice to utilize locally available ethanol blends. The “T4F” designation signifies a turbocharged four-cylinder engine optimized for flexible-fuel operation.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S80 |
| Generation | S80 II (facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 T4F (180 Hp) Ethanol |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 9.5 l/100 km (24.8 US mpg, 29.7 UK mpg, 10.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (Ethanol – E85) | 12.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (Ethanol – E85) | 7.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (Ethanol – E85) | 9.3 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 159 g/km |
| CO2 emissions (Ethanol – E85) | 153 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.1 sec |
| 100 km/h – 0 | 38 m |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.7 kg/Hp, 114.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 kg/Nm, 152.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 180 Hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Power per litre | 112.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1600-5000 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1600-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B4164T2 |
| Engine displacement | 1596 cm3 (97.39 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.4 mm (3.2 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.1 l (4.33 US qt | 3.61 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.2 l (9.72 US qt | 8.09 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1570 kg (3461.26 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2090 kg (4607.66 lbs.) |
| Max load | 520 kg (1146.4 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 480 l (16.95 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4851 mm (190.98 in.) |
| Width | 1861 mm (73.27 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.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.7 m (38.39 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S80 1.6 T4F is the Volvo B4164T2 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output to 180 horsepower. The “T4F” designation indicates its capability to run on gasoline or a blend of up to 85% ethanol (E85). The engine management system automatically detects the fuel composition and adjusts parameters like ignition timing and fuel injection to optimize performance and efficiency. The B4164T2 features a relatively high compression ratio of 10:1, contributing to its efficiency. The engine’s valvetrain employs four valves per cylinder, enhancing breathing and overall performance. The six-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing a balance between fuel economy and driver engagement. While an automatic transmission was available in other S80 trims, it wasn’t typically paired with the 1.6 T4F engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 T4F S80 offered a comfortable and refined driving experience, prioritizing fuel efficiency and smooth operation over outright performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 8.1 seconds, which was respectable for the segment but noticeably slower than the more powerful S80 variants like the T6. The turbocharger provided a noticeable boost in power during acceleration, but the engine lacked the immediate responsiveness of larger displacement engines. The six-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to maintain optimal engine speed for efficient cruising and passing maneuvers. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy, resulting in a slightly higher engine speed at highway speeds compared to some competitors. On E85 fuel, power output was slightly reduced due to the lower energy density of ethanol, but the engine continued to provide adequate performance for everyday driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 T4F trim typically came with a solid base level of equipment, including automatic climate control, power windows and mirrors, a CD stereo system, and standard safety features like ABS, traction control, and multiple airbags. Upholstery was generally cloth, though leather options were available as upgrades. Higher trim levels added features like a sunroof, premium audio system, and parking sensors. The interior design was typical of Volvo, emphasizing comfort, functionality, and a minimalist aesthetic. The dashboard layout was clean and intuitive, with easy-to-read gauges and controls.
Chassis & Braking
The S80 II utilized an independent suspension system on both the front and rear axles, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The front suspension employed McPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension featured independent coil springs. Brakes consisted of ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The chassis was designed to provide a balance between ride comfort and handling precision, making the S80 a pleasant vehicle for long-distance cruising.
Market Reception & Comparison
The S80 1.6 T4F was generally well-received by critics as a sensible and fuel-efficient option within the luxury sedan segment. Its ability to run on E85 fuel was seen as a positive attribute, particularly in markets where ethanol was readily available and competitively priced. Compared to the higher-powered S80 trims, the 1.6 T4F offered lower running costs but sacrificed some performance. Against competitors like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, the S80 1.6 T4F offered a more affordable entry point and a unique flexible-fuel capability. However, it often lagged behind in terms of outright performance and brand prestige.
Legacy
The Volvo S80 1.6 T4F powertrain has proven to be relatively reliable in the long term, with few widespread mechanical issues reported. The B4164T2 engine is known for its durability and relatively straightforward maintenance requirements. On the used car market, these models represent a good value proposition for buyers seeking a comfortable and fuel-efficient luxury sedan. The flexible-fuel capability remains a unique selling point, allowing owners to take advantage of lower ethanol prices when available. While not as sought-after as the higher-performance S80 variants, the 1.6 T4F continues to be a practical and dependable choice for those prioritizing economy and environmental consciousness.
