The Volvo S80 II (facelift 2011) 2.0 D4 (163 Hp) S/S Geartronic represents a significant iteration of Volvo’s flagship sedan, produced from 2011 to 2013. This variant occupied a crucial position in the S80 lineup, offering a balance between fuel efficiency, reasonable performance, and a comfortable driving experience. It was primarily aimed at the European market, where demand for diesel-powered, automatic transmission vehicles was high. The “D4” designation signified Volvo’s commitment to a more economical diesel engine, while the “S/S” indicated the inclusion of Start/Stop technology for further fuel savings. This model was part of the second-generation S80 (codenamed XS40), which benefited from a substantial facelift in 2011, bringing updated styling and improved technology.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S80 |
| Generation | S80 II (facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 D4 (163 Hp) S/S Geartronic |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 148 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.2 sec |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10 kg/Hp, 100.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm, 245.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 163 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 82.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1500-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D5204T3 |
| Engine displacement | 1984 cm3 (121.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Piston Stroke | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.9 l (9.4 US qt | 7.83 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1627 kg (3586.92 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2200 kg (4850.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 573 kg (1263.25 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.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.7 m (38.39 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE to Front Wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S80 II 2.0 D4 Geartronic is the Volvo D5204T3 engine, a 2.0-liter inline-five cylinder diesel. This engine is a key member of Volvo’s modular engine family, designed for efficiency and reduced emissions. It utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler is employed to boost power output and improve torque across a wider rev range. The engine’s Start/Stop system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary (at traffic lights, for example) and restarts it instantly when the driver releases the brake pedal, contributing to fuel savings in urban driving conditions. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle. The Geartronic automatic transmission is a six-speed unit, known for its smooth shifting and responsiveness. It features adaptive shift logic, adjusting shift points based on driving style and conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 163 horsepower and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque produced by the D4 engine provide adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 9.2 seconds, making it suitable for everyday driving and highway cruising. Compared to the more powerful S80 variants, such as those equipped with the 3.2-liter inline-six or the D5 diesel, the D4 feels noticeably less responsive. However, the broad torque curve ensures that there’s sufficient pulling power for overtaking maneuvers. The automatic transmission contributes to a relaxed driving experience, particularly in city traffic. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency, which means the engine can sometimes feel strained when accelerating hard. The S80’s suspension provides a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. Steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The S80 II 2.0 D4 Geartronic typically came equipped with a generous level of standard features. These included leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a premium audio system, and alloy wheels. Safety features were, as with all Volvos, a priority, with standard equipment including ABS, traction control, stability control, and a suite of airbags. Optional extras included a navigation system, a sunroof, heated seats, and parking sensors. The D4 trim generally sat in the mid-range of the S80 lineup, offering a good balance of features and affordability. It was positioned above the base-level models but below the more luxurious and powerful trims.
Chassis & Braking
The S80 II utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The chassis is designed for stability and handling, with a focus on minimizing body roll. The braking system consists of ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The S80’s steering is a rack-and-pinion system with hydraulic power assistance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Volvo S80 II 2.0 D4 Geartronic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the punch of its larger counterparts. Compared to other diesel-powered sedans in its class, such as the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, the S80 offered a more affordable alternative with a strong emphasis on safety and practicality. Fuel economy was a key selling point, with the D4 achieving impressive figures for a vehicle of its size. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the electronic systems.
Legacy
The Volvo S80 II 2.0 D4 Geartronic remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for those seeking a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and safe sedan. The D5204T3 engine is known for its durability, and with regular maintenance, it can provide many years of reliable service. While it may not offer the performance of some of its rivals, the S80 D4 provides a compelling package for drivers who prioritize comfort, economy, and safety. The inclusion of the Geartronic automatic transmission and Start/Stop technology further enhances its appeal in today’s market.
