The Volvo S80 II facelift, produced from 2011 to 2013, represented a significant refresh of Volvo’s flagship sedan. Among the engine options available, the 2.0 T5 variant, producing 240 horsepower, occupied a sweet spot in the lineup, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. This model year saw updates to the exterior styling, interior refinement, and technological features, aiming to enhance the S80’s appeal in the competitive luxury sedan segment. The S80, in general, served as Volvo’s primary competitor against established German brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, offering a distinct Scandinavian design philosophy and a strong emphasis on safety.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S80 |
| Generation | S80 II (facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 T5 (240 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg, 8.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.0 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 184 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.1 sec |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.5 kg/Hp, 153 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.9 kg/Nm, 204 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 240 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 120.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 1800-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B4204T7 |
| Engine displacement | 1999 cm3 (121.99 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Piston Stroke | 87.5 mm (3.44 in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.5 l (11.1 US qt | 9.24 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1569 kg (3459.05 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2110 kg (4651.75 lbs.) |
| Max load | 541 kg (1192.7 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 | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S80 2.0 T5 is the B4204T7, a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine is a member of Volvo’s VEA (Volvo Engine Architecture) family, designed for modularity and efficiency. The B4204T7 utilizes direct fuel injection and a single turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output. Direct injection allows for precise fuel delivery, improving combustion efficiency and reducing emissions. The turbocharger provides significant power enhancement, delivering 240 horsepower and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. The engine’s torque curve is relatively flat, providing good responsiveness across a wide RPM range, peaking between 1800 and 5000 rpm. The 6-speed manual transmission was standard, offering drivers a more engaging driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0 T5 offered a noticeable step up in performance compared to the lower-powered engine options available in the S80 range. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved in approximately 7.1 seconds, making it a reasonably quick sedan for its class. While not as exhilarating as the higher-performance trims, the T5 provided ample power for everyday driving and highway passing. The manual transmission allowed for precise control, but the gear ratios were tuned more for fuel efficiency than outright acceleration. Compared to the automatic transmission options, the manual offered a more connected feel and better control over the engine’s power. The front-wheel-drive configuration provided predictable handling, although it could exhibit some torque steer under hard acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 T5 typically came well-equipped, positioning itself as a mid-range offering within the S80 lineup. Standard features included leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a premium audio system, and a suite of safety features, including ABS, traction control, and multiple airbags. Optional extras included a navigation system, a sunroof, and upgraded interior trim materials. The S80 was known for its comfortable and well-appointed interior, and the T5 trim level offered a good balance of luxury and value. The dashboard layout was clean and functional, with intuitive controls and a focus on ergonomics.
Chassis & Braking
The S80 II utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort over sporty handling, making it well-suited for long-distance cruising. Brakes were typically disc brakes on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety and stability during emergency braking. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The chassis was designed to provide a quiet and refined driving experience, minimizing road noise and vibrations.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Volvo S80 2.0 T5 was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and strong safety credentials. However, some critics noted that the styling was somewhat conservative compared to its German rivals. The 2.0 T5 offered a good balance of performance and fuel economy, achieving around 29.8 US mpg in combined driving. Compared to the higher-powered T6 variant, the T5 was more affordable and fuel-efficient, but it lacked the T6’s outright performance. Compared to the diesel options, the T5 offered a smoother and quieter driving experience, but it had lower fuel economy.
Legacy
The Volvo S80 2.0 T5, while not the most iconic version of the S80, remains a reliable and comfortable used car option. The VEA engine family has proven to be durable, and with proper maintenance, these engines can last for many years. Common issues are relatively minor, often related to routine maintenance items such as oil leaks or sensor failures. The S80’s strong safety reputation continues to make it an appealing choice for families. Today, the S80 2.0 T5 represents a good value proposition for buyers seeking a comfortable, safe, and reasonably efficient luxury sedan.
