The Volvo S80 II facelift, specifically the 3.2 variant producing 243 horsepower, represented a significant refinement of Volvo’s flagship sedan. Introduced for the 2011 model year and continuing through 2013, this iteration of the S80 aimed to balance Scandinavian luxury with respectable performance. It occupied the middle ground within the S80 lineup, positioned above the more economical 2.5L five-cylinder models and below the range-topping, supercharged V6 variants. The facelift brought revised styling cues, updated technology, and a continued emphasis on safety, solidifying the S80’s reputation as a comfortable and capable grand tourer for the North American market and beyond.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S80 |
| Generation | S80 II (facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.2 (243 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg, 31.7 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 208 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.5 sec |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.7 kg/Hp, 148.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm, 195.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 243 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 76.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 3200 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B6324S5 |
| Engine displacement | 3192 cm3 (194.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.8 l (7.19 US qt | 5.98 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.9 l (9.4 US qt | 7.83 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1638 kg (3611.17 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2150 kg (4739.94 lbs.) |
| Max load | 512 kg (1128.77 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, automatic transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S80 3.2 was Volvo’s naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline-six cylinder engine, designated the B6324S5. This engine was a descendant of Volvo’s long-running six-cylinder family, known for its smoothness and durability. It featured a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder head, incorporating multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine produced 243 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 236 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission, sourced from Aisin, was the sole transmission offering for this variant. This transmission was chosen for its smooth operation and responsiveness, contributing to the S80’s comfortable driving experience. While not a performance-oriented gearbox, it was well-matched to the engine’s torque curve.
Driving Characteristics
The S80 3.2 with the automatic transmission delivered a refined and comfortable driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 7.5 seconds, making it adequately quick for most driving situations. The automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, although it wasn’t particularly sporty or quick to downshift. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and relaxed cruising rather than aggressive acceleration. Compared to the more powerful supercharged V6 models, the 3.2 felt less urgent, but it offered a more balanced combination of performance and fuel economy. The manual transmission, available on other S80 trims, provided a more engaging driving experience, but the automatic was preferred by many buyers seeking a luxurious and effortless grand tourer.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The S80 3.2 typically came well-equipped with standard features including leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, a premium audio system, automatic climate control, and a sunroof. Safety features were, as expected from Volvo, comprehensive, including ABS, traction control, stability control, and a suite of airbags. Optional extras included navigation system, rear park assist sensors, and upgraded interior trim materials. The trim level often dictated the availability of certain features, with higher trims offering more luxurious appointments and advanced technology.
Chassis & Braking
The S80 II utilized a fully independent suspension system, with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. This provided a comfortable ride quality while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The 3.2 variant typically featured slightly stiffer springs and dampers compared to the base models, offering improved body control. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes at the front and either disc or drum brakes at the rear, depending on the specific trim level. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally praised the S80 3.2 for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and strong safety credentials. However, some reviewers noted that the styling was somewhat conservative and that the driving experience lacked the engagement of some of its European rivals. Fuel economy was considered average for its class, with combined figures around 26.4 US mpg. Compared to the 2.5L models, the 3.2 offered a significant performance upgrade, while the supercharged V6 provided even more power but at a higher price point and with reduced fuel efficiency. The S80 3.2 appealed to buyers seeking a luxurious and safe sedan with a balance of performance and economy.
Legacy
The Volvo S80 3.2, while not a high-performance icon, has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle in the used car market. The inline-six engine is known for its durability, and the Aisin automatic transmission is generally considered robust. Common maintenance items include regular oil changes, timing belt replacement (typically around 100,000 miles), and inspection of suspension components. Today, the S80 3.2 represents a good value for buyers seeking a comfortable, safe, and well-equipped luxury sedan at an affordable price. Its understated elegance and proven reliability continue to make it a desirable option for those who appreciate Scandinavian design and engineering.
