2007-2011 Volvo V70 III 3.2i (238 Hp) Automatic

The Volvo V70 III 3.2i, produced between 2007 and 2011, represents the third generation of Volvo’s popular station wagon, known as the V70. This model occupied a significant position in the European market as a premium, family-oriented vehicle, competing with estates from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. While not directly sold in the United States during this generation, the V70 lineage has a history in the US market, and the V70 III exemplifies Volvo’s commitment to safety, practicality, and understated Scandinavian design. The 3.2i designation refers to the engine displacement and indicates a naturally aspirated inline-six cylinder engine paired with an automatic transmission.

Volvo V70 III 3.2i: A Detailed Overview

The V70 III was built on Volvo’s P24 platform, shared with other models like the S80. It continued Volvo’s tradition of offering a spacious and versatile wagon body style, appealing to buyers needing ample cargo capacity and passenger comfort. The 3.2i variant, with its 3.2-liter engine, provided a balance of performance and fuel efficiency for its time. It was positioned as a step up from the base models, offering more power and a more refined driving experience.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the V70 III 3.2i is a 3.2-liter (3192 cm³ or 194.79 cu. in.) inline-six cylinder engine, producing 238 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 320 Nm (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3200 rpm. This engine, identified by the code B6324S, features multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.8:1. While not turbocharged, the engine delivers respectable performance, allowing for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 8.4 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 8 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). The engine’s power output translates to 74.6 horsepower per liter, demonstrating a good level of specific output for a naturally aspirated engine of this era.

Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. This drivetrain configuration was standard for the 3.2i model. Fuel economy is rated at 10.5 liters per 100 kilometers (22.4 US mpg or 26.9 UK mpg) on a combined cycle, with urban consumption at 15.4 l/100 km (15.3 US mpg) and extra-urban consumption at 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg). CO₂ emissions are rated at 251 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.

Design & Features

The Volvo V70 III is a five-door, five-seat station wagon (estate). Its design emphasizes practicality and understated elegance, typical of Volvo’s design philosophy. The vehicle measures 4823 mm (189.88 in.) in length, 1861 mm (73.27 in.) in width, and 1547 mm (60.91 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2816 mm (110.87 in.). The front and rear tracks measure 1588 mm (62.52 in.) and 1586 mm (62.44 in.) respectively, contributing to stable handling.

Key features of the V70 III 3.2i include a spacious interior, a large cargo area with a minimum capacity of 575 liters (20.31 cu. ft.), and a focus on safety. Volvo was renowned for its safety innovations, and the V70 III incorporates features like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The vehicle’s suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear features disc brakes for reliable stopping power. The fuel tank capacity is 70 liters (18.49 US gal or 15.4 UK gal).

Technical Specifications

The Volvo V70 III 3.2i represents a refined and practical estate car, embodying Volvo’s core values of safety, durability, and comfort. While not a high-performance machine, it offered a compelling package for families and individuals seeking a versatile and reliable vehicle.