The Volvo V70 III, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2013, represents the third generation of Volvo’s popular station wagon. Positioned within the mid-size executive car segment, the V70 aimed to combine practicality, safety, and Scandinavian design. While not officially sold in the United States during its production run (2007-2016), the V70 was a significant model in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate. The 2.4 D4 AWD Automatic variant, powered by a diesel engine, was a common configuration, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and performance for European drivers.
Volvo V70 III (2013-2016) 2.4 D4 AWD Automatic
The facelifted V70 III, produced from 2013 to 2016, brought subtle but important updates to the exterior and interior. These changes included revised front-end styling, updated interior trim, and enhancements to the car’s safety and infotainment systems. The 2.4 D4 model, equipped with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, was a popular choice for those needing a versatile and capable family vehicle. It continued Volvo’s long tradition of building safe, reliable, and comfortable cars.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the V70 III 2.4 D4 is a 2.4-liter inline-five cylinder diesel engine, designated the D5244T12. This engine produces 181 horsepower at 4250 rpm and a substantial 400 Nm (295.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1700 and 2500 rpm. The turbocharger and intercooler contribute to both power output and efficiency. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, providing confident traction in various weather conditions. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.4 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 8.9 seconds. The V70 III 2.4 D4 has a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130.49 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers (37.9 US mpg, 45.6 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions are 164 g/km, making it a relatively efficient option for a vehicle of its size and capability.
Design & Features
The Volvo V70 III is a five-door station wagon (estate) designed with a focus on practicality and aesthetics. Its long roofline and spacious interior provide ample cargo capacity, making it ideal for families or those needing to transport large items. The interior is typically characterized by Volvo’s Scandinavian design philosophy – clean lines, comfortable seats, and high-quality materials. The 2013 facelift brought improvements to the dashboard layout and infotainment system. Safety was, and remains, a core Volvo value. The V70 III is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and a robust chassis designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Features like City Safety, Volvo’s autonomous braking system, were also available, further enhancing safety. The vehicle offers seating for five passengers and boasts a trunk volume ranging from 555 liters (19.6 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 1580 liters (55.8 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | V70 |
| Generation | V70 III (facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 D4 (181 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 37.9 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 45.6 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 16.1 km/l |
| CO2 emissions | 164 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Power | 181 Hp @ 4250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 75.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1700-2500 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 1700-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D5244T12 |
| Engine displacement | 2400 cm3 (146.46 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93.2 mm (3.67 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 555 l (19.6 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1580 l (55.8 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4814 mm (189.53 in.) |
| Width | 1907 mm (75.08 in.) |
| Height | 1547 mm (60.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2816 mm (110.87 in.) |
| Front track | 1588-1578 mm (62.52 – 62.13 in.) |
| Rear track | 1586-1576 mm (62.44 – 62.05 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 151 mm (5.94 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.7 – 12.7 m (38.39 – 41.67 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
The Volvo V70 III 2.4 D4 AWD Automatic, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, safety, and efficiency. It remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for those seeking a comfortable and reliable family wagon.
