The Volvo S80 2.4T, produced between 2001 and 2003, represented a significant step forward for the Swedish automaker in the mid-size luxury sedan segment. Positioned as a strong contender against established German rivals, the 2.4T offered a compelling blend of performance, safety, and Scandinavian design. This variant sat in the middle of the S80 lineup, offering a substantial power upgrade over the base 2.4 model while remaining more accessible than the range-topping T6. It was built on the P2 platform, the first generation of the S80, and aimed to provide a comfortable and refined driving experience for both daily commutes and longer journeys. The 2.4T was primarily marketed in North America and Europe, where it gained recognition for its understated elegance and robust build quality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S80 |
| Generation | S80 (P2 Platform) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4T (200 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2001 |
| End of production | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13 l/100 km (18.1 US mpg, 21.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg) |
| 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 |
| Maximum speed | 230 km/h (142.92 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 200 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 82.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 285 Nm @ 1800 rpm (210.21 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B5244T3 |
| Engine displacement | 2435 cm3 (148.59 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 5 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1495 kg (3295.91 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2050 kg (4519.48 lbs.) |
| Max load | 555 kg (1223.57 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1126 l (39.76 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4822 mm (189.84 in.) |
| Width | 1832 mm (72.13 in.) |
| Height | 1434 mm (56.46 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2791 mm (109.88 in.) |
| Front track | 1562 mm (61.5 in.) |
| Rear track | 1560 mm (61.42 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front Wheel Drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual Transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S80 2.4T is the Volvo B5244T3 engine, a 2.4-liter inline-five cylinder powerplant. This engine is a descendant of Volvo’s long-running “Redblock” family, known for its durability and tunability. The ‘T’ designation signifies the presence of a turbocharger and intercooler, significantly boosting power output. The B5244T3 utilizes a Mitsubishi TD04HL-13C turbocharger, delivering up to 8.8 psi of boost. Fuel is delivered via a multi-port fuel injection system, carefully managed by the engine control unit (ECU) to optimize combustion. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its efficient breathing and power delivery. The five-speed manual transmission was standard, providing drivers with direct control over the engine’s output. The engine’s transverse mounting and front-wheel-drive configuration were typical for European sedans of this era.
Driving Characteristics
The S80 2.4T offered a noticeably more engaging driving experience than the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter version. The turbocharger provides a surge of torque at relatively low RPMs, making overtaking and merging onto highways effortless. While not a sports sedan, the 2.4T could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.5 seconds, a respectable figure for the early 2000s. The five-speed manual transmission allowed for precise gear selection, maximizing the engine’s power band. Compared to the later T6 model with its six-cylinder engine, the 2.4T felt more nimble and responsive in city driving, though it lacked the ultimate top-end power of its larger sibling. The suspension, tuned for comfort, provided a smooth ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The S80 2.4T typically came well-equipped, reflecting Volvo’s commitment to safety and luxury. Standard features included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, a premium audio system, and alloy wheels. Safety features were, as always with Volvo, comprehensive, including ABS brakes, traction control, and front and side airbags. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and wood trim interior accents. The 2.4T trim level generally offered a balance between luxury and affordability, making it a popular choice for buyers who wanted a premium sedan without the highest price tag.
Chassis & Braking
The S80 2.4T utilized a robust chassis with independent wishbone suspension at the front and a semi-independent coil spring suspension at the rear. This setup provided a comfortable ride while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The steering was a hydraulic rack and pinion system, offering precise and responsive control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Volvo S80 2.4T was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and strong engine performance. However, some reviewers noted that the styling was somewhat conservative compared to its German rivals. Compared to the base 2.4 model, the 2.4T offered a significant performance upgrade for a relatively modest price increase. Against competitors like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the S80 2.4T offered a compelling alternative, particularly for buyers who prioritized safety and value. Fuel economy was reasonable for its class, averaging around 21 mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The Volvo S80 2.4T has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle, with many examples still on the road today. The B5244T3 engine is known for its durability, and with proper maintenance, can last for well over 200,000 miles. Common issues include turbocharger wear and occasional sensor failures, but these are generally not major concerns. In the used car market, the S80 2.4T represents a good value proposition, offering a comfortable and well-equipped luxury sedan at an affordable price. Its understated styling and robust build quality have earned it a loyal following among Volvo enthusiasts.
