The Volvo S80 II (facelift 2013) 1.6 T4 Geartronic represents a mid-cycle update to Volvo’s flagship sedan, produced from 2013 to 2016. This variant occupied a key position in the S80 lineup, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and respectable performance. It was aimed at buyers seeking a comfortable, well-equipped luxury sedan without the higher price tag associated with the more powerful T5 or T6 models. The facelift brought revised styling cues, updated technology, and refinements to the existing powertrain options, including this 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S80 |
| Generation | S80 II (facelift 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 T4 (180 Hp) Geartronic |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.7 l/100 km (24.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 165 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 180 Hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1600-5000 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B4164T |
| Engine displacement | 1596 cm3 (97.39 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.4 mm (3.2 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.1 l (4.33 US qt | 3.61 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.2 l (9.72 US qt | 8.09 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1817 kg (4005.8 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2290 kg (5048.59 lbs.) |
| Max load | 473 kg (1042.79 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 | 4854 mm (191.1 in.) |
| Width | 1907 mm (75.08 in.) |
| Height | 1493 mm (58.78 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2835 mm (111.61 in.) |
| Front track | 1588-1578 mm (62.52 – 62.13 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1585-1575 mm (62.4 – 62.01 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.7 m (38.39 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S80 II 1.6 T4 Geartronic is the Volvo B4164T engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a single turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output. The direct injection system allows for precise fuel delivery, improving both efficiency and performance. The turbocharger provides increased air intake, resulting in 180 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque available from a low 1600 rpm all the way to 5000 rpm. This broad torque curve contributes to good drivability in everyday situations. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for enhanced performance. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle.
The transmission is a six-speed automatic, branded as “Geartronic” by Volvo. This transmission offers smooth shifts and allows for manual gear selection via a tiptronic-style shifter. The Geartronic transmission is designed to work seamlessly with the engine’s torque characteristics, providing adequate acceleration and comfortable cruising.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 T4 Geartronic delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience. While not as quick as the higher-powered T5 or T6 models, it provides sufficient power for most driving situations. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes approximately 8.7 seconds, and the car has a top speed of 136.7 mph. The automatic transmission contributes to a relaxed driving style, particularly in city traffic. The broad torque band of the engine means that overtaking maneuvers are generally effortless. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the 1.6 T4, the Geartronic offers less driver engagement but greater convenience. The higher-output T5 and T6 models offer significantly more performance, but at the cost of increased fuel consumption.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The S80 II 1.6 T4 Geartronic typically came well-equipped, reflecting Volvo’s reputation for safety and comfort. Standard features often included leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a premium audio system, and a suite of safety technologies such as ABS, traction control, and multiple airbags. Optional extras could include a navigation system, sunroof, and upgraded interior trim. The trim level often dictated the availability of certain features, with higher trims offering more luxurious appointments.
Chassis & Braking
The S80 II features an independent suspension system at all four wheels. The front suspension utilizes McPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension employs an independent coil spring setup. This suspension configuration provides a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The inclusion of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) further enhances safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Volvo S80 II 1.6 T4 Geartronic was generally well-received by critics as a sensible and practical luxury sedan. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and good fuel economy. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the outright performance of its competitors. Compared to other trims in the S80 lineup, the 1.6 T4 offered a more affordable entry point into the model range, making it an attractive option for buyers prioritizing value and efficiency. Fuel economy figures of around 33.1 US mpg combined were competitive for its class.
Legacy
The B4164T engine, while not known for being particularly complex, has proven to be reasonably reliable in the long term. Common issues are typically related to turbocharger wear or maintenance of the direct injection system. The Geartronic transmission is also generally durable, but regular fluid changes are essential for maintaining its performance. Today, the S80 II 1.6 T4 Geartronic represents a relatively affordable entry point into the used luxury sedan market. Its combination of comfort, safety, and reasonable running costs makes it a practical choice for buyers seeking a dependable and well-equipped vehicle.
