Overview
The 2007-2008 Volvo S80 V8 AWD represents a distinct era in Swedish automotive engineering, characterized by the brand’s attempt to compete directly with German luxury flagships. Built on the Volvo P3 platform, which was developed in collaboration with Ford’s Premier Automotive Group, the second-generation S80 moved away from the boxy aesthetic of its predecessors toward a more fluid, rounded design language. This model was notable for its transverse-mounted 4.4-liter V8 engine, a compact unit developed by Yamaha specifically for Volvo to fit within the constraints of a front-wheel-drive-based architecture.
The V8 engine, producing 311 horsepower, provided the S80 with a level of performance that allowed it to challenge established executive sedans. By pairing this engine with a sophisticated Haldex all-wheel-drive system, Volvo aimed to offer a secure, all-weather luxury experience. The interior focused on Scandinavian minimalism, featuring high-quality materials, the signature “floating” center stack, and advanced safety features such as the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and adaptive cruise control. Despite its technical sophistication and focus on occupant protection, the V8 variant occupied a niche position in the market, appealing to buyers who prioritized understated luxury and mechanical uniqueness over the high-volume sales of its competitors.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S80 AWD |
| Model Year | 2007-2008 |
| Generation | Second Generation (P3) |
| Trim | V8 AWD |
| Body Style | 4-Door Sedan |
| Vehicle Segment | Executive Car |
| Vehicle Class | Midsize Cars |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | Volvo P3 Platform |
| Assembly Plant | Torslanda, Sweden |
| Country of Origin | Sweden |
| Production Start | 2006 |
| Production End | 2016 |
| VIN Identifier | YV1 |
| Base MSRP | $47,350 |
| Destination Charge | $745 |
| Total MSRP | $48,095 |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Engine Family | Volvo B8444S |
| Engine Name | Yamaha V8 |
| Engine Code | B8444S |
| Engine Configuration | V8 |
| Displacement | 4.4 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 94.0 mm x 79.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel Delivery | Multi-point Fuel Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Engine Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 7.2 Quarts |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Horsepower | 311 hp @ 5,950 rpm |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft @ 3,950 rpm |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Final Drive Ratio | 3.33:1 |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 91+ |
| EPA City MPG | 15 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 23 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 18 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 13.1 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 18.5 |
| Estimated Driving Range | 333 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $3,200 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 487 g/mi |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 3 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | 2.4 seconds |
| 0-60 mph | 6.0 seconds |
| 0-100 mph | 15.2 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | 14.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 mph (governed) |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 124 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.82g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 13.5 lb/hp |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 191.1 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 73.3 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | 83.5 |
| Height (in) | 58.7 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 111.6 |
| Front Track (in) | 62.3 |
| Rear Track (in) | 62.2 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 5.9 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 4,180 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 5,200 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | 3,300 |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1,020 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 102 |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 14.9 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | – |
| Turning Circle | 36.7 ft |
| Approach Angle | – |
| Departure Angle | – |
| Breakover Angle | – |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Side Crash | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Rollover | 4 Stars |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick |
| Small Overlap Front | – |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Headlights Rating | – |
| Front Crash Prevention | – |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | 6.5-inch screen |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog |
| Apple CarPlay | No |
| Android Auto | No |
| Navigation System | Optional |
| Audio System | Dynaudio Premium Sound |
| Speaker Count | 12 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 12 years / unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 years / unlimited miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Yamaha, Japan |
| Transmission Supplier | Aisin Warner |
| Gear Ratios | 4.148, 2.370, 1.556, 1.155, 0.859, 0.685 |
| Differential Type | Haldex AWD |
| Cooling System Capacity | 9.5 Quarts |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 220 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 2007-2008 Volvo S80 V8 is widely regarded by enthusiasts as a “sleeper” luxury sedan, offering a unique combination of a high-revving, reliable Yamaha-built V8 and the brand’s signature focus on safety and comfort. While the powertrain is mechanically robust, prospective buyers should prioritize vehicles with documented maintenance histories, specifically regarding the transmission fluid, as the Aisin-Warner units can be sensitive to neglect. Common issues to monitor include the failure of the electronic parking brake module, potential leaks from the timing cover, and wear on the suspension bushings, which can affect ride quality. In the current used market, this model offers significant value for those seeking a sophisticated, all-weather cruiser, though the relatively high fuel consumption and the complexity of the AWD system mean that ownership costs are higher than the standard inline-six models.
