Overview
The 2008 Volvo S80 represents the second generation of the brand’s flagship sedan, which debuted for the 2007 model year. Built on the Volvo P3 platform, the S80 was designed to compete directly with established executive sedans from Germany and Japan. This generation marked a departure from the boxy aesthetics of its predecessor, favoring a more fluid, rounded exterior profile while maintaining the brand’s signature focus on occupant safety and interior ergonomics.
The 3.0L AWD variant utilizes a compact, transversely mounted inline-six engine, a hallmark of Volvo’s engineering strategy during this period. By utilizing a shorter engine block, Volvo engineers were able to maintain a spacious cabin while incorporating an all-wheel-drive system developed in partnership with Haldex. This configuration provided the S80 with a stable, composed driving experience suited for diverse weather conditions, reinforcing its reputation as a practical luxury vehicle for families and professionals.
Manufacturing for the S80 took place at the Torslanda Plant in Gothenburg, Sweden. Throughout its production run, the model was recognized for its high-strength steel construction and advanced safety features, including the optional Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and adaptive cruise control. While it faced stiff competition, the S80 remained a preferred choice for buyers prioritizing understated Scandinavian design and long-term comfort over the aggressive styling common in the executive segment.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Volvo |
| Model | S80 AWD |
| Model Year | 2008 |
| Generation | 2nd Generation |
| Trim | T6 AWD |
| Body Style | 4-Door Sedan |
| Vehicle Segment | Executive Car |
| Vehicle Class | Midsize Cars |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | Volvo P3 |
| Assembly Plant | Torslanda, Sweden |
| Country of Origin | Sweden |
| Production Start | 2006 |
| Production End | 2016 |
| VIN Identifier | YV1 |
| Base MSRP | $41,500 |
| Destination Charge | $745 |
| Total MSRP | $42,245 |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion |
| Engine Family | Volvo SI6 |
| Engine Name | B6304T2 |
| Engine Code | – |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-6 |
| Displacement | 3.0 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 82 mm x 93.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Engine Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 7.4 qts |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | 0W-30 |
| Horsepower | 281 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Redline | 6500 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 | 425 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $2,800 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 485 g/mile |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 3 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | 2.4 s |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 s |
| 0-100 mph | 16.8 s |
| Quarter Mile | 14.9 s |
| Top Speed | 130 mph (governed) |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 124 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.82 g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.07 hp/lb |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 191.1 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 73.3 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | 83.0 |
| Height (in) | 58.7 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 111.6 |
| Front Track (in) | 62.3 |
| Rear Track (in) | 62.3 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 5.9 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 4035 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 5100 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | 3300 |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1065 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 101 |
| 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 non-touch |
| 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 | 48 months/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 48 months/50,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 144 months/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 48 months/unlimited |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 36 months/36,000 miles |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Skövde, Sweden |
| Transmission Supplier | Aisin Warner |
| Gear Ratios | 4.14, 2.37, 1.56, 1.16, 0.86, 0.69 |
| Differential Type | Haldex AWD |
| Cooling System Capacity | 9.5 qts |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 220 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 2008 Volvo S80 T6 AWD is highly regarded in the used market for its exceptional seat comfort, robust build quality, and sophisticated all-weather capability. Prospective buyers should prioritize vehicles with documented service histories, specifically regarding the transmission fluid changes and the Haldex AWD system maintenance, as these components are vital for long-term reliability. Common issues to monitor include potential oil consumption in the 3.0L turbocharged engine, wear on the front suspension bushings, and occasional electronic glitches within the infotainment and climate control modules. While it does not offer the sharpest handling in its class, the S80 remains a compelling value for those seeking a safe, comfortable, and understated luxury sedan that provides a distinct alternative to more common executive offerings.
