Review: Volvo Mk.2-I S80 (2007-09)

Overview

Released in February 2007, the Volvo Mk.2 Phase I (Mk.2-I) S80 was an executive sedan. Manufactured in Torslanda, Sweden, the Volvo S80 was initially available with a 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol engine (the ‘3.2’ variant), a 4.4-litre petrol V8 (‘V8’) or a 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel unit (‘D5’). In 2008, however, the 3.2-litre petrol engine was replaced by a turbocharged 3.0-litre unit (the ‘T6’).

Engines: 3.2, T6, D5 and V8

Of the engines,

The 3.2-litre inline six cylinder engine had aluminium-alloy construction, double overhead camshafts, Variable Cam Timing (VCT) and Cam Profile Switching (CPS) for inlet valves, four valves per cylinder, a Variable Intake System (VIS) with two throttle flap valves and a compression ratio of 10.8:1;
For T6 variants, the 3.0-litre inline six cylinder engine differed in that it was fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger, Variable Cam Timing applied for both intake and exhaust valves and the compression ratio was lowered to 9.3:1;
For D5 variants, the D5244T4 diesel engine had an aluminium cylinder block and heads, a water-cooled variable geometry turbocharger, common-rail direct injection (operating at 1600 bar), double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, cooled exhaust gas recirculation and a compression ratio of 17.3:1; and,
The 4.4-litre B8444S V8 petrol engine was developed by Yamaha and had aluminium construction, double overhead camshafts, variable inlet and exhaust valve timing, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.4:1.

All engines were mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.

Volvo Mk.2-I S80 specifications
Variant	Years	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
3.2 AWD	2007-08	3192 cc B6324S petrol I6	6sp auto	175 kW at 6200 rpm	320 Nm at 3200 rpm
T6 AWD	2008-09	2953 cc B6304T2 turbo petrol I6	6sp auto	210 kW at 5600 rpm	400 Nm at 1500-4800 rpm
D5	2007-09	2400 cc B5244T4 turbo diesel I5	6sp auto	136 kW at 4000 rpm	400 Nm at 2750 rpm
V8 AWD	2007-09	4414 cc B8444S petrol V8	6sp auto	232 kW at 5950 rpm	440 Nm at 3950 rpm

AWD system

The Volvo S80 3.2, T6 and V8 had a Haldex all-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. In normal conditions, the system provided a 95:5 front:rear torque split. However, the system’s ‘pre-tensioned’ clutch used a non-return valve within the coupling to immediately provide up to 80 Nm of torque to the rear wheels when sensors detected that it was required, i.e. before wheel slip actually occurred; the system would also provide torque to the rear wheels under acceleration. When the coupling’s clutch plates were engaged, up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the rear wheels. The traction control system could also brake a single spinning wheel to transfer power to the wheels with traction, but was disabled under four-wheel braking.

Dimensions

Compared to the Volvo Mk.1 S80 , the Mk.2 S80 was 29 mm longer (at 4851 mm), 44 mm wider (1876 mm), 56 mm taller (1490 mm) and had a 44 mm longer wheelbase (2835 mm).

Suspension

The Volvo Mk.2 S80 had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. The S80’s suspension also included Volvo’s ‘Four-C’ damping system – fitted as standard – which continuously varied suspension damping according to road conditions and driver behaviour; the system also provided selectable ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Advanced’ modes.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volvo S80 included dual front airbags (two-stage), front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, seatbelt pretensioners for all seats, front seatbelt load limiters, active front seat head restraints and anti-submarining seats.

Features

Standard features for the Volvo S80 included 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker 160 watt sound system with a six-in-dash disc CD player, MP3/WMA compatibility and auxiliary input, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats with memory settings, heated front seats, bi-xenon headlights with washers, front and rear fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and heated mirrors, power retracting mirrors, tinted windows, a rear blind, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

The Volvo S80 3.2 and T6 added 18-inch alloy wheels, while the S80 V8 was distinguished by its twelve speaker, 650 watt sound system and Bluetooth connectivity.

November 2008: S80 update

In November 2008, the Volvo S80 underwent a minor update with Bluetooth connectivity made standard across the range. Other changes included revised trims, switchgear and improved audio systems.

Review: Volvo Mk.2-II S80 (2009-10)