For This S80 is a spacious, comfortable cruiser that can average more than 50mpg. SE spec doesn’t feel bare, either; you still get a pleasant, roomy cabin, and an excellent stereo.

Against The engine can be boomy when worked hard, and while the chassis is agile on twisty roads, the ride quality is too badly compromised elsewhere.

Volvo S80 Saloon

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

A good compromise on price and power, although 1.6-litre diesel models are much cheaper to run.

What Car? readers say

3.444444


Key facts

0–60mph
9.2 secs
Top speed
134 mph
Average mpg
57.7
Tank range
889 miles
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Features

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Size

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View the whole Volvo S80 Saloon range

Cheaper

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The full Volvo S80 review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Volvo’s crack at beating the Germans in the executive market has promise, but it ultimately falls short.

On the plus side, the Volvo S80 is spacious, the cabin is well appointed, and it’s keenly priced against the established opposition, too.

However, the S80 falls down on a couple of key points. Firstly, while the cabin might have the feel of a big luxury car, the ride quality falls short of what’s expected: it's fidgety on most surfaces and thumps over bumps and potholes.

Secondly, depreciation can be pretty disastrous, which will put off many private buyers, while company-car shoppers should take note of the steep contract hire rates and consider the most basic diesel version.

Reader test team says:

Volvo S80 Saloon D5 SE Lux Geartronic 4dr

Having got rid of a Lexus to come back to Volvo I can say I am extremely happy with the D5. The cab is roomy and plush offering plenty of luxurious…

Phil Hurst

4 out of 5 stars

Volvo S80 Saloon D5 SE Lux 4dr

I have had my S80 for about 10 weeks clocking up 6000 miles across a good mix of motorways, A and B roads. The D5 engine suits the car well, providing…

David Sharples

4 out of 5 stars

Volvo S80 Saloon 4.4 V8 AWD SE Lux Auto 4dr

This is a great car and without a doubt the nicest I have ever had. I have driven them all. It is supremely comfortable and goes very well. I have…

David Davies

4 out of 5 stars

Volvo S80 Saloon D5 SE 4dr

I drove the new S80 model last year and agree with all Jeremy Newell says about the driveline. In January this year I test drove a revised version of…

Graham Lamond

4 out of 5 stars
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