Volvo S80 Model Years and History

The Volvo S80 trimmed down powertrain offerings for 2016. The only engine available is a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder. All-wheel drive has been dropped as well.

The Volvo S80 gets a new base engine this year. Displacing only 2.0L and with just 4-cylinders, the new engine makes the same horsepower as the outgoing 6-cylinder while giving the car significantly better fuel economy. An 8-speed automatic is new for 2015, which comes mated to the new engine. With this combination the Volvo S80 should be able to achieve over 30 mpg on the highway.

Volvo's flagship S80 sedan carries over for 2014 with only a few changes. Notably, the S80 gets a refreshed interior that includes a new configurable instrument display.

Volvo's flagship S80 sedan carries over for 2013 with no significant changes, though several trim items have become standard, such as rain-sensing windshield wipers, headlight washers and keyless drive. Elsewhere, the Premier Plus trim gains active dual xenon headlights.

Following a 2011 redesign of the S80, 2012 brings a complete reworking of the Volvo sedan's trim lineup. Both the base S80 and the 3.0L turbocharged all-wheel drive model come in new Premier Plus and Platinum trims. The Premier Plus adds HomeLink universal garage door opener, keyless drive with a personal car communicator (a system that allows remote monitoring of the vehicle's status and includes a heartbeat sensor) and a front and rear park assist system. Platinum trim adds a voice-activated navigation system and a rear parking camera. The base S80s no longer offer the premium 650-watt sound system as an option, but can be equipped with a park-assist system. The premium stereo optional on the Platinum trim.

For 2011, the Volvo S80 has been completely redesigned. Most notable is the revised exterior design, which features a new grille with a larger Volvo emblem as well as chrome-trimmed tail lamps, lower front fascia and door side moldings. Overall, the body has a much more aerodynamic appearance and features a longer wheelbase than the car it replaces. The basic 3.2L straight six in the S80 now makes 240 horsepower with a ULEV emissions rating and 230 horsepower with PZEV emissions--5 horsepower up from 2010 in both cases. The V8 all-wheel drive model has been discontinued, but the S80 T6 all-wheel drive model now makes 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque--nearly the same numbers as the V8 and at a lower price point. Other changes include the addition of standard Sirius satellite radio, optional dual xenon headlamps with Active Bending Light feature, and a new Inscription package in place of 2010's Executive package. A rearview camera has also been added to the Multimedia package.

For 2010, Volvo's flagship S80 sedan receives subtle changes both outside and in. Exterior updates include a new grille with a larger badge and additional chrome details. Enhanced soundproofing has been added to quiet the cabin for passengers, and the interior also features a new steering wheel, a more user-friendly navigation system and extensive use of brushed aluminum brightwork that Volvo calls "silk metal."

Once again, the 2009 Volvo S80 offers three models based around their engines: the 3.2, the T6 and the V8. Bluetooth is now standard on all models. The new Convenience Package offers front- and rear-obstacle detection, rear audio controls, and keyless access/engine start. Alpine amplifiers, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound and Dynaudio speakers are now available. A refrigerator in the rear-seat area is optional on the V8. The Sport Package has been discontinued.

Following a major redesign last year, Volvo adds a new trim level to the 2008 S80 lineup--the T6 AWD. It's an all-wheel-drive model powered by a turbocharged, 281-horsepower 3.0L inline six and it slots in between the 3.2 and the V8 AWD. The T6 AWD is priced at $42,045. Standard now on the V8 is a premium leather interior, as well as Volvo's keyless start and security system, Personal Car Communicator (PCC). Outside, the V8 gets brushed aluminum door moldings, and heated rear seats are now available in the Climate Package.

The 2007 Volvo S80 is a complete redesign, with an entirely new car now wearing the same name badge. Exterior styling is more aggressive, the model is 250 pounds lighter, the wheelbase is slightly longer, and a CD changer is now standard. The biggest news, however, is under the hood. Instead of being powered by a 208-horespower 2.5L five-cylinder, the S80 can be ordered with either a 3.2L inline-six with 235 horsepower and front-wheel drive or the 311-horsepower V8 and all-wheel drive.