The 2012 Volvo S80 is a large luxury sedan that gets a lot of praise because of its high-tech safety features, low price and comfortable interior.
All S80 trims are equipped with Volvo’s City safety technology as well as other high-tech features such as Bluetooth audio streaming, genuine wood interior trim, and a 7-inch monitor color display. All of this to go with its sophisticated look giving you a unique driving experience.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $38,950.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70L) | MPG: 19 city / 28 hwy |
| Length: 191 in. (485.1 cm) | Wheel Base: 111.6 in. (283.4 cm) |
| Height: 58.8 in. (149.3 cm) | Width: 73.3 in. (186.1 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3761 lbs (1706 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 14.9 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 24 Valve Inline-6 DOHC | Displacement: 3.2 Liter |
| Horsepower: 240 HP | Max RPM: 6200 RPM |
| Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity: 3300 lbs (1497 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
| Option:T6 AWD | MSRP: $42,950; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy |
Engine & Performance
The 2012 S80 3.2 model comes with a standard 3.2L inline-6 engine that generates 240 hp and 236 lbs-ft of torque to the front wheels. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, giving you 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
The T6 trim comes standard with AWD and is powered by a 3.0L inline-6 powertrain that makes 300 horsepower and 325 lbs-ft of torque. This engine also mates to a standard 6-speed automatic, getting 18/26 mpg city/highway.
Exterior
The 2012 S80 is available in two trim levels: 3.2 and T6. The S80, better known as Scandinavian luxury, comes with a sleeker, curvier appearance and a bit of a sportier profile. The 3.2 base trim comes with standard features like: 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, rear and front fog lights, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The T6 adds extra features like a sunroof and 18-inch alloy wheels, which are optional for the 3.2 trim. The available Premier Plus package adds keyless entry, and front and rear parking sensors to the S80’s exterior. Optional features for the T6 model include: sport-tuned chassis, 18-inch alloy wheels, and adaptive bi-xenon headlights.
All trims are eligible for optional features that consist of: rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated windshield-washer nozzles, and headlight washers
Interior
The S80 comes with center console that sit on a thin metal panel, originally found on the S40 sedan. The S80’s front seats receive praise for its comfort and supportive nature. These seats are adjustable, offering enough leg and headroom for all body types.
The rear seats are spacious and comfortable. The S80 is equipped with a unique set of switches and buttons to control interior climate. In addition, the cabin is fitted with an electronics interface mounting audio controls and optional navigation functions. The dashboard has also been revamped, and now features a standard 7-inch color display and Volvo’s Sensus system. The S80 offers a cargo space of 14.9 cubic feet.
Safety & Reliability
The 2012 S80 is equipped with standard safety features. Some of these include: front-seat side airbags that feature separate chambers for hip and thorax protection, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, driver and front passenger airbags, antilock disc brakes, blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, collision and pedestrian warning system with auto brake, driver fatigue monitor, emergency trunk release, child safety locks, integrated turn signal mirrors, electronic stability control, traction control and 4-wheel ABS.
Pros
- Well equipped
- Comfortable ride and seats
- High-tech safety features
- Stylish and functional interior layout
Cons
- Unexciting handling
- Weak performance from base engine
The 2012 Volvo S80 boasts the latest high-tech luxury and safety features for its class. All the same, it is a good option for people shopping for luxury large cars for their midsize families, as well as those who are into safe and comfortable rides.
Competition comes from others like the Cadillac CTS (MSRP $39,095; 18 city / 27 hwy), the Lexus IS 350 (MSRP $40,320; 19 city / 27 hwy), and the Mercedes Benz C Class (MSRP $35,350; 22 city / 31 hwy) sedans.
Overall Rating
74 out of 100
What others say:
“Besides a thorough revamping of its available trim levels, the 2012 Volvo S80 now sports turn signals on the outside mirrors, a new 7-inch color display in the center of the dash, genuine wood interior trim and Bluetooth audio streaming. Volvo’s City Safety technology is also now standard across the model lineup.” Edmunds
“With plenty of comfort, style, and safety, the 2012 Volvo S80 hits all the right marks for an image-conscious, affluent family–but lacks the sportier driving personality of the somewhat smaller S60.”Car Connection
“S80 never feels sporty, but handles with controlled competence. Nice, tight turning radius. AWD adds a measure of security in slippery conditions but isn’t available on 3.2 models. Braking is worry-free, but one test model suffered from a slightly mushy pedal. Sensors in the available adaptive cruise control can ready maximum braking force if a collision is imminent.”Consumer Guide
“The S80 doesn’t deliver the level of performance or luxury expected in this class.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2012 Volvo S80 may not have the cachet of a Lexus GS, Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series, but it merits attention among premium brands nonetheless.”KBB
