2015 Volvo S80 Review

For 2015, the Volvo S80 T5 gets an all-new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes roughly the same amount of power as the previous base six-cylinder engine while being more fuel-efficient. It's also connected to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged six-cylinder engine in the S80 T6 is unchanged, but its transmission has quicker shift programming. Both S80 trim levels also see some minor content changes along with the introduction of the "2015.5" S80 models, which add some standard and optional equipment midway through the year.

The 2015 Volvo S80 is a sensible alternative to flashier, more expensive luxury sedans, but its anonymous looks and mundane driving experience dull its appeal.

Doing it just like everybody else never has been a Volvo calling card. The Swedish automaker made its name on safe, solid cars that weren't slaves to trend or fashion, and the 2015 S80 sedan certainly stands as a solid example of that legacy.

Many of Volvo's traditional traits can be found on the S80 luxury sedan, such as outstanding front seats, good outward visibility and a supple ride quality. Safety factors in, too, as the S80 can be equipped with plenty of the latest technology to help you avoid an accident. This year's S80 also comes with a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic in the base model, which has been rechristened the T5 Drive-E. This new powertrain produces a respectable 240 horsepower plus some of the best fuel economy numbers you'll find in this segment.

In some other areas, however, the S80 might have you thinking that Volvo's playing it a little too conservative. The 2015 S80 is part of the car's second generation, which debuted way back in 2007. That dated design particularly shows up in the car's dowdy styling. What seems like detached driver involvement and lackluster fuel economy from the more powerful T6's engine are other demerits.

The S80 also comes pretty well equipped and is typically less expensive than many other midsize luxury cars, but if such a value proposition is appealing, we think you should also check out the 2015 Acura TLX or 2015 Hyundai Genesis. Both are roomy and comfortable cars that are also more involving to drive and boast fresher, more compelling designs. Of course, any model from the admittedly pricier German contingent -- the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class -- will be a great choice as well. Overall, we think the S80 is likable enough, but you'll want to shop around some before making a final decision.

The front-wheel-drive 2015 S80 T5 Drive-E trim level is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine good for 240 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with stop-start functionality, which automatically shuts down the engine during brief periods of rest, such as at a stoplight. This, in addition to an equally new standard eight-speed transmission, results in an EPA fuel economy rating of 29 mpg combined (25 city/37 highway), which is excellent for this class of car.

As a power upgrade, S80 T6 models get a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine producing 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard, as is all-wheel drive. Acceleration to 60 mph takes about 6 seconds. The EPA says to expect 22 mpg combined (19 city/28 highway), which is about typical for an AWD six-cylinder luxury sedan.

The 2015 Volvo S80 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags (featuring separate chambers for chest and hip protection), side curtain airbags, a low-speed frontal collision mitigation system (Volvo's City Safety system) and active front head restraints.

Optional safety features include a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, a blind-spot monitoring system and a lane-departure warning system. Also optional is expanded functionality for the frontal collision mitigation system (with pedestrian and cyclist detection) plus a driver-fatigue monitor.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the S80 earned the top rating of "Good" in the small-overlap frontal-offset, moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. Its head restraints and seats also earned a "Good" rating for their whiplash protection in rear impacts. The IIHS has also tested the S80's frontal collision warning and mitigation system and gave it a top rating of "Superior."

The new turbocharged four-cylinder engine and its sophisticated automatic transmission should be a big improvement for the S80, as the previous base engine was neither particularly strong nor particularly fuel-efficient. Car shoppers living in the snow belt may wish Volvo had chosen to couple this engine with the all-wheel-drive system available with the S80 T6, though.

The 300-hp S80 T6 accelerates with real vigor, and the AWD assures that you seldom feel the tires struggling for traction, even when you ask for full power. This engine goes about its work in almost complete silence.

For many, the 2015 S80's ride will stand out: The compliant suspension smoothes potholes and speed bumps with ease. But the S80s too-light steering and stubborn preference for pointing straight ahead make for vague driver confidence when going around turns. The T6 model's optional 19-inch wheels and sport chassis noticeably sharpen handling, although this setup isn't available for the T5 and its new engine.

The interior of the aging Volvo S80 might not be as extravagant as those of some of its rivals (or even its newer S60 sibling), but it's a fine place to spend time just the same. Volvo has an outstanding reputation for excellent seats, and the S80 upholds that honor, with upright and supremely supportive front seats that do a great job of keeping you comfortable on long trips. Rear passengers will find adequate room as long as there's no need to seat three, but in general many competitors offer roomier rear seats.

Also per Volvo's tendency, there's nothing tricky or gimmicky about the gauges and major controls. The straightforward dual-temperature adjustment dials and "mode man" pictogram make climate control adjustments simple and intuitive. The audio system is fairly easy to use, too, and with the functionality updates for the 2015.5 infotainment systems, things will likely get even easier. We haven't tested the updated touchscreen and telematics but we'll update this review once we have.

The S80's trunk has 14.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is pretty typical for this class of car. The S80's folding rear seatbacks, trunk pass-through and available folding front passenger seat provide extra flexibility and utility.