Overview

The S80 is Volvo's flagship luxury sedan. It comes with a choice of two engines: an inline 6-cylinder with front-wheel drive (FWD) or a turbocharged version with all-wheel drive (AWD). For 2011, both engines gain a little more power, and improved fuel efficiency.

The 2011 Volvo S80 comes in two trims: 3.2 and T6 AWD. The S80 3.2 features 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, power accessories (including 8-way power front seats), Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-speaker sound system. A sunroof is optional. The turbocharged T6 adds the sunroof as standard equipment, plus 18-inch wheels. The Inscription option package upgrades the seats and upholstery; the Multimedia package adds a navigation system and upgraded sound system; the Technology package includes adaptive cruise control and several high-tech safety features. The Climate package addresses cold- and rainy weather issues, and the Dynamic package (available on the T6 only) adds a sport-tuned suspension and bi-xenon headlights. Trunk capacity is 14.9 cubic feet, according to the automaker.

The 2011 Volvo S80 3.2 features a 235-horsepower, 3.2-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine that delivers 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. The S80 T6's power plant is a turbocharged, 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque, and delivers 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on all S80s for 2011.

Standard safety features on the 2011 Volvo S80 include anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front side air bags, side curtain air bags, and active front head restraints. Optional safety features include a blind-spot information system and, as part of the Technology package, driver-fatigue and lane-departure warning systems, plus a pre-impact fast braking system. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the S80 highest-possible "Good" ratings for occupant protection in frontal-offset, rear-impact, and side-impact crashes.

Starting MSRP for the 2011 Volvo S80 is $37,150.