Volvo S80 T6 AWD Executive Geartronic 4dr Car Review - January 2012

The large executive S80 Volvo T6 AWD Executive is a pleasant car to drive. Once up to speed, motorways are a relaxing and peaceful experience, with little or no wind noise to irk you. It grips and handles well too, however, like all in the S80 range, the steering is a little vague, and it rides a tad unsteady at low speed.

From the driver’s seat, the four-wheel drive feels comfortable with adjustable seat positioning and plenty of space to move about. With a six speed automatic, the 2953cc, 24 valve, 6-cylinder engine accelerates beautifully, reaching a top speed of 155 mph with ease. The S80 T6 AWD Executive has torque figures of 324 lb-ft at 2100-4200 rpm, and a respectable horse power of 300 bhp at 5600 rpm.

This means that the S80 T6 can reach 62 mph from zero in just 6.7 seconds, which isn’t bad for its size and weight.

As with its speed, the Volvo S80 T6 AWD Executive has a smart, sophisticated appearance. Long and lean, it has more length than the Volvo estate at 4851mm, making it appear even more streamlined. The S80’s sharp lines also give the car a masculine edge.

With regards to its interior, the four door Volvo S80 is very roomy with plenty of room for bags, and feels comfortable with leather seats and top quality trimming as standard. It’s showing its age a little though, coming bottom in executive class of the 2011 customer satisfaction survey.

Like all Volvo’s, when it comes to practicality, there aren’t many better. With Bluetooth, MP3 connectivity, sat-nav and a CD system as standard, at least the equipment is up to date. It also has power-steering, alloy wheels and DSTC stability control, cruise control, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, central locking, climate control and rear-parking sensors as standard features too.

The Volvo S80 T6 AWD Executive is not only speedy, but safe too. Not only does it have rear-parking sensors, cruise and stability control features, but an alarm, anti-whiplash head restraints and a total of six airbags. It’s not surprising then that, like all Volvo’s, it has 5 star NCAP rating for occupants, 4 star for children and 2 star rating for pedestrians, with an overall 5 star Euro NCAP.

With a service interval every 18,000 miles, and a 3 year warranty or 60,000 miles, maintenance costs are kept low too.

In terms of value for money, the S80 certainly has a lot to offer. With loads of safety features, practical gadgets, and a powerful engine, it is a great all-rounder. But at £41,135 the Volvo S80 T6 AWD Executive comes at a cost.

The unleaded petrol engine means it is highly uneconomical, emitting 231g/km CO2 and placing it in tax band K. This means that running and depreciation costs are pretty extensive.

Nevertheless, speedy, sophisticated, safe and practical, the Volvo S80 T6 AWD Executive genuinely has it all, so it’s important to consider whether the costs outweigh the advantages that benefit you. If not, you could be better off with a slightly cheaper, slightly slower car, like the S80 D5 SE Lux. This model is only a fraction slower than the T6, but its CO2 emissions are much lower, and it has a diesel engine so running costs are minimal in comparison.

If you are set on this particular saloon though, it may be worth leasing it instead, so at least you will avoid the initial drop in your bank account.