Volvo S80 (1998 - 2016) - Présentation

Volvo S80  (1998 – 2016)

Volvo S80 generation I (1998 – 2006)

The all-new Volvo S80 made its debut in May 1998 and was the first Volvo on a new architecture, internally called P2. It represented a new strategy: up until now most Volvo models had been sold as both a sedan and an estate, but the S80 was a pure sedan. It aimed for customers wanting a big and exclusive sedan that was not related to the more practical estates.

The S80 presented a variety of technical innovations, such as a transversally mounted inline-six, the Inflatable Curtain for side impact protection and front seats with built-in protection against whiplash injuries.

The base engine at launch was a 2.9 litre inline six that, in the top of the line twin turbo version, produced 272 hp.

Model Specifications

Model: S80

Produced: 388 595

Body: 4-door sedan

Engines: 6-cylinder in line petrol, twin-turbo, 2.9 litre ; 5-cylinder in line petrol, 2.4/2.5 litre, 5-cylinder in line turbo diesel, 2.4 litre

Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4/5-speed automatic

Brakes: Hydraulic, disc brakes all round

Dimensions: Overall length 482 cm, wheelbase 279 cm.

Volvo S80 Generation II (2006 – 2016)

The second generation of the S80 unveils at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006, now on a completely new architecture developed in cooperation with Ford, the EuCD platform. The S80 now gets the 4.4 litre, 315 hp, V8 first introduced in the XC90 SUV two years earlier, combined with all wheel drive. 

Production of a long wheel base version, the S80 L, begins in Chongqing in China.

After 177 377 cars made of Gen II, the production of the S80 is ended in May 2016 and the last manufactured car is transferred to the Volvo Museum.

Another 46 478 cars of the stretched S80 L version, built and sold in China only, were made.