Vehicle: Volvo S80 T6 AWD with Luxury and Security Pkgs
Price as tested: CDN$65305

Performance: When we first drove the 2nd generation S80 2 years ago, we were so disappointed that it got nomineed as our one of the most disappointing cars of the year. The 3.2 is underwhelming and V8 is simply unremarkable. Will the T6 change our mind on the S80?

This T6 is an all-new DOHC 3.0 liter straight-6 turbochaged engine, which come with all the variable valve timing technologies for intake and exhaust system. Simply put, this straight-6 is as good as anything else made by BMW, who simply makes the best straight-6 in the world. Its willing, smooth, powerful and willing to rev. This turbocharged engine has a maximum torque arrives as low as 1500rpm for 295 lb/ft, which is more than willing to move S80′s 4409 lb of heavy leather-lined luxury. On the other hand, 281 horses serve its mid-range and top end relatively well. This engine doesn’t have the dying feel of the less expensive 3.2 nor the unrefined experience of the more expensive V8. Swedish’s engineering prowess with their turbocharged technology really have spoken a lot for this S80. 6-speed Geartronic is the only transmission to go with the T6. The gear ratios are perfectly matched for S80′s cruising character. 5th and 6th gear ratios are impressively high for superb highway cruising. 1st and 2nd gears are low enough for peppy acceleration, also making it without all the turbo lag once associates with turbo engine. Combined all the merits of both T6 and Geartronic, you got a powertrain that both S80 and its wagon silibing, V70, have long for since day 1.

Handling: Along with giving S80 a much needed belly boost on performance, Volvo engineers have also given S80 some dynamic improvement to go with the engine. Both the suspension and chassis have been re-engineered for a more confidence driving experience. To begin with, Volvo’s 4C active chassis control has finally given on what its worth on the S80. Instead of riding roughly on “sport” setting or ride like a boat in “comfort” setting. They finally found a happy compromise. Although in “sport” setting, you still won’t treat T6 as a sports sedan due to its comfort-oriented chassis setting. It gives out appropriate steering and chassis response that won’t eat your heart out with decent ride quality. On the other hand, the “comfort” setting finally acts like it starts to realize what does comfort mean. Even if its not the most comfortable riding car in the world, it finally rides accordingly on rough surfaces and poor pavements. Steering feel and response are both acceptable if nothing outstanding. When pushed S80 into a corner, its very obvious this car is tuned for all-out comfort instead of handling. There are plenty of body rolls. Understeer tends to surface as it steps above the limit. While the Haldex AWD has worked exceptionally well with Volvo’s DSTC, the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, always step in at an alarming rate. That’s fully justifiable as Volvo never expects anyone to push their flagship sedan like a Porsche, nor you should.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs, standard ABS, brake assist and brake force distribution. S80′s braking performance is better than expected. The ABS won’t step in unnecessarily. While the pedal feel and modulation are solid and inspiring confidence without feeling dead in the pedal.

Interior: The T6 basically has all the items you expect to pay for a flagship Volvo at 65 grand. It all starts with Volvo’s hallmark leather seats, which are truly comfortable and supportive. Everything else from dual-zone climate control and power seats are all standard in the T6.

Conclusion: The T6 is an engine that S80 has always been cried out for since day 1. Its not only got enough power and refinement, its price is better proportioned than both 3.2 and V8 silibings. All of comments regarding T6 vs 3.2 also apply to V70 and XC70, BTW.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Volvo S80 T6
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5