What engine is used in the Volvo S80L?
4 Answers
Volvo S80L is equipped with 2.0T, 2.5T, and 3.0T turbocharged engines. Among them, the 2.0T engine has a maximum power of 157kW and a maximum torque of 300 N·m; the 2.5T engine has a maximum power of 147kW and a maximum torque of 300 N·m; the 3.0T engine has a maximum power of 224kW and a maximum torque of 440 N·m. In terms of the transmission system, the engines are matched with a 6-speed automatic manual transmission. The 2.0T and 2.5T turbocharged engines are inline five-cylinder engines, while the 3.0T turbocharged engine is an inline six-cylinder engine. The engines also adopt twin-scroll technology, dividing the working process into exhaust outflow and gas intake parts.
I know this car model, used to see quite a few on domestic roads back in the day. The domestically produced Volvo S80L mainly featured two classic engine options: the base model came with a 2.0L inline-four turbocharged engine, commonly referred to as the T5, which delivered quite a punch when driven; the higher-spec version was even more powerful, equipped with a transversely mounted 3.0L inline-six twin-turbocharged engine, known as the T6 model. The earlier imported batches included even older 3.2L naturally aspirated inline-six and 4.4L V8 engines. The T5 and T6 were considered the mainstay, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that provided stable driving performance, especially with strong high-speed endurance. These engines were built to last, and you can still spot quite a few of these older models on the road today.
I drive a 2012 S80L T5 myself and know this powertrain inside out. It's equipped with the B4204T6 engine jointly developed by Ford and Volvo - a 2.0T four-cylinder unit. Though modest in displacement, it's tuned to be quite spirited with 213 horsepower, which is ample for daily overtaking. Volvo's engine layout is interesting - mounted transversely ahead of the front axle. Changing spark plugs can be tricky, but the weight distribution is well balanced. Fuel consumption runs about 7-8L/100km on highways, rising to 11-12L/100km in city traffic. I'd recommend veteran owners use 5W-30 oil and regularly clean carbon deposits - this engine can easily last 300,000 km without major overhauls.
As someone who has sold quite a few S80Ls, I can say it mainly comes with two powertrain options. If you prefer smoothness, go for the 3.0T T6 with 304 horsepower and full-time four-wheel drive – the acceleration feels beautifully linear when you step on the throttle. For better fuel economy, the T5's 2.0T is more nimble in city driving and maintenance costs about 30% less. Here's a lesser-known fact: since the 2015 model year, the transmission was upgraded to an 8-speed automatic. The car's standout feature is its whisper-quiet engine – you might mistake it for being turned off at red lights. Just be mindful of timing chain and turbo intake pipe issues with older models, as oil leaks are a common problem.
