2016 Volvo S80 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2016 Volvo S80 is an excellent choice for the drivers who are seeking a luxurious ride. Engineered with all of the latest high-tech safety components, Volvo’s flagship sedan promises to keep everyone secure. Even the base trim level is loaded with a surplus of nice components. With a starting price of less than $45,000, the new S80 is a legitimate bargain in the luxury sedan segment. The 2016 Volvo S80’s great gas mileage will also attract plenty of attention.

What’s new for 2016?

For the 2016 model year, Volvo opted to discontinue the AWD T6 model. However, the base trim now comes equipped with even more standard features.  

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2016 Volvo S80 - The Pros

1) Well-Designed Standard Engine

All versions of the 2016 Volvo S80 will come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. Several automotive publications have raved about this engine. In fact, the nifty Drive-E engine is currently featured on Ward’s “10 Best Engines of 2015” list. Although the S80 is a full-size sedan, the 240-horsepower engine provides just the right amount of muscle.

2) Can Match the Fuel Economy of a Smaller Car

Not only does the 2016 Volvo S80 benefit from an Eco mode, but it also comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The combination of these two components helps the sedan to deliver exceptional gas mileage. While the S80 has a city fuel economy rating of 25 mpg, it can deliver a splendid 37 mpg on the highway.

3) City Safety

To ensure that drivers remain safe when traveling in a congested area, the sedan has been equipped with an innovative City Safety system. By using radar technology, the system can detect the presence of other cars on the road. If the driver is on the verge of crashing into another vehicle, the City Safety system can actually apply pressure to the brake pedal.

4) Excellent Safety Profile

Like most Volvo automobiles, the 2016 Volvo S80 is built to withstand a powerful impact. As a testament to the sedan’s well-built chassis, it was chosen as a Top Safety Pick Plus by the IIHS. It received a very good rating in every category. Due to the S80’s high level of protection, it has an advantage over many of its rivals.

5) Great Ride Comfort

The S80’s suspension system is among the best in its class. When traveling on a rather bumpy road surface, the shock absorbers are able to keep the passengers comfortable. Due to the extra insulation surrounding the cabin, the ride remains extremely quiet. The lack of road and wind noise also helps enhance the audio system's sound quality.

6) Confident Handling

Although the 2016 Volvo S80 is not a sports sedan, it does provide the driver with a lot of confidence. Even when traveling on an extremely curvy road, the sedan remains firmly planted to the pavement. A set of 18-inch tires further improve handling. The effective traction control system also does a good job of keeping the S80 out of trouble.

7) Ample Room

There is plenty of room inside of the 2016 Volvo S80. This is especially true when hauling around less than five passengers. Due to the adjustable driver’s seat, the sedan can easily accommodate larger drivers. When needed, the backseat can also be folded down to provide additional room for larger items. A trunk pass-through comes standard.

8) Long List of Standard Features

This year, the 2016 Volvo S80 provides even more standard features than before. The arrival of heated seats and a power sunroof make the sedan more of a bargain. Allergy sufferers will also love the air filtration system. Some of the other standard components include leather upholstery, Bluetooth technology, an eight-speaker sound system, and key-less ignition.

9) Uncomplicated Components

A lot of drivers will appreciate the sedan’s overall simplicity. Although a lot of technology can be found on the new S80, it is designed to be very user-friendly. When adjusting the climate settings, the driver does not have to deal with any frustrating dials. The touch-screen infotainment system also proves to be responsive and uncomplicated.

10) Lifetime Parts Warranty

Although the powertrain warranty only offers 50,000 miles of coverage, Volvo now provides a lifetime warranty on all parts. If the particular component fails at any time, Volvo will cover the parts and the cost of labor. This is a big-time advantage for the car shoppers who are seeking long-term ownership.

Reasons you may not want to buy a 2016 Volvo S80 - The Cons

1) All-Wheel Drive No Longer Available

Unlike the previous year, the 2016 Volvo S80 is not available with an AWD system. This could be a significant problem for the drivers who will encounter snow during the winter.

2) Plain-Vanilla Styling

In terms of curb appeal, the 2016 S80 is not the most stylish sedan on the market. While it is not an ugly automobile, some people may desire a bit more flair.

3) Decent Driving Dynamics

The S80’s driving experience is best described as being satisfactory. Its overall performance will not leave drivers in awe.

How the 2016 S80 stacks up to the competition:

The 2016 Volvo S80 competes against sedans such as the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Although both of these luxurious sedans have a prestigious nameplate, the S80 can match their luxuriousness for a lower price. Of course, it is also hard to ignore the S80’s excellent safety rating.

Conclusion:

While the competition in the luxury car segment is stiff, the 2016 S80 still has a lot of endearing qualities. The sedan’s great gas mileage and outstanding safety features make it a solid choice. Due to the large number of standard features, most buyers will be satisfied with the base trim.