2012 Volvo S80 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$37,550 to $45,000

Original MSRP

--

expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(1 review)
2012 Volvo S80 Preview summaryImage

Volvo’s top-of-the-line luxury sedan got a refresh for 2012, but still lacks the pizzazz of other cars in its class. Its conservative looks and safe handling might appeal to wealthy folks that don’t like to flash their cash.

The S80 has two basic trims: the 3.2, which has a 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with 240 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, front-wheel drive and 17-inch alloy wheels; also available is the T6, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine with 300 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque, all-wheel drive (AWD), and 18-inch alloys. A bevy of features come standard, including a high performance in-dash 6-CD stereo with MP3 capability, Bluetooth and audio controls on the steering wheel; electric-adjustable seats with leather surfaces; fog and halogen lights; and polished dual exhaust pipes.

From there, trim levels come in Premier Plus, which adds keyless drive, Personal Car Communicator and HomeLink, which allows you to perform such task as opening the garage, turning on home alarm or exterior lights without leaving the cab. Platinum tops everything out with a navigation system, rear park assist camera and a premium sound system.

Optional packages are the Climate (cozying it up with heated seats), the Technology (with adaptive cruise control and collision warning with full auto brake), the Dynamic (18-inch diamond-cut wheels and sport chassis) and the ultra-swank Inscription (with full soft leather seats and embroidered logo).

Stylistically, on the outside, it’s just not all that. While those on the right may call its looks “conservative,” on the left they call it “dull.” Inside, however, it combines its own unique minimalist style with garishly comfortable seats that both sides of the fence can appreciate.

Its biggest innovation in this year’s lineup is safety and technology. All trims come standard with Sensus, a way to personalize all the audio, climate and safety features via a high-resolution 7-inch touchscreen mounted at eye level on the center dash. Once you get it set up, this can be quite handy, but it may initially produce some head-scratching.

Also on the cutting-edge is the standard City Safety package, which kicks in at 19 mph and senses when cars have slowed or stopped ahead and reduces speed automatically. Studies have shown this decreases accidents by 25% — good job, Volvo! Even more high-tech safety options are available, including high-speed and/or pedestrian impact detection with full auto braking and blind spot monitoring. Both dual-stage and dual-chamber side airbags come standard in the front, and an inflatable curtain protects passengers in the rear.

Still, those in the upper echelon tend to be picky about their purchases, and there have been complaints the S80's drive is uninspiring, especially when compared to other models in its class. There’s a lot to like about Volvo's S80, but if you’re looking to make some kind of statement, you might try another automobile.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2012 Volvo S80

Write a review
User rating:
by Gregford W
Jan 27, 2024
The is a very nice car and I do love the car very much Jan 27, 2024

2012 Volvo S80 Pricing

Original MSRP
$37,550 to $45,000
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: alloy

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.33

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: one-touch

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: alert system

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.33

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 650 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.33

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: one-touch

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

USB auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: alloy

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.33

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: alert system

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.33

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 650 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Cruise control: adaptive · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.33

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.0 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (6)