What: A refresh of Volvo's flagship luxury car

When: Summer 2009

Price Range: Not yet available


New For 2010

Volvo's top-of-the-line sedan gets a mid-cycle refresh for 2010 - not a full redesign, but an update that includes a new front fascia and modest interior styling changes.

What the Auto Press Says

An update to the 2010 model isn't likely to change the Volvo S80's place in the luxury car pecking order. Mild exterior and interior updates distinguish the 2010 from the 2009 model, but Volvo invested most of its energy in redesigning three diesel engines that will be sold only in Europe.

  • "Don't blink or you'll miss the modest changes to the Volvo S80." - Edmunds
  • "While Volvo has recently been displaying somewhat radical departures from the companies ‘norm,' the S80 is more of an evolved version of the current sedan with a number of stylized elements borrowed from recent concepts." - Motor Trend
  • "The front is more distinctive with a new grille featuring the larger iron mark badge, which is part of the more extrovert DNA as seen in recent Volvo models, including the new XC60 crossover. There is also new chrome detailing on the air intakes, lower part of the doors and under the tail lamps." - The Torque Report
  • "Inside, Volvo has modified its seats and door panels for a higher-quality appearance. New gauges, steering wheel, gear lever and starter button also make an appearance." - Left Lane News

Key Details

The 2010 S80 receives a new front fascia that Volvo describes as "tougher." It features a lower stance, a larger Volvo logo, and more chrome surrounding air intakes and lamps. Other exterior changes are so subtle as to go almost unnoticed.

Inside, the cabin has been refreshed to feature a more driver-oriented design, with a new steering wheel and heavier use of the brushed aluminum brightwork that Volvo calls "silk metal."

The drivetrain of the U.S.-bound S80 is unchanged. A 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 and a 4.4-liter V8 are still offered. A pair of five-cylinder diesels and a new, low-emissions diesel offered in Europe will not appear stateside in 2010. However, with more European manufacturers offering diesels in the U.S. this year, we may see them in the future.