
The 2012 Volvo S80 in base form, with front-wheel drive and a roomy luxury-sedan interior, competes with the base Acura RL; compared to the RL, the S80's interior feels a bit more exciting, though the RL handles surprisingly well, especially in high-tech SH-AWD form.
For those who wish to be a little--okay, a lot--more flamboyant, the V-8-powered Jaguar XF is worth a serious look; the Jag’s interior is warm and smooth, while the Volvo is a bit cold and stark inside.
Both the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class are offered in V-8 versions with all-wheel drive, and their safety features rival those in the S80, but they can be considerably more expensive.
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Quick Specs | ||||
With plenty of comfort, style, and safety, the 2012 Volvo S80 hits all the right marks for an image-conscious, affluent family--but lacks the sportier driving personality of the somewhat smaller S60. |
The 2012 Acura RL is loaded with tech features and supremely comfortable for long-haul trips; but it won't get driving enthusiasts all that excited. |
The 2012 BMW 5-Series appears somewhat conservative on the outside, but it packs an armada of advanced-tech firepower, and new fuel-efficient engines, without interrupting its sport-sedan mission. |
Scorching acceleration, nimble handling, and true luxury-car refinement complement style and fashion to swoon over in the 2012 Jaguar XF; backseat space remains its only reality check. |
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class models have sharper driving appeal than in the past, while also returning to the classy interior appointments and vault-like construction that have made them longtime luxury benchmarks. |
MSRP From | ||||
$37,950 | $48,200 | $46,900 | $53,000 | $49,800 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
18 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas I6 | Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas V8 | Gas V6 |
EPA Class | ||||
Midsize | Mid-Size | Mid-Size | Midsize Car | Subcompact Cars |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan 3.2L PZEV | 4-Door Sedan | 4-Door Sedan 528i RWD | 4-Door Sedan | 2-Door Coupe E 350 RWD |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4dr Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | Coupe |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic, | Automatic | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2012 Volvo S80 vs. 2012 Acura RL | 2012 Volvo S80 vs. 2012 BMW 5-Series | 2012 Volvo S80 vs. 2012 Jaguar XF | 2012 Volvo S80 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class |