2012 Volvo S80 vs. Its Competition

2011 Volvo S80 4-door Sedan 3.2L FWD Angular Front Exterior View
Bengt Halvorson Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

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.

2011 Volvo S80 4-door Sedan 3.2L FWD Angular Front Exterior View2012 Volvo S80
Browse Used Listings		2011 Acura RL 4-door Sedan Advance Pkg Angular Front Exterior View2012 Acura RL
Browse Used Listings		2012 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo 4-door Sedan 550i Gran Turismo RWD Angular Front Exterior View2012 BMW 5-Series
Browse Used Listings		2012 Jaguar XF2012 Jaguar XF
Browse Used Listings		2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class 4-door Wagon Sport 3.5L 4MATIC Angular Front Exterior View2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class
Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
8.4
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.
7.4
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.
8.6
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.
8.4
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.
8.2
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 Hwy17 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy15 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy
Engine    
Gas I6Gas V6Turbocharged Gas I4Gas V8Gas V6
EPA Class    
MidsizeMid-SizeMid-SizeMidsize CarSubcompact Cars
Style Name    
4-Door Sedan 3.2L PZEV4-Door Sedan4-Door Sedan 528i RWD4-Door Sedan2-Door Coupe E 350 RWD
Drivetrain    
Front Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity    
55554
Passenger Doors    
N/AN/A4N/AN/A
Body Style    
4 Door Sedan4 Door Sedan4dr Sedan4 Door SedanCoupe
Transmission    
Automatic,AutomaticAutomatic w/Manual ShiftAutomatic w/Manual ShiftAutomatic
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2012 Volvo S80 vs. 2012 Acura RL2012 Volvo S80 vs. 2012 BMW 5-Series2012 Volvo S80 vs. 2012 Jaguar XF2012 Volvo S80 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class