The 2015 Volvo S80 AWD 3.0L gets 22 MPG combined, which isn’t great. If saving gas is your top priority, this might not be the car for you. It’s built for drivers who appreciate understated luxury, solid build quality, and the reassurance of all-wheel drive, even if it means using more fuel. These buyers want a quiet, comfortable ride and a certain image, and are willing to accept that a turbocharged six-cylinder engine powering all four wheels requires premium fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that the S80 3.0L AWD gets 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. This difference reflects the engine and drivetrain’s characteristics. In city driving, the turbocharger is constantly working, the all-wheel-drive system is frequently engaged, and the car’s weight has an impact. However, on the open road, the engine settles into a more efficient rhythm, the all-wheel drive is used less, and the S80 can go further on each tank. Think about how you usually drive. If you mostly drive on city streets, expect to see around 19 MPG. Longer highway trips will bring your average closer to 22 MPG, and maybe even the 28 MPG estimate, if you drive conservatively.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says that owners of the 2015 Volvo S80 AWD 3.0L can expect to spend about $2,000 per year on fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price from when the EPA tested the car. Your actual cost will change depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and how much you drive in the city versus on the highway. Drivers who accelerate quickly, or those who live where gas is more expensive, will probably spend more than $2,000. If you drive fewer miles, your annual fuel cost will be lower. However, this figure is a useful point of reference when comparing the S80’s operating costs to other cars in its class.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates give you a standardized way to compare vehicles, but real-world fuel economy can be different. How you drive is the most important factor. Accelerating hard, braking suddenly, and idling for a long time will all decrease fuel efficiency. Road conditions, like hills or heavy traffic, can also matter. Tire pressure and vehicle maintenance can influence fuel economy, too. If you keep your tires properly inflated, follow the recommended service schedule, and drive smoothly, the S80 AWD 3.0L is more likely to achieve its EPA-estimated MPG. Owners who carefully track their fuel consumption often report numbers close to the EPA figures, while those who drive more aggressively or don’t maintain their car well may see much lower numbers. See S80 MPG across all years to view real-world data reported by owners.

How it compares

When it comes to fuel economy in the class of luxury sedans with all-wheel drive, the 2015 Volvo S80 is about average. A comparable Audi A6 2.0T quattro from the same year gets a slightly better 24 MPG combined, which is good if you want both luxury and fuel efficiency. The BMW 528i xDrive, another popular choice, gets about 23 MPG combined. A Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC, known for its refinement and advanced technology, also offers around 23 MPG combined. The Lexus GS 350 AWD, which focuses on reliability and a smooth ride, gets around 22 MPG combined, similar to the S80. Volvo customers appreciate European build quality and a different look, so they find those qualities worth the trade-off in fuel costs compared to other luxury brands. See all Volvo fuel economy data for details.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The S80’s turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system work better with gentle inputs. Avoid accelerating quickly and try to keep a consistent speed, especially on the highway. The less the turbocharger is working, the less fuel the engine will use. Smooth, gradual braking is also more efficient than hard stops that waste energy.

Tire pressure is critical for fuel economy. Check the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended pressure and check your tires regularly. Underinflated tires create more resistance, which makes the engine work harder and reduces fuel efficiency. Just checking your tire pressure can noticeably improve your MPG.

Reduce the amount of weight inside the car. Extra cargo adds to the overall load, which requires more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Regularly clean out your trunk and remove any items that you don’t need. Even small amounts of weight can add up over time, affecting fuel economy and performance.

Try using the S80’s cruise control system on the highway. This can help you keep a consistent speed, which can improve fuel efficiency, especially on long drives. It reduces changes in speed that can happen when you’re not consistent with the accelerator pedal, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently.

Follow the recommended maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance are all important for good engine performance and fuel economy. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently and burns fuel more cleanly, which improves MPG and reduces emissions. Addressing small problems quickly can prevent them from becoming bigger problems that can hurt your fuel economy.