The 2016 Volvo S80 with its 2.0L turbocharged engine and front-wheel drive gets 29 MPG combined. That’s adequate, reasonably thrifty, and probably not the deciding factor for anyone seriously considering this Volvo flagship sedan. This S80 is about understated luxury, comfortable cruising, and individuality. Fuel economy is a pleasant bonus. It isn’t the car’s main focus.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 29 MPG combined breaks down to 25 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. The highway number is where this S80 excels. The eight-speed automatic transmission allows the engine to run at lower RPMs, which means less fuel consumption on long drives. The city figure is respectable but less remarkable. Stop-start traffic and urban driving demand more from the turbocharged four-cylinder. Expect to see your fuel economy drop with aggressive acceleration or frequent short trips. Still, for a spacious sedan, these numbers are good.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Volvo S80 FWD 2.0L at $1,500. This assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year with a mix of city and highway miles, using the national average fuel price at the time of the calculation. Your actual fuel costs will depend on your driving habits, the fuel you use, and fuel prices in your area. If you primarily drive on the highway, you’ll likely spend less. Someone in stop-and-go traffic daily will spend more than $1,500. Comparing your driving patterns to the EPA’s assumptions will give you a more accurate idea of what to expect at the pump.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a useful benchmark, the MPG you get will vary. Fuel economy is affected by ambient temperature, tire pressure, air conditioning use, and how smoothly you accelerate. Many drivers should achieve figures close to the EPA estimates, maybe even better, by driving gently, because the S80’s typical buyer values comfort and a quiet ride over sportiness. If you regularly use the engine’s full turbo boost, expect MPG in the low 20s. Check out S80 MPG across all years for user-submitted fuel economy data.

How it compares

In 2016, the S80’s fuel economy was similar to other, same-sized luxury sedans. The Acura TLX 2.4L FWD had a slightly better EPA combined rating of 28 MPG (24 city/35 highway), and the Lexus ES 350 posted 24 MPG combined (21 city/31 highway). A BMW 528i achieved around 27 MPG combined (23 city/34 highway). The S80 buyer may care less about fuel economy and more about a comfortable, refined driving experience with good efficiency. They might be drawn to Volvo’s safety reputation and Scandinavian design. These factors differentiate the S80 from other luxury cars. For a broader look, research all Volvo fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The S80’s turbocharged engine works best with smooth acceleration. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and gradually increase your throttle to maintain momentum without wasting fuel. Avoid using the turbo boost too much, because that increases fuel consumption. Anticipating traffic flow and keeping a steady pace helps in urban environments.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and using more fuel. Check your tire pressure often, especially when the temperature changes. See the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the correct inflation pressure.

Regular maintenance, like oil changes and air filter replacements, is important for good fuel economy. A clean air filter ensures proper airflow to the engine, helping it to run well. The right synthetic motor oil reduces friction in the engine, also improving fuel efficiency.

Keep extra weight out of the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the weight, requiring more energy to move it. Removing items you don’t need can subtly improve fuel economy, especially in city driving.

Consider using cruise control on highway drives. Keeping a consistent speed can help prevent unnecessary acceleration and braking, leading to better gas mileage. Watch traffic and be ready to disengage cruise control for safety.