Brief background to the Volvo 850

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Source: Volvo Car Corporation.

850 Saloon / Sedan

Volvo unveiled an entirely new model series in June 1991, the Volvo 850 GLT. The Volvo 850 GLT was launched under the banner of "A dynamic car with four world-beating breakthroughs".

The four new features were: transverse 5-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, Delta-link rear axle which combined the dynamics and ride comfort of independent suspension with the security of a live rear axle, the SIPS integrated side-impact protection system, and the self-adjusting front seat belt mechanism.

The exterior design of the 850 bore a strong Volvo identity, and its 740 and 940 heritage was immediately apparent.

Volvo 850 GLT received a tumultuous welcome; seldom has a new car reaped so many awards as the 850.

Over the intervening years, the 850 series has been expanded with additional variants, among them turbocharged petrol versions and a direct-injection turbo-diesel.

The Volvo 850 was also the first car in the world to offer side-impact airbags, which were introduced in autumn 1994.

In model year 1997, the S70 replaced the 850 Sedan car.

Model: 850 Sedan
Variants: AWD
T5 R
Produced: 1991 -1996
Volume: 390835
Body: 4-door sedan
Engine: 5-cylinder in-line DOHC unit, 1,984 cc to 2,435 cc or 5-cylinder in-line 2,461 cc SOHC turbo-diesel
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, FWR or AWD
Brakes: Hydraulic, all-round disc brakes
Dimensions: Overall length 467 cm Wheelbase 267 cm

850 Estate / Wagon

Less than two years after the introduction of the 850 GLT in 4-door sedan form, the 5-door estate car version was unveiled in February 1993.

The design of the 850 estate showed a rear section with a typical Volvo profile, that is to say an almost vertical tailgate - a practical feature that maximises interior space.

The Volvo 850 GLT received a tumultuous welcome; seldom has a new car reaped so many awards as the 850. The estate car version was awarded the prestigious Japanese "1994 Good Design Grand Prize" award.

Over the intervening years, the 850 series has expanded with more than just the estate car version. The range includes a wider selection of engines, including turbocharged petrol units and a direct-injection turbo-diesel.

When Volvo decided to return to the racetracks in 1994, it did so under the banner of the BTCC, the British Touring Car Championships. The first Volvo to take on the competition was an eye-catching Volvo 850 estate car, a load-lugger and road-burner in one.

The Volvo 850 was the first car in the world to offer side-impact airbags, which were introduced into series production in autumn 1994.

A spectacular addition to the 850/V70 range was the first generation of AWD (All Wheel Drive) and XC (Cross-Country) models.

In model year 1997, the V70 replaced the 850 estate car.

Model: 850 Estate
Variants: AWD
XC
R
Produced: 1993 - 1996
Volume: 326068
Body: 5-door estate car
Engine: 5-cylinder in-line DOHC unit, 1,984 cc to 2,383 cc or 5-cylinder in-line 2,461 cc SOHC turbo-diesel
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, FWD or AWD.
Brakes: Hydraulic, all-round disc brakes
Dimensions: Overall length 472 cm Wheelbase 267 cm

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Volvo 850 production information

Volvo 850 Saloon / Sedan and S70 to MY2000

Chassis Name	Model Year	Model Name	Production ID	Ch. Nr. from	Nr. built
Volvo 854	1993	Volvo 850	P	30700	69700
Volvo 854	1994	Volvo 850	R	100400	74600
Volvo 854	1995	Volvo 850	S	175000	92000
Volvo 854	1996	Volvo 850	T	267000	88000
Volvo 854	1997	Volvo 850	V	355000	53556
Volvo 854	1998	Volvo S70	W	408556	156444
Volvo 854	1999	Volvo S70	X	565000	58000
Volvo 854	2000	Volvo S70	Y	623000	---

Total number of 850 Saloon / Sedan cars built: 390,727

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Volvo 850 Estate / Wagon and V70 to MY2000

Chassis Name	Model Year	Model Name	Production ID	Ch. Nr. from	Nr. built
Volvo 855	1994	Volvo 850	R	11800	66200
Volvo 855	1995	Volvo 850	S	78000	93000
Volvo 855	1996	Volvo 850	T	171000	104000
Volvo 855	1997	Volvo 850	V	275000	67001
Volvo 855	1998	Volvo V70	W	342001	197999
Volvo 855	1999	Volvo V70	X	540000	93000
Volvo 855	2000	Volvo V70	Y	633000	---

Total 850 Estate / Wagon cars built: 326,703