The Volvo 850 is to be congratulated. 25 years later, we remember the brand's first model to combine front-wheel drive and a 5-cylinder transverse engine, among other safety innovations.
The Volvo 850 was the first Swedish car to combine front-wheel drive with a 5-cylinder transverse engine. It thus represented a major change in the brand's lineup of models, making it one of the most outstanding in Volvo's history.
Unveiled on June 11, 1991 at the Stockholm Globe Arena, the Volvo 850 GTL resulted in a major investment for the brand that promised to offer a new level of driving pleasure. No sooner said than done. It was also launched under the motto “A dynamic car with four world premieres”, which included an integrated side protection system, SIPS, a self-adjusting front seatbelt and, as already mentioned, the 5-cylinder transverse engine.
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The Volvo 850 GTL with a normal combustion engine, 20 valves and 170 hp was the first model to be presented. Two years later, during the Geneva Motor Show, Volvo presented an important version of the 850: the van. The new variant featured typical Volvo features such as a right-angled rear to maximize load capacity but also a new design in its fully vertical taillights covering the D-pillar. Described as the “pinnacle of creation”, it was winner of several awards such as the prestigious “Good Design Grand Prize” in Japan and the “Most beautiful estate” award in Italy.
After the success of the estate version, Volvo decided to offer more engine options. So, back at the Geneva Motor Show, the Volvo 850 T-5r was presented – limited edition to 2,500 units in yellow color – with a turbo engine of 240 hp and 330 Nm. This version also included redesigned spoilers, square exhaust pipe and 17-inch wheels. This glorious version sold out within a few weeks, with a new series of black cars later being produced, followed by a new dark green T-5R series also limited to 2,500 units.
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It was with the Volvo 850 van that the Swedish brand returned to the starting grid at the Thruxton Circuit, in England. Competing with vans in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) attracted enormous attention as Volvo invested heavily with the Tom Walkinshaw Racing team, in which Swedish driver Rickard Rydell and Dutchman Jan Lammers competed. Unfortunately, in 1995, with the updated rules, it became impossible to compete with vans and Volvo was forced to change models. At that time, Rickard Rydell would finish the BTCC in 3rd place.
Between successful launches and the return to racing, there was still room to introduce the Volvo 850 AWD. Known as the “safer car in the world”, this model was a world first in terms of safety and was the first production car to include side airbags.
Introduced in 1995 and released a year later, the Volvo 850 AWD was the first Volvo model with four-wheel drive powertrain. This new model was equipped with a new engine, with turbo boost, capable of delivering 193 hp. This van never imagined being the predecessor of Volvo's 'XC' models with 4-wheel drive. In 1996 Volvo announced the end of production of the model, having reached a total of 1,360,522 cars produced.