Volvo 850 Sedan. First car worldwide to offer side-impact airbags in autumn 1994.
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.
Technical Specifications
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
Volvo Cars has a long history of prioritising safe family cars. As we look to the future, we also have ambitious goals to become a fully electric car company by 2030. Please join us on this journey and discover our range of fully electric cars, Plug-in hybrids, and family cars below.
Discover our fully electric cars
Explore fully electric carsDiscover our Plug-in hybrids
Explore Plug-in hybridsDiscover our family cars
Explore family cars