Volvo 850

With a 20-year history, the Volvo 240 was finally retired and replaced by the entry-level 850 sedan and wagon. The "5" in the 850 represents the new "white block" aluminum inline five-cylinder engine, while the "8" symbolizes the model's position under Volvo's 900 series and the new P80 platform. These new "white block" engines were equipped with advanced Bosch engine management systems, transitioning to the Motronic 4 system by 1996, which resulted in the widespread application of OBD II in the industry.

The Volvo 850 represented several firsts for the brand:

• The first longitudinally mounted 5-cylinder engine produced with a "white block" design.

• Semi-independent rear suspension.

• The introduction of SIPS (Side Impact Protection System), which featured door and chassis reinforcements designed to better absorb side impact energy.

Volvo enthusiasts had concerns about the front-wheel-drive layout and the newly tested engine at the time. However, the success of the 850 in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) with the Tom Walkinshaw Racing team showcased the power of the new 5-cylinder engine and the solid grip provided by the Delta-link suspension system.

To celebrate this racing connection, Volvo offered high-performance versions such as the 850 Turbo, 850 T-5R, and 850 R. Except for the early 5-speed M56 manual 850 Turbos, most of these models were only available in the U.S. with a 4-speed Aisin-Warner AW50-42 automatic transmission.

Towards the end of the 850 production run, the 850 AWD model was introduced. This model stood out as the precursor to the Cross Country (XC) series and was the first Volvo with all-wheel drive. Equipped with a viscous coupling that engaged the rear wheels on slippery surfaces and a slight increase in ride height, this rugged wagon laid the foundations for subsequent Cross Country models, especially the V70 XC and XC70. U.S. customers had to wait until 1998 to see an AWD Volvo with the V70 XC.

The Volvo 850 was available in 4-door sedan and 5-door station wagon models built on the P80 platform from 1993 to 1997 in the U.S. market. These vehicles were equipped with 5-cylinder gasoline engines.

Low-pressure turbo versions came with a 2.4L "GLT" engine and Bosch Motronic ME4 engine management (initially version 4.3, later 4.4). High-pressure turbo models featured a 2.3L "Turbo/T5" engine with Bosch Motronic ME4 4.3 management. Additionally, a special performance model called "R" stood out with its powerful T5 engine, enhanced suspension, and unique design details, available only with an automatic transmission. Naturally aspirated models had a 2.5L engine and Bosch LH Jetronic 3.2 (later upgraded to Motronic ME4 4.3) engine management.

All U.S. versions were front-wheel drive, offered with either a 5-speed manual M56 or a 4-speed automatic AW50-42 transmission. Renewed versions were released as the S70 sedan and V70 wagon from 1998 to 2000.