Review: Volvo 850 (1992-97)

Review: Volvo 850 (1992-95)

Overview

Released in October 1992, the Volvo 850 was initially available as a mid-size sedan with wagon models following in October 1993. The front-wheel drive Volvo 850 was initially available in GLE and GLT variants which were powered by Volvo’s 2.4-litre inline five-cylinder B5252 and B2554 engines, respectively. In October 1993, turbocharged T-5 variants were introduced (with B5234T engines) and manual transmissions were offered for the GLE; visually, the post-October 1993 models could be identified by their redesigned headlights and bumpers. In October 1994, limited imports of the high-powered T-5R sedans commenced, the SE variant was released and sedans were fitted with new tail-lights lenses.

Dimensions

The Volvo 850 sedan was 4661 mm long, 1760 mm wide, 1415 mm tall and had a 2665 mm long wheelbase. Relative to the sedan, the 850 wagon was 59 mm longer (at 4720 mm) and 30 mm taller (1445 mm), though the other dimensions were unchanged.

Suspension and steering

The Volvo 850 had MacPherson strut front suspension and trailing twist beam rear suspension (Volvo’s ‘Delta-link’ semi-independent rear suspension). The unique Delta-link rear suspension sought to combine the advantages of an independent semi-trailing suspension with a beam axle. As such, the two axle halves – which had an anti-roll bar between them – were connected by two rubber bushings, while the body attachments consisted of two angled links with rubber elements.

The Volvo 850 had rack-and-pinion steering with hydraulic power assistance.

Safety equipment

Initially, standard safety equipment for the Volvo 850 GLE was limited to ABS, while the 850 GLT, T-5 and T-5R variants were further equipped with dual front airbags; the 850 T-5 and T-5R were also fitted with traction control.

In October 1993, standard safety equipment was upgraded to include a driver’s airbag. From February 1995, dual front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags were fitted as standard.

Features

Standard features for the Volvo 850 GLE included a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, central locking, power windows, power mirrors and an adjustable steering column.

Beyond this, the 850 SE also featured leather trim, while the 850 GLT was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, cruise control and a trip computer.

Of the turbocharged variants, the Volvo 850 T-5 added 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and a rear spoiler, while the T-5R was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, power adjustable front seats and power-operated sunroof. The T-5R was solely available with a cream-yellow paint finish.

850 GLE SE

From 1992 to 1994, SE editions of the GLE variant were available. Compared to the GLE, the GLE SE models were fitted with automatic transmissions as standard and featured alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and trip computer.

Review: Volvo 850 (1995-97)

Overview

In October 1995, the Volvo 850 range was revised as the GLE variant was replaced by the S and the T-5R was discontinued. Other changes included a revised door lock system, new colours and OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostic) compliance.

In May 1996, the 850 T-5R effectively returned as the ‘R’ variant and, in September 1996, an ‘AWD’ wagon was released. The AWD wagon had an automatic all wheel drive system which utilised a viscous coupling. In normal conditions, drive was directed to the front wheels, but up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the rear wheels if the front wheels lost traction. The AWD was also fitted with a limited-slip rear differential.

Safety equipment

For the revised Volvo 850 range, standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and ABS, while the AWD, T-5 and R variants were also fitted with traction control.

Features

Standard features for the Volvo 850 S included a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, central locking, power mirrors, power windows and an adjustable steering column; the limited-run CD and SE variants also featured leather trim.

The 850 GLT was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, front fog lights and a trip computer. The 850 T-5 was similarly equipped, but fitted with larger, 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Volvo 850 AWD and R were distinguished by their power adjustable front seats.

Related links

• Heritage Models: Volvo 850 (1991-96)
• Wikipedia.org: Volvo 850