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The Volvo 850: When Safety Met Beauty
Few cars have had as lasting an impact on Volvo Cars’ legacy as the 850. From its safety innovations to its sleek design, the 850 marked a pivotal moment for the brand.
Heritage
The Volvo 850: When safety met beauty
Explore our heritageA new era for Volvo Cars
The origins of the Volvo 850 trace back to 1978, when Volvo Cars set out to develop a smaller companion to the 700 series under the codename Project Galaxy. This ambitious endeavour became Sweden's most expensive industrial project, with Volvo Cars’ future hinging on its success. After years of development, the hard work paid off, and in 1991, the Volvo 850 made its debut. Combining modern design with cutting-edge engineering, Volvo Cars’ image was redefined, and it earned the title of the “world’s most beautiful estate” in 1994 in Italy.
"Volvo 850 ushered in a new era of automotive excellence, setting an example with its blend of safety, performance and functional beauty."
A milestone in safety
With the Volvo 850, we cemented our position as a pioneer in safety and human-centric design. The Side-Impact Protection System, or SIPS, first premiered in 1991 and marked a milestone in automotive design. By featuring reinforced structures and energy-absorbing materials in both seats and doors, impact forces are better absorbed, significantly lessening the effects of potential collisions. In 1994, we made history again as the first mass-produced car to feature side-impact airbags.
A car for every lifestyle
The Volvo 850 seamlessly blended performance with practicality, thanks to its five-cylinder engine, which delivered a balance of power and efficiency. Beyond its performance, the 850 was designed with versatility in mind. It featured fold-down rear seats that maximized interior space, allowing greater flexibility in transporting passengers and cargo alike. Whether for families or driving enthusiasts, the 850 catered to a wide range of lifestyles, offering a combination of Scandinavian engineering, reliability, and everyday usability that set it apart in the automotive landscape.
The legacy of the 850
The Volvo 850 set a new standard for safety, performance, and design, leaving a lasting impact on the brand. Its smart, flexible design made it a favourite among drivers, and one of its most recognisable features, the vertical taillights, became a signature Volvo element. Today, that legacy lives on in models like the Volvo EX40, which continues to offer spaciousness, safety, and versatility for modern drivers.
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