Driving Impressions

The 850 R comes in two colors, red or black. We always prefer dark colors when it comes to high-performance cars, and the station wagon bodywork lends an additional element of disguise. We don't mean to advocate back road banditry here, but sooner or later the power of the 850 R engine will tempt drivers into occasional bursts of extra-legal speed. This is an realm to reach. Stab the accelerator and the car surges forward with a liquid rush that's positively habit-forming, as well as handy when you're passing slower traffic on some twisty byway. The standard 850 is smooth and efficient, a pleasant engine to live with. The engines in the 850 Turbo and 850 R has those same traits, but its heady rush of power is addictive. When it comes to ride and handling, the standard 850s comport themselves with dignity, comfort and control. The 850 R--and other 850s optioned up with the sport suspension package--lend an additional dimension to the foregoing. Response to driver input is quick and aggressive, with far less body roll than the standard car. Body roll equals weight transfer. The more a given car rolls in a corner, the longer it's likely to take to recover and make a quick change in direction. Here's a situation where less really does equal more. The 850 R has far less body roll, and as a result, far more athletic capability than the standard 850. Be it base 850 or 850 R, all members of this line provide excellent braking performance. In addition to ABS, the system features large discs at all four corners, and the rotors--vented up front for extra cooling, solid at the rear--are the same size for all models. However, there's more than enough power in this system to handle the extra performance of Turbo versions. As noted, ride quality in the 850 R is distinctly firm. The standard and GLT models are significantly softer, providing a ride that verges on plush. Normally aspirated models are quiet at all speeds, Turbo versions only slightly less so.

Final Word

The 850 line has fortified Volvo's U.S. fortunes, and it's easy to see why. They're comfortable, roomy, well-mannered, well-equipped and they deliver exceptional quality plus the latest advances in automotive safety. And for anyone who thinks Volvos come up short in the fun-to-drive department, we suggest a test drive in a Volvo 850 Turbo or, better yet, an 850 R. If that doesnt blow the cobwebs out, your next stop should be at a Porsche dealership.