1997 Volvo 850 T-5
02/18/1997
Abid Hussain
The 1997 Volvo 850 continues for its fourth year as the best selling model for the manufacturer. Introduced in 1994 as the replacement for the aging 740/760 mid-size sedans and wagons, it was positioned directly into the highly competitive $25K to $35K segment. Since then it has been successful enough that Volvo has hardly changed it at all. However, the 850 lineup is slated for a major redesign for 1998. The conventional Volvo model naming system will be changed to S70 (sedan) and V70 (wagon).
The 850 line includes both front-drive 4-door sedans and 5-door wagons in four trim levels: 850, 850GLT, 850T-5, and 850R. The competition consists of offerings such as the BMW 328i, Saab 900, Audi A4, and Mercedes C220 from Europe and the Lexus ES300, Infiniti I30 and the Acura TL from Japan. Nevertheless the 850 has generated a loyal following and, equipped with its 5 cylinder turbo motor, remains one of the best performers in its class.
With the 850 line Volvo has been able to shed some of its stodgy image, especially with the introduction of the T-5R model in 1995 (now called the 850R). This model was aimed directly at the likes of the BMW M3 and Mercedes C36 "factory tuner" sedans. All the while Volvo retained its safety consciousness with the industry leading introduction of side-impact airbags on the 850 line.
We drive and examine the current 850T-5 turbo sedan.
General
The 1997 Volvo 850 sedan is in its fourth year of production without any major redesigns. The 4-door sedan body has not changed except for the updated tail-light treatment in 1996. There are currently four trim levels (as before) but the names for the line-up have changed somewhat. The base model is still called the 850 (no suffix). Next is the 850GLT. The performance models are the 850 T-5 (tested here, formerly called the 850 Turbo) and the limited production 850R (formerly called the T-5R). Prices range from $27,205 for the base 850 up to $39,594 for the 850R.
Drivetrain
There are now three five-cylinder engines for 1997 - up from two in 1996. Added to the motor line-up is the 2.4 liter, low-pressure turbo engine for the GLT model. This new engine fills the gap between the existing 2.4 liter, normally-aspirated engine in the base model and the 2.3 liter turbo in the T-5 and R models. The base engine remains unchanged with 168 bhp @ 6100 rpm and 162 lb.-ft torque @ 4700 rpm. The new low-boost turbo engine makes 190 bhp @ 5100 rpm and 197 lb.-ft torque @ 1800 rpm. The full-boost turbo engine is also unchanged and makes 222 bhp @ 5300 rpm and 221 lb.-ft torque @ 2100 rpm. NOTE: As before, the 850R engine has a specially fitted wastegate which allows increased turbo boost under full throttle. This engine delivers 240 bhp @ 5600 rpm for short duration. All the engines are all-aluminum, DOHC, 4-valve, in-line cylinder layout with fully electronic fuel delivery and engine management systems.
Transmissions for the 850 line include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic. Unlike Canada, the manual transmission is not available on U.S. T-5 and R models - undoubtedly because the cost of obtaining OBD-II certification for the small sales volume of manual models would not make sense. The automatic transmission has "Winter", "Economy", and "Sport" settings. "Winter" uses third gear starts for increase traction in slippery conditions. Our T-5 test car had the standard 4-speed automatic.
Brakes are standard 4-wheel discs - 11.0 in. front and 11.5 in. rear. 4-sensor, 3-channel ABS is standard also on all models. "TRACS" traction-control is available as an option on all models except for the R model where it is standard. Our T-5 had the "Cold Weather Package" which includes the TRACS system, heated front seats and headlamp washer/wipers.
Body & Suspension
The 850 has steel unit body construction with front and rear crumple zones. The doors have anti-intrusion beams built in. The front suspension is a Macpherson strut setup with coil springs and stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a Volvo-patented "Delta-Link", semi-independent twist beam setup with coil springs and stabilizer bar. An optional "sport" suspension (not on our T-5) beefs up the stabilizer bars to 21/20mm (F/R) from 20/19.5mm and adds firmer shock absorbers. The sport suspension is standard on the R model.
Wheels and tires come in several combinations. The base and GLT models come shod with 15" (steel -base, alloy - GLT) wheels and all-season radials. The T-5 model comes with 16" alloys. The R steps up to 17" alloy wheels with low-profile Pirelli P-Zero Asymmetrico's (16" w/all-season tires can be substituted at no cost).
Interior
The standard T-5 includes seating for five passengers in a front bucket and rear bench setup. The front seats are multi-adjustable - 8-way power adjust plus manual lumbar adjust with three-position memory. Dual climate controls are also standard. . There is a power sliding/tilting glass moonroof. The standard stereo is an eight speaker, 100 watt system with in-dash CD player. Other standard equipment includes power doors locks and windows, power heated mirrors, and remote keyless entry with alarm.
The leather option on our T-5 included seats, doors and trim. The "Cold Weather Package" includes heated seats, headlamp washers/wipers, and an exterior temperature gauge with freeze warning. Dual front airbags are standard as well as side-impact airbags mounted in the front seat outboard bolsters.
Form
The 850 sedan carries over the comparatively boxy, albeit softened a bit, traditional Volvo shape. One benefit is that it will not be mistaken for any of the generic looking jellybean sedans on the road. Equipped with a deck lid spoiler and projector beam fog lamps (as our example T-5) the 850 takes on a decidedly aggressive, sporty look which is further enhanced on the R version with its chin spoiler and 17" wheels.
Overall finish quality is as can be expected - which is excellent. Body panels fit very well and the doors and trunk have a very solid feel. Our test car had a pleasant metallic silver paint.
In the engine bay there was no problem finding all essential items and access was rather easy because of a generous amount of empty space. It appeared like a small-displacement, transverse V-8 would fit in the bay. The trunk opening is large with low lift-over height and the space inside the trunk is on par for the class.
Volvo 850 T-5 Interior
The interior of the 850 is quite spacious - another benefit of the boxy shape. The front seats are supportive and comfortable. They are also multi-adjustable - 8-way power adjust plus manual lumbar adjust with three-position memory. To top it off our T-5 was equipped with heated front seats (included in the Cold Weather Package). The light-colored leather "Ivory" in our test car was attractive but will probably show soil very easily - we would recommend the "Graphite".
The interior styling is in keeping with traditional Volvo themes and it looks almost utilitarian in comparison to some other luxury cars. The dash is pure function as all the controls are laid out in neatly arranged rows with very few concessions to style. Nevertheless, the fit and finish of the interior is excellent as is the general quality of materials.
All the controls are relatively easy to use. Our test car was equipped with dual climate controls which both easy to program and quick to respond. One fault of the interior is in the design of the cupholders. They are built into the front armrest and project forward over the center console. This present two problems: 1.) The power window controls become difficult to operate. 2.) The armrest cannot be lifted without spilling the content of the cup
Function
The 2.3 liter turbocharged engine in the 850 T-5 is a class leader in power. It has excellent low-end torque characteristics which allows brisk acceleration from standstill. Turbo-lag is not as perceptible compared to similar engine such as the Mitsubishi 2.0L turbo in the Eclipse. The engine is relatively smooth and exhibits, at most, a muted growl in the upper reaches of its rev range. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is in the neighborhood of 7.0 seconds and is unsurpassed in its class. Additionally, since Volvo fits no speed governors unlike some other manufacturers, this car will easily top 140mph.
The 4-speed transmission has three user-selectable modes: Sport, Economy and Winter. Winter (3rd gear starts) was not used in this road test but the other two were compared. The main difference was that in Economy a downshift was a bit delayed compared to Sport. In Sport mode, the downshifts were so crisp that I was actually wishing for a 5-speed automatic (unless I could have a manual stick, of course). The steering was generally good with just about the right amount of assist for all speeds. There was some kickback through the wheel on rough pavement under acceleration - a result of 222 bhp through the front wheels, no doubt. Also under hard acceleration on smooth pavement the feel becomes a bit numb - again, the price of FWD.
The suspension was damped well and despite the firm ride and roll control it was by no means harsh. Other than the occasional "thump" due to low profile tires hitting a pothole the ride was calm if not Lexus-serene. However, the optional Sport Suspension (standard on the 850R) may be a different story. Nonetheless, the 850 T-5 maneuvered very quickly through undulating mountain roads without losing any composure. The brakes were expected to be powerful and did not disappoint. The four wheel discs were strong and easy to modulate. However, there was more free play at the top of the pedal travel than we prefer. Overall the Volvo T-5 tends toward the "sport" side of sport sedan. This car is much closer in driving character and feel to the BMW 328is than a Lexus ES300. The rewards are excellent handling and poise over twisted roads and a generally satisfying driving experience.
Specifications
General
Engine/Drive Layout: Front Engine/FWD
Vehicle Type: 5 passenger, 4-door sedan
Chassis and Body type: Unit Body, Steel
Price Range: $27,205 - $39,594
Engine
Type: Aluminum alloy block and head, 5-cylinder in-line, turbocharged, intercooled
Bore & Stroke: 83 mm x 85 mm
Valvetrain: DOHC, 20-valve, hydraulic tappets
Displacement: 2.3 liter
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Fuel Delivery: Electronic port fuel injection
Horsepower: 222bhp @ 5300 rpm
Torque: 221bhp @ 2100 rpm
Redline: 6000 rpm
Drivetrain
Transmission Type: 4-speed automatic w/lockup torque converter, user selectable shift modes
Gears & Ratios: 3.61/2.06/1.37/0.98
Final Drive Ratio: 2.54:1
Interior
Head Room F/R: 38.0 in/37.3 in
Leg Room F/R: 41.4 in/35.2 in
Hip Room F/R: 55.2 in/55.2 in
Seat Travel: N/A
Storage Volume: 14.7 ft3 (0.41m3)
Measurements
Weight: 3208 lb. (1458 kg)
Width: 69.3 in (176.0 cm)
Height: 55.7 in (141.5 cm)
Ground Clearance: 6.2 in (15.75 cm)
Body/Frame Material: Steel/Steel
Suspension
Front Suspension: Independent MacPherson strut with coils springs, gas-charged shock absorbers, 20 mm stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: Semi-independent Delta Link with coils springs, gas-charged shock absorbers, 19.5 mm stabilizer bar
Steering
Type: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Turns lock to lock: 3.2
Turning circle: 34.5 ft
Brakes
Front: 11.0 in vented discs
Rear: 11.5 in solid discs
Power Assist Type: Vacuum w/3-channel ABS
Wheels & Tires
Tires: 205/50ZR-16 all-season radials
Wheel Size & Type: 6.5x16 in aluminum alloy
Fuel Economy
city: 19 mpg
highway: 26 mpg
Summary
In the mid-luxury segment the Volvo 850 T-5 is a rather unique example of practicality combined with a generous dose of performance. The practicality is in the 4-door layout and spacious, comfortable interior. The performance is in the available turbocharged engine and sports suspension. In its highly competitive market niche this combination allows the 850 to be a standout for those who know. There will also be an all-wheel-drive version for the North American market coming in 1998.
The styling, while conservative by general standards, it is rather sporty for Volvo and encompasses a very competent automobile. For 1998 Volvo plans a makeover for the 850 family including exterior and interior styling influenced by the new C70 coupe. The sedan will called the S70 and the wagon will be renamed V70. Trim levels will remain the same. The 850 comes with an excellent reputation for quality, reliability, durability and safety. If the price of current 850 and upcoming S70/V70 versions remains as attractive as it has been this family of sedans and wagons will continue to be an excellent value in its class.