**The Volvo 850: A Swedish Masterpiece of Engineering**

The Volvo 850 is a mid-size luxury sedan and wagon that was produced by Volvo from 1992 to 1996. It was the first Volvo to be powered by a transversely mounted engine, and it was also the first Volvo to feature a five-cylinder engine. The 850 was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Volvo as a leader in the luxury car market.

The 850 was designed by Peter Horbury, who also designed the successful Volvo S80. The 850's sleek and aerodynamic styling was a departure from Volvo's previous boxy designs. The 850 was also one of the first cars to feature a "floating" grille, which became a Volvo design signature.

The 850 was available in both sedan and wagon body styles. The sedan was a four-door, five-passenger car, while the wagon was a five-door, five-passenger car with a large cargo area. The 850 was also available in a number of trim levels, including the base, GLT, and T5-R.

The 850 was powered by a variety of engines, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a 2.4-liter six-cylinder, and a 2.3-liter turbocharged five-cylinder. The T5-R was powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that produced 240 horsepower.

The 850 was a very safe car, and it was awarded a five-star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 850 was also equipped with a number of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control.

The 850 was a popular car, and it was sold in over 1 million units worldwide. The 850 was discontinued in 1996, but it remains a popular collector car.

**Key Features**

* Transversely mounted engine
* Five-cylinder engine
* Sleek and aerodynamic styling
* "Floating" grille
* Available in sedan and wagon body styles
* Variety of trim levels
* Variety of engines
* Very safe car
* Equipped with a number of safety features
* Popular car
* Sold in over 1 million units worldwide

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