Volvo had a long tradition in building station wagons, but the 850 R was different than anything else the Swedish carmaker ever did.
When Volvo produced the R-version, it entered into the British Touring Car Championship with the station-wagon. It was the only vehicle with that body shape, and the organizer had to change the rules, so the Swedish brand had to switch for the sedan version in 1995. Even though it didn’t win any race with the 850R Estate, it made a very good impression, and the sales increased.

The new design language introduced by the 850 sedan in 1992 took everybody by surprise. The sloped hood, rounded edges, and curved windshield were just a few elements that made the 850 so special in Volvo’s history. Its long roofline was similar to other station wagons produced by the Swedish carmaker, but the roof-spoiler at the top of the tailgate was different. It was more of a wing than just a lip.

Inside, due to the front-wheel-drive system, it wasn’t that cramped anymore in the front. Since it was a special version, Volvo installed sport seats at the front and kept the same bench in the rear as on the rest of the station-wagon lineup, but used better materials. The dashboard was still in cubic style design, with a big center stack.

Under the hood, Volvo stuck a five-cylinder turbocharged engine that provided 240 hp. The standard transmission was a five-speed manual and power was sent to the front wheel. Unlike its less-powered siblings, the 850R Estate featured stiffer suspension and wider light-alloy wheels.