The Volvo 850 is a compact executive car that was produced by the Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1991[11] until 1997.[11] Designed by Jan Wilsgaard, the car was introduced in a saloon body style; an estate style was introduced in 1993.

The Volvo 850 was shown for the first time in June 1991, and the car marked a departure for Volvo, featuring multiple unprecedented features for the company; these included a transverse 5-cylinder engine driving the front wheels,[12] a Delta-link rear axle, a side impact protection system, and a self-adjusting front seat belt mechanism.    he Volvo 850 was introduced in Europe in June 1991,[16] as a 1992 model year car. It was launched with the slogan "A dynamic car with four unique innovations"[17]which referred to the newly developed five cylinder transverse engine, the Delta-link rear axle,[18] the Side Impact Protection System  and the self-adjusting seatbelt reel for the front seats.[15][20] Initially, only the saloon was available,[17]badged as 850 GLT, and came with a choice of 2.5L or 2.0L 20V engines