Volvo tried to be more appealing to the younger generation, and, for that, it introduced the 850 lineup in 1992, followed by the sporty 850 R in 1994.

The 850 was a big leap forward for the Swedish car-maker. It didn't look like a brick on wheels anymore in terms of styling and, moreover, it was a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Later on, it was fitted with an all-wheel-drive system. The Swedish winters were long and snowy. The 850 was the first car in the world fitted with side-airbags.