Standard equipment for our 850 R included a CD player, power moonroof, heated seats,
trip computer and special wood trim. A word on the wood trim. Volvo uses walnut trim
in other uplevel 850 models. The 850 R, however, comes with either light-colored
Scandinavian birch or black walnut. Our test car had the birch. We think the black
walnut looks much more in step with a luxury interior.
In addition to its inventory of standard comfort/convenience features, the 850 R
includes Volvo's 850 stiffer sport suspension package, which reduces body roll in
enthusiastic cornering and increases the driver's sense of control. It also includes
low-profile Z-rated low-profile Pirelli P-Zero performance tires on handsome 7-spoke
aluminum alloy wheels.
While these tires enhance handling, their ride quality is distinctly harder than the
16-in. 205/50ZR Michelin MXM tires that come with the regular 850 Turbo. Some drivers
prefer the extra compliance that goes with the 16-in. wheel/tire combination, and
Volvo will make the substitution on the 850 R at no extra cost.
Although the 850's exterior dimensions are tidy by midsize standards--over a foot
shorter than a Ford Taurus, for example--the interior design affords enough room for five adult passengers. Legroom is plentiful up front, adequate in the rear, and the station wagon affords the additional benefit of extra cargo volume. It's surprising how much stuff a Volvo Wagon can ingest. Next Page