Volvo · 1996–2000

Volvo S70

The Volvo S70 is a compact executive car produced by Volvo Cars from 1996 to 2000. The S70 was essentially a facelifted 850 saloon. The S70 was replaced with the Volvo S60.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Volvo 850 · Successor: Volvo S60

All Volvo S70 data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Overview

Introduced in Europe in late 1996 for the 1997 model year and later in the U.S. for the 1998 model year, the Volvo S70 was an updated version of the Volvo 850 saloon. The S70's body style was overall more rounded compared to its predecessor. Changes included a redesigned front end with new lights, fully colour-coded bumpers and side trim, and clear indicator lenses for the rear lights, as well as a redesigned interior. According to Volvo, a total of 1800 changes were made. Standard equipment was improved with remote central locking, heated & electrically adjustable mirrors, 4 airbags, power brakes with ABS and power windows being standard on every car. Trim levels varied for each market as did the equipment levels of the most basic trims. In the United States, the badging denoted the engine variant and to some extent the equipment level, whereas in Europe engine and options could be chosen individually. On all markets more powerful versions usually received better or upgraded standard equipment. The T5 and R were the series high-performance models. For the 1999 model year, a minor facelift was introduced. Apart from very minor cosmetic changes, such as a slightly different Volvo badge on the front grille and US models now being equipped with side markers on the front fenders, most changes were done to the mechanicals. Volvo introduced its second generation side airbag which increased in volume to offer better protection. WHIPS, Volvo's system to minimize whiplash injuries, was also introduced as part of the standard equipment. New engine management systems with drive-by-wire replaced the mechanical throttle on all turbo engines as well as an upgraded traction control system. Now including throttle as well as brake intervention it was renamed STC. The ABS was upgraded fr

Models

=== S70 === With the S70, Volvo continued to offer a mid-size saloon. With a variety of models and options it was well received but was outsold by its estate variant the V70. With engines choices ranging from 126PS to 250PS, and a diesel engine finally being available for the saloon as well as the Bi-Fuel, there was something for everyone. Market adjustments meant that outside of Europe no TDI or Bi-Fuel models were available. Specialised versions for the fleet market, such as a taxi and police variant, were now available from the factory. Notable uses of police S70s were by some British highway patrol forces and even some North American police forces. S70 AWD. From the 1998 model year to 2000 a S70 AWD was offered. It used the same setup as the V70 AWD, with the exception of the rear self-leveling suspension being an option rather than a standard feature. The only available engine was the 193 PS 2.4 L turbo with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. S70 R. An S70 'R' version was introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year and offered the highest performance of all S70 models. The engine was rated at 250 metric horsepower (184 kW; 247 hp) and 350 newton-metres (258 lbf⋅ft) for models fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential. Models fitted with a four-speed automatic gearbox were rated at 240 metric horsepower (177 kW; 237 hp) and 330 N⋅m (240 lb⋅ft). Only FWD versions were produced. The model was only available in Europe and few select other countries. The S70 R came with a unique leather/Alcantara interior that featured diamond stitching on the seats. Further styling touches were a special front bumper, blue gauge faces for the instrument cluster, the option to have the car in a R specific colour and a choice of unique 1

Engines

*Volvo used a modified version of the 2.5 TDI Audi engine **For 1999 the engine management system was updated to comply with emission regulations.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Volvo S70
Manufacturer: Volvo Cars
Production: 1996–2000 (243,078 units)
Model years: 1997–2000
Assembly: Sweden: Torslanda (Torslandaverken), Belgium: Ghent (VCG), Canada: Halifax (VHA)
Designer: Peter Horbury (exterior), José Luis Diaz de la Vega (interior)
Class: Compact executive car (D)
Body style: 4-door saloon
Platform: Volvo P80 platform
Related: Volvo V70
Layout: Transverse Front engine, front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
Engine: Petrol:, 2.0L I5, 2.5L I5, (93kW–184kW), Petrol Bi-Fuel:, 2.4L B5244SG I5, Diesel:, 2.5L R5TDI I5, (103kW) 2.0 L I5 (petrol), 2.3 L I5 (petrol), 2.4 L I5 (petrol), 2.4 L I5 turbo (petrol), 2.5 L I5 (petrol), 2.5 L I5 turbo (petrol), 2.5 L Volvo D5252T I5 (diesel)
Transmission: 5-speed Volvo M56 manual, 5-speed Volvo M58 manual, 5-speed Volvo M59 manual, 4-speed Aisin AW50-42LE automatic, 5-speed Aisin AW55-50/51SN automatic
Wheelbase: FWD: 2664 mm, AWD: 2654 mm
Length: 4722 mm
Width: 1760 mm
Height: FWD: 1402 mm, AWD: 1448 mm
Kerb weight: FWD:, 1428 -, AWD:, 1600 -
Predecessor: Volvo 850 saloon
Successor: Volvo S60
sp: uk

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1537829CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_S70CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1371714152 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Volvo-S70.jpgPublic domain · Photo: IFCAR · retrieved 2026-10-01
Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.