The Volvo Wagon That Out-Cornered The BMW 540i

A Volvo wagon famously out-cornered the BMW 540i, challenging the stereotype of Volvo as stodgy. The tale traces Volvo’s performance ambitions from the 1960s through the 1980s, noting that Volvo launched a true sporty wagon in 1981—the turbocharged four-cylinder 240 Turbo—that helped it win European Touring Car and German Touring Car championships. The BMW 5 Series began in 1972 and, by 1973, used the M30 six; wagons became available in some markets by 1991. The piece also recalls Volvo’s broader heritage, including the P1900 and P1800, underscoring Volvo’s enduring performance storytelling.

Volvo’s turbocharged 240 Turbo remains a high-water mark in the brand’s performance narrative, illustrating how a practical wagon could excel on the track and in corners.