| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1986 |
| Production Years: | 1985 - 1991 discontinued in 1991 |
The Volvo 760 Kombi, produced between 1985 and 1991, represents a practical and robust station wagon variant of the Volvo 700 series, specifically the 760 generation. Known internally as models 704 and 765, the Kombi uniquely catered to drivers seeking the spaciousness and utility of a wagon combined with the luxury and comfort expected from Volvo during this era. The 760 Kombi was designed with premium features and offered a distinctive boxy silhouette typical of Volvo’s design language in the mid to late 1980s. While exact exterior dimensions can vary slightly based on market and specific configurations, the 760 Kombi's length is approximately 4800 mm (189 inches), with a width close to 1770 mm (69.7 inches). This generous size allowed for a substantial cargo area and comfortable seating for five passengers, making the Kombi ideal for families and long-distance travel. The height stands around 1410 mm (55.5 inches), striking a balance between road presence and aerodynamics. Weighing in at a curb weight near 1600 kg (3527 lbs), the Volvo 760 Kombi combined solid construction with sturdy performance. Under the hood, the 760 Kombi typically housed inline six-cylinder engines, providing a respectable power output that matched its substantial body size. This made it a reliable choice for both city driving and highway cruising with stability and comfort. Overall, the Volvo 760 Kombi remains a classic symbol of Volvo’s focus on safety, durability, and family-oriented versatility during the late 20th century. It’s an excellent example of a station wagon that prioritized passenger comfort without sacrificing functional cargo space, making it a standout model for enthusiasts and collectors today.
Discover the standout features that make the 1986 Volvo 760 Kombi a leader in its class
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The Volvo 760 Kombi (704, 765) station wagon, produced between 1985 and 1991, measures approximately 472 cm (185.8 inches) in length, 175 cm (68.9 inches) in width, and 144 cm (56.7 inches) in height. These dimensions made it a spacious option for its time, providing a comfortable cabin and cargo area for families and professionals alike. Its size allowed it to combine the practicality of a station wagon with manageable road presence, suited for both urban and highway driving.
The curb weight of the Volvo 760 Kombi (704, 765) ranges approximately from 1,540 kg to 1,660 kg (3,395 lbs to 3,659 lbs), depending on specific configuration and trim levels. This moderately heavy weight contributes to the vehicle's solid and stable ride quality, characteristic of Volvo’s engineering. However, the weight also influences fuel efficiency, with the relatively heavy bodywork and engine demanding more power and therefore more fuel than smaller, lighter vehicles. Nonetheless, the balance achieved by Volvo ensures that handling remains predictable and comfortable.
The Volvo 760 Kombi offers a versatile and spacious cargo area typical of station wagons of its class. With rear seats upright, the cargo capacity is approximately 500 liters (17.7 cubic feet), but folding down the rear seats significantly expands the space to around 1,250 liters (44.1 cubic feet). This ample rear cargo room makes it practical for family trips, carrying sports equipment, or transporting larger loads, giving the Volvo 760 Kombi an edge in usability and flexibility compared to many competitors of its era.
Yes, the Volvo 760 Kombi (704, 765) can fit into a typical standard garage, as garages usually measure around 6 meters (19.7 feet) in length and 3 meters (9.8 feet) in width or more. Given the car's length of 472 cm (185.8 inches) and width of 175 cm (68.9 inches) without mirrors, there is sufficient clearance for safe parking inside standard residential garages. Drivers should consider garage door width and ensure enough room for side clearance, especially when including side mirrors.
Compared to its predecessor, the Volvo 740 Kombi (introduced earlier in the 1980s), the 760 Kombi maintained a similar overall footprint with only subtle dimensional differences. The length and width remained nearly identical to the 740, both around 472 cm (185.8 inches) long and 175 cm (68.9 inches) wide, while the height also stayed close, making it easy for owners familiar with the 740 to adapt to the 760. The key differences lay more in mechanical upgrades and luxury features rather than size, with the 760 positioning itself as a more premium and refined model in Volvo's lineup.
The Volvo 760 Kombi's cargo capacity of approximately 500 to 1,250 liters (17.7 to 44.1 cubic feet) was competitive for mid-size station wagons produced in the mid to late 1980s. When compared to contemporaries like the BMW 5 Series Touring or the Mercedes-Benz W124 Estate, the 760 Kombi provided slightly more functional cargo space due to its boxy and efficient design. Volvo's commitment to practicality gave it an advantage for buyers prioritizing utility without sacrificing comfort or style.
The Volvo 760 Kombi (704, 765) typically featured a range of inline six-cylinder engines, including both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants. The most common was the 2.8-liter inline-six engine (B280F), producing around 144 hp in naturally aspirated form and up to 165 hp in turbocharged versions. These engines were paired with manual or automatic transmissions. Performance focused more on smooth power delivery and reliability than outright speed, suitable for comfortable cruising and long-distance driving typical of Volvo’s target audience.
Modern vehicles similar in size and role to the Volvo 760 Kombi include mid-size station wagons such as the Volvo V90, Audi A6 Avant, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate. While somewhat larger and more technologically advanced, these models continue the tradition of combining spacious cargo capacity with passenger comfort and safety, hallmarks first popularized by vehicles like the Volvo 760 Kombi. However, today’s models benefit from lighter materials, turbocharged efficient engines, and cutting-edge safety features.
The Volvo 760 Kombi was notable in its era for emphasizing safety, a hallmark of Volvo engineering. It incorporated features such as reinforced impact-resistant bodywork, crumple zones, and three-point seat belts for all occupants as standard. Some late production models were equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and side-impact protection bars—a rarity among contemporaries. This focus on safety set the foundation for Volvo’s reputation as one of the safest car manufacturers globally.
The Volvo 760 Kombi measures about 175 cm (68.9 inches) in width and 144 cm (56.7 inches) in height. This moderate width allows for confident maneuvering through city streets without being overly bulky, while the relatively low height enhances stability and reduces wind resistance. The vehicle's dimensions strike a good balance between interior spaciousness and urban drivability, making parking and navigating traffic manageable despite its station wagon size.
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