Volvo claims acceleration figures of 8.5secs for 1-100kph and a top speed of over 220kph. The drive shaft to the rear axle incorporates a viscous coupling to transfer torque to the rear wheels if the front end looses traction. The rear differential is a limited slip type. The V70 AWD is about 170kg heavier than the 4x2 wagons and has a slightly larger turning circle. The V70 AWD has a five speed manual gearbox with plans for an automatic to be released in 1998.
ABS is standard.
A SIPS bag bursts out of the side of a front seat between the occupant's shoulder and the door to reduce injury in a side impact. V70 AWD dropped in Australia in favour of the Volvo V70-XC .