just tried my '99 s70 t5 (FWD) in the snow today. it handles great! winter mode is rather useless, it just makes the car feel like its slipping more. STC traction control does a great job keeping the wheels from spinning. there is very little slip around corners and the car basically corrects itself if it goes off course. it was a mix of freezing rain, snow and sleet on unplowed roads in upstate NY.

just wanted to share my excitement

 

I pretty much only use winter mode if I feel too much tire spin will cause it to get stuck. Other than that I have no complaints and my FWD Volvos have always exceeded my expectations in snow.