The 2026 Volvo XC70 has been unofficially revealed by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, ahead of the plug-in hybrid SUV’s launch later this year.
Clearly picking up where the latest flagship Volvo EX90 EV left off, the new Volvo XC70 adopts a fully enclosed upper grille but gets a lower front facia that uses active shutters that favour either optimal aerodynamics or cooling.
The new model features slimline front LED lights that provide the outline of the brand’s trademark Thor’s hammer shape, with a set of stacked matrix LED headlights below.
Other takeaways from the new patent images include pop-out door handles, a set of pronounced wheel arches and aerodynamically optimised alloy wheels that will range in size from 19 to 21 inches.
At the rear a simple approach is taken with L-shaped taillights and the most subtle of rear tailgate spoilers.
Said to measure in at 4815mm long, 1890mm wide and 1650mm tall, and with a 2895mm wheelbase, the latest XC70 is 137mm shorter than the XC90.
Under the bonnet is a 120kW 1.5-litre engine that will be combined with two batteries, with the new large SUV said to weigh 2540kg.
Riding on the brand’s new Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA), the new government documents confirm the XC70 will offer buyers an all-electric range of up to 200km.
Originally, the XC70 nameplate was employed on the high-riding rough-road-ready second-gen V70 made from 2000 to 2007, but the decline of wagons meant the XC70 was dropped after the third-gen version wrapped up in 2016.
While early indications suggest the 2025 Volvo XC70 will be only sold in China, it’s been reported that senior execs working for the Geely-owned Swedish brand have already expressed how a plug-in hybrid could prove a hit with European buyers, including the UK.
A green light for the UK could open the door for right-hand drive versions, allowing it to be considered for the Australian market.
If imported here, the XC70 would be positioned above the current XC60 but below the XC90, and would provide a class-leading EV range in the plug-in hybrid category.