2026 Volvo XC70 reborn as plug-in hybrid
Rugged wagon evolves into an electrified SUV with hefty EV range, bridging the gap between XC60 and XC90The 2026 Volvo XC70 has been launched as an all-new plug-in hybrid SUV with a 200km all-electric range, but early indications suggest it will only be sold in China.
Originally, the Volvo XC70 nameplate was first used on the higher-riding rough-road-ready second-gen V70 wagon that was made from 2000 to 2007. The badge then lived on with the third-gen wagon that was made until 2016, before being dropped.
With the decline in popularity of traditional sedans and wagons, the switch to an SUV body style makes sense.
Full details remain scarce, but Volvo has confirmed the XC70 arrives with a 200km all-electric range – around double what the current XC60 PHEV can cover on a full charge.
Looking like a shrunken EX90, the Swedish brand has announced that the newcomer rides on its all-new Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA) that has been created to underpin its ‘premium extended-range plug-in hybrid’ models.
There’s no word if the SMA has been developed from the ground-up by Volvo or if it’s been borrowed from parent Geely – although it’s been tipped it could be entirely the work of the safety obsessed brand.
That’s because while Geely and other Chinese car-makers have been focused on developing range-extending hybrids – which use a combustion engine solely as a generator – the Volvo XC70 adopts a traditional plug-in hybrid, with a petrol engine that still drives the wheels.
Despite being created for China, where demand is strong for long-range hybrids, Volvo has already confirmed it will explore “potential additional markets at a later stage”, opening the door for the Volvo XC70 to be exported.
Some execs suggest that positioning the XC70 above the XC60 but below the XC90 along with the benefits of its 200km EV range could prove a hit with European buyers, including the UK. This could then provide a business case for a right-hand drive version, potentially opening the door to the Australian market.
Related: Volvo EX90 2024 Review – International
Related: Volvo XC60 Recharge PHEV 2023 Review
Related: Volvo XC70 D5
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