It has been nearly 10 years since Volvo discontinued the XC70, an off-road-styled crossover wagon based on the V70. However, Volvo plans to bring the XC70 back, not as the wide wagon it once was but as an SUV designed explicitly for electric driving. Initially developed for the Chinese market, this new model has raised expectations for a potential global release.
With the new XC70, Volvo introduces its first long-range plug-in hybrid. The electric-only driving range is 200 km (124 miles), more than double the range of the XC60 PHEV, which offers 80 km (50 miles). While these figures are based on China’s CLTC cycle and may be lower in real-world conditions, they represent a significant advancement in powertrain development, especially with the integration of the SMA platform.
XC70 Reborn: 124 Miles Electric Range
The new XC70 is slightly larger than the current XC60, offering more interior space. It is built on Volvo’s latest platform, the SMA, which is designed explicitly for electrification. This platform will be gradually used for other PHEV and EV models in the future.
Volvo describes the XC70’s powertrain as a long-range hybrid. This suggests that it features a range-extender system, with a large battery for PHEV capability and an internal combustion engine acting as a generator. Developed by the joint venture between Volvo’s parent company, Geely Holding Group, the system ensures an electric driving range of 200 km (124 miles) with a smaller battery, and the total driving range is estimated at about 805 km (500 miles).
The XC70’s design follows Volvo’s latest SUV family look. The front features Thor’s hammer-style LED daytime running lights and matrix headlights, while the closed grille enhances aerodynamics and reinforces the EV image. The rear includes a more streamlined C-pillar and integrated C-shaped taillights, giving the XC70 a more agile appearance than the XC90. The AWD badge indicates a four-wheel-drive system that distributes power between the front and rear axles.
Bridging the Gap for Consumers
A Strategic Shift for Volvo
Volvo defines the new XC70 as a turning point in its brand strategy. It reflects the ongoing demand for internal combustion engines in the transitional period towards EVs, offering a balanced alternative for customers who have not yet fully transitioned to EVs. CEO Håkan Samuelsson described this model as the most practical and appealing midpoint before fully embracing electrification.
Volvo is currently preparing an official announcement on the XC70’s specifications and powertrain configurations, with plans for an initial release in the Chinese market within the next few months. Global availability will depend on market response, with a high likelihood of launching in regions like Europe and North America, where the demand for long-range hybrids still exists.
Although the new XC70 has significantly changed from its predecessor, it maintains the essence of a Volvo: a family car designed for adventure. The shift from a wagon to an SUV, the increased driving range, and the evolving market strategy mark the new XC70 as a re-model version. With its evolution, the XC70 could play a key role in supporting Volvo’s transition to electrification.
