Volvo’s XC50 Launch: Will the Chinese Connection Affect Its Popularity?

Link & Co 08 / Link & Co
Link & Co 08 / Link & Co

Volvo is gearing up to launch its new mid-size crossover SUV, the XC50, based on a Chinese platform—the Lynk & Co 08, developed under Geely, Volvo’s parent company. While Chinese-made products continue to face skepticism due to perceptions of low quality, many automakers are already introducing Chinese-made vehicles globally. However, despite these concerns, Volvo’s Chinese platform strategy might challenge consumer expectations.

Volvo EM90 / My Truck
Volvo EM90 / My Truck
Volvo XC50 concept rendering / burlappcar
Volvo XC50 concept rendering / burlappcar

XC50 to be Based on Link & Co 08 Platform
Volvo’s Previous Use of Chinese Platforms

Volvo has previously launched new vehicles based on Chinese platforms, including its first MPV, the EM90. This vehicle, unveiled in November 2023, is a badge-engineered model based on the Ziker 009. However, the exterior incorporates Volvo’s signature design to erase the perception that it is made in China.

 Similarly, the upcoming XC50 will utilize the Lynk & Co 08 platform but with modifications to incorporate Volvo’s distinct design language. This approach will offer consumers a familiar Volvo aesthetic while leveraging the platform’s features.

Link & Co 08 / YouTube channel KCARS TV
Link & Co 08 / YouTube channel KCARS TV
Link & Co 08 / YouTube channel KCARS TV
Link & Co 08 / YouTube channel KCARS TV

241-km (150 miles) Range on Electric Power Alone
Up to 536 Horsepower Available

The Lynk & Co 08 is a PHEV crossover vehicle launched in China in 2023. Its powertrain uses a plug-in hybrid system combining a 1.5L gasoline turbo engine and an electric motor. The base model uses a single motor specification based on front-wheel drive, and a high-performance four-wheel drive-based dual motor specification has also been launched. The combined total output of the high-performance model reaches up to 536 horsepower.

It is equipped with a maximum 39.6 kWh battery, providing a driving range of up to 241 km (150 miles) in EV mode on a single charge based on CLTC standards. The body size is 4,820 mm (190 inches) in length, 1,915 mm (75.4 inches) in width, 1,685 mm (66.3 inches) in height, and 2,848 mm (112.1 inches) in wheelbase, which is slightly longer than the Kia Sorento in length and wheelbase. Even compared to the Volvo XC60, the overall length is 110 mm (4.3 inches) longer.

Link & Co 08 / YouTube channel KCARS TV
Link & Co 08 / YouTube channel KCARS TV
Zeekr 009 interior / Geely Automobile
Zeekr 009 interior / Geely Automobile

XC50 Expected to Undercut XC60 Pricing
Potential Naming Controversy Looms

As for pricing, rumors are circulating in the industry suggesting that the XC50 will be priced lower than the XC60, potentially due to its use of a Chinese platform. The Lynk & Co 08, which serves as the base model, starts at approximately $26,611 in China, with the higher-end, four-wheel-drive model priced at around $35,173. Volvo’s upcoming XC50 is expected to be priced slightly higher than the Lynk & Co 08, which raises questions about its competitiveness in the market, especially given that some consumers might associate Chinese platforms with more affordable, budget-friendly vehicles.

While the XC50’s pricing strategy could help Volvo compete in a price-sensitive market, it also raises concerns about whether it will overcome the stigma surrounding Chinese-made cars. The success of the XC50 will depend not only on its pricing and features but also on Volvo’s ability to convince consumers that a vehicle built on a Chinese platform can meet the high standards associated with the brand.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Latest Automotive News

    CP-2023-0397-23141679-thumb
    Volkswagen Prepares ID.1 for 2025 Launch: Affordable, High-Tech, and Stylish
    CP-2023-0397-23140272-thumb
    Toyota’s North Carolina Battery Plant to Open in April, Powering U.S. EV Expansion
    CP-2023-0186-23141417-thumb
    BYD Surpasses 1,000 Pre-Orders for Atto 3, But Hidden Debt Raises Red Flags
    CP-2023-0186-23114961-thumb
    Alpine's 2028 A310: A High-Performance Electric Coupe to Rival the Porsche 911
    CP-2023-0397-23137800-thumb
    Uber Takes the Wheel in Austin: Waymo Robotaxi Interest List Now Open

    Tranding Now

    CP-2023-0051-22946157-thumb
    Kia’s Morning: The Best Value Vehicle in Chile's 2024 Auto Market
    CP-2022-0024-23062155-thumb
    Chevrolet Trax Dominates Exports Again, Trailblazer Follows Strongly in Global Sales
    CP-2023-0397-23136939-thumb
    Tesla Sees Dramatic 59% Drop in German Sales, Sparking Concerns Over Musk's Influence
    CP-2023-0299-23104956-thumb
    General Motors Withdraws from Robotaxi Market, Overhauls Cruise Operations
    CP-2023-0065-20391761-thumb
    Subaru's Forgotten 2-Door Coupe: Why the SVX Is Making a Comeback in the Used Car Market
    CP-2023-0203-23138885-thumb
    Hon Hai's Push for Nissan Acquisition Heats Up Amid Stalled Honda Talks
    CP-2023-0094-23140264-thumb
    Honda Reveals Game-Changing 0 SUV Prototype at CES 2025: A Leap into the Electric Future
    CP-2023-0065-21471159-thumb
    Why Supercars Are Inconvenient to Drive and Operate
    CP-2023-0051-23112098-thumb
    Kia K4 Sets New U.S. Sales Record, Surpassing Sportage and Niro Models
    CP-2024-0042-23107182-thumb
    Kia Targets 60,000 EV3 Sales in Europe, Leverages Tariff Hikes on Chinese EVs

  • Recommended

    CP-2023-0397-23141679-thumb
    Volkswagen Prepares ID.1 for 2025 Launch: Affordable, High-Tech, and Stylish
    Volkswagen will unveil the affordable ID.1 EV priced around €20,000 in the first half of next year, targeting...
    CP-2023-0397-23140272-thumb
    Toyota’s North Carolina Battery Plant to Open in April, Powering U.S. EV Expansion
    Toyota will start operations at its North Carolina battery plant in April, aiming for significant EV...
    CP-2023-0186-23141417-thumb
    BYD Surpasses 1,000 Pre-Orders for Atto 3, But Hidden Debt Raises Red Flags
    BYD's Ato 3 pre-orders exceed 1,000 units amid concerns over hidden debts of 63 trillion won and accounting...
    CP-2023-0186-23114961-thumb
    Alpine's 2028 A310: A High-Performance Electric Coupe to Rival the Porsche 911
    Alpine's A310, a 2028 electric 2+2 coupe, aims to rival the Porsche 911 with lightweight design and exceptional...
    CP-2023-0397-23137800-thumb
    Uber Takes the Wheel in Austin: Waymo Robotaxi Interest List Now Open
    Uber opens Waymo robotaxi interest list in Austin, aiming for full-scale service with self-driving vehicles...
    CP-2023-0225-23114195-thumb
    Tesla to Launch Robotaxi Service in June 2025: Fully Self-Driving Vehicle
    Tesla plans to launch an unsupervised robotaxi service in Austin by June, amid safety concerns and regulatory...
    CP-2023-0186-23115809-thumb
    Polestar Expands Arctic Circle Collection: Now Including Models 3 and 4
    Polestar expands its Arctic Circle lineup with models 3 and 4, engineered for extreme performance in...
    CP-2023-0203-23138885-thumb
    Hon Hai's Push for Nissan Acquisition Heats Up Amid Stalled Honda Talks
    Hon Hai's interest in acquiring Nissan is renewed as obstacles fade, aiming to boost its EV business...