New Volvo XC70 is an extended range PHEV

Volvo’s new XC70 is about to launch in China and will go into export markets thereafter.  

In its new life it has become a long-range plug-in hybrid SUV. Volvo says it is capable of travelling up to 250km on electric power alone (CLTC figure).

It will fill the space between XC60 and the XC90 in Volvo’s line-up, taking design cues from the latter and the EX90 electric SUV.

The firm suggests that the XC70 will help Volvo make a smooth transition to electrification by offering a PHEV with a decent electric-only mileage. It aims for customers who want to make the switch to an EV but don’t want to recharge on journeys. To that end, it can travel non-stop for around 1200km.

Volvo boss Håkan Samuelsson believes the XC70 will serve as “a cornerstone of our electrified product portfolio”.

Read our review of the 2025 Volvo XC90.

Evidently it uses a version of its new Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA) that’s honed for long-range PHEV powertrains. 

The XC70 supports fast-charging. Its 40kWh battery can be rezipped from 0-80 per cent in 23 minutes. And it will offer bi-directional charging capability, rare on this type of machine. There’s also a 21kWh battery pack option. 

At the heart of the XC70 is a 1.5-litre petrol engine developing 120kW. There are also three electric motors, for total system output of 442kW. Zero to 100 for the AWD variant is a claimed 5.3sec. It scales up at 4815mm long by 1890mm wide, similar in size to BMW’s X5 SUV. 

Design features include a closed-off front grille in keeping with Volvo’s EVs, and an active grille shutter to optimise aerodynamics and cooling. Up top there’s a panoramic sunroof and down below 21-inch wheels.

The XC70 cabin features a 12-inch digital instrument display and a landscape-oriented 15.4in touchscreen. That’s similar to the item in the EX90. A 91-inch augmented reality head-up display is optionally available. A sliding centre console offers added practicality. And there’s a 23-speaker HK surround sound system in the top model. Seat coverings are made from artificial leather, and four of the five seats feature heater elements. 

Production of the XC70 has kicked off already in China. It is available in seven colours, including green, and blue hues, along with a sand (light brown) option.

Volvo is still aiming to achieve 90 per cent sales of EVs and PHEVs by 2030.