The all-new Volvo XC70 plug-in hybrid gets giant 124-mile range
But it won’t be available in Europe in the short term, which is annoying
Volvo has revealed details of its new XC70 SUV, a long range plug-in hybrid that can do 124 miles on a charge before the petrol engine kicks in. Before you fall off your chair and put an order through, though, there are a few things to consider. This all-new model will only be launched in China with sales in Europe only planned ‘at a later date’, according to Volvo.
As the name suggests, this XC70 five-seat SUV fits neatly between the existing XC60 and XC90. It’s based on a new Chinese-developed platform designed to integrate this new type of long range plug-in hybrid powertrain that’s become popular in China’s domestic market. This also means the headline 124-mile EV range figure has been calculated on the more generous Chinese CLTC range test, which often quotes around 20 per cent more than the more stringent European WLTP equivalent.
The new XC70 also features a brand new exterior and interior design, plus new-age connectivity features like over-the-air updates that will keep the car’s software fresh over its lifecycle. No pricing has been set for models in the Chinese market, but expect them to be competitive with other premium mid-size SUVs with similar powertrains.
If you’re interested in buying a plug-in hybrid SUV, you can now buy or lease a new car and sell your old car through the Auto Express Buy A Car service.
What is a Long Range Plug-in hybrid powertrain?
The new Volvo XC70 features a new type of plug-in hybrid system that’s very popular in China. It prioritises the electric motor and features a comparatively large battery pack, with the compact petrol engine largely used as a generator when the battery’s charge runs out.
This differs from Volvo’s European-engineered models like the XC60 or XC90, which use a more balanced plug-in hybrid system that features a smaller battery pack and larger petrol engine, explaining their range deficit of around 50 per cent.
Volvo hasn’t confirmed many technical details of the XC70’s powertrain, but it has said that it features high-speed DC charging capability that can refill the battery from 0 to 80 per cent in around 28 minutes. It also offers bi-directional charging.
What else do we know about the Volvo XC70?
We have discovered a few technical secrets thanks to China’s public trademark office, such as the fact it’ll feature a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with around 160bhp. We expect this petrol engine to assist different plug-in hybrid setups with two battery sizes: 21.2kWh and 36.9kWh, the latter claiming that 124 mile range figure.
Volvo lists two different kerbweights for the car, 2,110kg and 2,275kg, and there’s a selection of alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches.
The XC70’s 4,815mm length is slap-bang in the middle of the XC60’s and XC90’s, although the XC70 is 10mm lower than the XC60 – and narrower too.
What can we learn from its design?
It’s clear that the XC70’s design has been heavily influenced by the updated XC90 and all-new EX90, but also moves the brand’s design language along. Volvo’s trademark ‘Thor’s Hammer’ lighting signature is now a standalone daytime running light on the car’s upper nose, with small main beams mounted lower down on the bumper.
There’s also no traditional grille, instead cooling air is sent to a low-mounted air intake, which also houses active shutters to optimise aerodynamics. The XC70’s silhouette isn’t fundamentally different to other Volvo SUVs, and comes with the same kicked-up waist line and clean surfacing that you’ll see on an XC60. It is slightly longer, though, which helps stretch the lines out for a sleeker and more sophisticated look.
At the rear are a pair of vertical C-shaped taillights that stretch down into the tailgate, and there are no exposed exhaust outlets or diffusers to complicate its otherwise clean and modern design.
What about the cabin and tech?
The cabin’s also been heavily influenced by existing Volvo models, with a calming Scandinavian feel thanks to the use of light-coloured leathers and fabrics. There’s seating for up to five passengers, and no word yet of a seven-seat option.
Where this Volvo diverges from most of its European-designed siblings is in the digital interfaces. The Swedish brand was once a pioneer of the vertically-arranged touchscreen but this is the first Volvo in generations to feature a landscape-format screen. At 15.4-inches across, it’s a big one, and is joined by a 12.3-inch driver’s display.
Volvo also mentioned the availability of an optional 92-inch head-up display, however, we feel this dimension might have been lost in translation as that’s about 1.5 times bigger than an average car’s windscreen!
Why is Volvo building it?
According to Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson, “the XC70 marks our strategic entry into the extended-range plug-in hybrid segment, a perfect bridge to full electrification, offering a highly attractive alternative to customers who are not yet ready for fully electric cars.”
The question of how long it’ll take for the XC70 to reach Europe, however, remains to be seen.
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