To meet the demand for long-range hybrid vehicles in China, Volvo revives the XC70 name on a new SUV rated for up to 200 kilometres of driving range.
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The 2026 Volvo XC70 extended-range plug-in hybrid has been announced, with a focus on the Chinese market but the potential to join the brand’s wider international line-up.
Initial details of the new model are limited, but this XC70 plug-in hybrid has been rated for up to 200 kilometres of electric-only range when tested to lenient Chinese (CLTC) efficiency standards.
The model is built on what Volvo calls the Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA), as yet unseen elsewhere within the Geely group, but thought to be an evolution of the Compact Modular Architecture already used by group brands including Geely itself, Polestar, and Lynk & Co.
“The XC70 marks our strategic entry into the extended-range plug-in hybrid segment, a perfect bridge to full electrification,” president and chief executive of Volvo Cars, Håkan Samuelsson, said in a media statement.
“It enables us to maintain and develop a balanced product portfolio, while offering a highly attractive alternative to customers who are not yet ready for fully electric cars. This is also an example of regionalisation, where we adapt to the local market needs.”
Styled to reflect Volvo’s newest styling language, the XC70 reflects the design themes seen on models like the EX30 and ES90.
The front end features Volvo’s ‘Thor’s hammer’ running lights set high in the front end, with a closed-off upper grille. Lower on the front bumper, matrix LED headlights and the main air intakes with active grille shutters are housed in a black-framed surround.
At the rear, the XC70 features tail lights similar to the XC60 with a single housing that runs from the top of the D-pillar into the body work, and across the tailgate. Newer electric models like the EX30 and EX90 use a slit light design instead.
From the side, the XC70 bears a close resemblance to the XC60 with a kink in the belt line that kicks up behind the rear doors, and deep sculpting pressed into the lower half of the doors.
Unlike the first two generations of XC70, which were Volvo wagons with extra ride height and additional body cladding, the new XC70 is a stand-alone model, and a dedicated SUV.
Apart from the 200-kilometre electric driving range rating, Volvo has released no other details of the XC70’s drivetrain or dimensions. Instead, the brand has said it will reveal additional information over the coming months.
With a focus on the Chinese market, expect the XC70 to launch there first, with Volvo saying it is “exploring potential additional markets at a later stage” in a media release.
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Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
