Volvo has announced the XC70 as its first extended-range plug-in hybrid model. Designed to meet the demand for longer-range plug-in hybrids in China, the XC70 is built on the company’s Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA) and is said to provide a pure electric range of up to 200 km following China’s generous CLTC standard.
The company isn’t providing much in the way of details but a range-extended plug-in hybrid (RE-PHEV) implies an electric motor powered by a battery will drive the front wheels. Meanwhile, the range extender, which is an internal combustion engine, will step in when the battery’s state of charge drops below a certain point. The Mazda MX-30 R-EV is an example of such a system.
“With its extended electric range and fast charging capabilities, the XC70 lets you handle most daily travel without tailpipe emissions and at a lower cost, while the efficient combustion engine provides freedom and flexibility for longer trips. This means you could travel longer distance without worrying about charging or refuelling. Combined with its versatility that offers space and comfort for all passengers, the XC70 is a car for every type of journey,” Volvo said in its official release.
The XC70 name isn’t new to Volvo and was previously used to rename the Cross Country version of the second-generation V70 (called the V70 XC) for harmony with the original XC90 in the early 2000s. The reborn model you see here looks to continue that legacy and is being billed as a “versatile family car, ready for all kinds of adventures.”
Appearing to be slightly larger and more spacious than the XC60, the new XC70 features design elements seen on recent Volvo models such as the EX90 and facelifted XC90. At the front, you’ll find the brand’s signature Thor’s Hammer LED daytime running lights set above the main headlamps with matrix LED technology.
The latter is highlighted by small light bars and is visually connected to the large blacked-out grille with active shutters. In profile, the XC70 look to have sleeker silhouette compared to the larger XC90, with a steeply raked rear window. As for the rear, there are C-shaped taillights that extend into the tailgate as well as up along the window. The ‘AWD’ badge next to the model emblem indicates an all-wheel drive configuration will be offered.
“The XC70 marks our strategic entry into the extended-range plug-in hybrid segment, a perfect bridge to full electrification. 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,” said Hakan Samuelsson, the returning president and CEO of Volvo Cars. More details about the new XC70 will be revealed in the coming months, so stay tuned.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
This CDM…
What is going on with most Automakers giving cool features and big wheels for their SUVs and pickup trucks while giving less features and small wheels for their sedans and hatchbacks. It’s NOT about going off road, it’s about having a car with a high-seating position and can drive on our Beautiful, Bumpy and Rough roads . Sedans and hatchbacks can be cool like SUVs and pickup trucks, it just depends on whether automakers want to make them cool….. Or…… Automakers just want to make SUVs and Pickup trucks cool…. And let their sedans and hatchbacks stay as boring cars. Even the gearbox, for example, Toyota can give a 6-speed Auto, a turbocharged engine, decent HP , high ground clearance and big wheels for the Fortuner and the Hilux, but they decided to give a 4-speed CVT, low ground clearance, Noisy NA ENGINE , less HP and small wheels for the Vios and the Yaris…Just why? And I know people will say “because if they give their sedans and hatchbacks decent ground clearance, big wheels, cool features and a 6-speed Auto or a 7-DCT Gearbox , that would increase the car’s cost. ”
True I agree, but even with little techs and gizmos, people are still paying a high price to buy sedans and hatchbacks….. And getting very little features , less HP, small wheels, a sluggish gearbox and low ground clearance.
In conclusion, Automakers can make their sedans and hatchbacks cool like SUVs and pickup trucks, it all depends on whether automakers want to…. Or not. And to be honest, as a car guy, I’m very sad and disappointed that nowadays most Automakers just want to focus on making their SUVs and Pickup trucks cool while leaving their sedans and hatchbacks lineup bland and boring.
And worst, with all these corrupt, greedy and evil politicians coming up with strict emission rules, laws and regulations, Automakers are forced to down-size their engines to smaller and noisy engines, As a result, some New cars may be downgraded from their predecessors