Volvo XC70: SUV with plug-in hybrid coming to Europe

Volvo is enjoying remarkable success in the plug-in hybrid market, even though its technical features are not particularly outstanding. Between the XC60 and the XC90, Volvo has identified a gap and is filling it with the XC70. It was introduced for the Chinese market last year. Now, according to various media reports, it is also set to come to Europe.

Two powertrain variants are planned, with system outputs of 234 and 340 kW. The combustion engine is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 115 kW. The total system output is thus scaled by the electric motor. The base model has a 21 kWh battery, and the more expensive version has a 40 kWh battery; whether gross or net remained unclear initially. Volvo promises that the battery can be charged from zero kilometers of electric range to 80 percent in 23 minutes. Data from Volvo's Chinese press website indicates that this claim applies only to the larger battery.

Comparatively fast charging

The following applies explicitly: So far, Volvo has only officially stated technical data for the Chinese version. We expect a change in at least one respect. In China, the XC70 can only be charged with 7 kW via alternating current. For the European market, three-phase AC charging with 11 kW is likely to be the standard. Charging with direct current varies in speed depending on the version. The small 21.2 kWh battery can be charged from a displayed zero kilometers of electric range (which is not equivalent to a completely discharged battery) to 80 percent in 39 minutes, Volvo writes. This would require an average charging power of about 26 kW – depending on what reserve the developers leave in the battery as a buffer.

For the large 39.6 kWh battery, 80 percent should be recharged in 23 minutes. This would mean the average charging power in this window would be slightly over 82 kW. Taking the declining charging curve into account, it is assumed that the small battery needs at least a 50-kW charging point, and the large one probably one with at least 100 kW. There is no WLTP electric range figure yet.

XC60 gets a facelift

Volvo is not yet providing prices or a launch date for sales. At 4.82 m in length, the XC70 is positioned between the XC60 and XC90, and this is likely to apply to prices as well. An XC60 PHEV is currently officially available from 67,990 Euros, while the XC90 is offered from 88,990 Euros. With around 75,000 Euros, the XC70 can therefore be expected at least. The XC60, in its second generation since 2017, is set to be revised again. The XC90, on the market since 2015, has already undergone this. It was revised in 2019 and 2024 and is expected to be offered until 2030. Both now have internal competition from battery-electric cars of similar size. The EX90 has been on sale since 2024, and the EX60 will follow in summer 2026.

(mfz)