Volvo XC70 Returns As China-only Extended-Range PHEV Crossover

Volvo recently teased a new electrified SUV that bears a revived nameplate - XC70.

Swedish luxury automaker Volvo recently teased a new crossover model that revives a familiar nameplate. Last seen in 2016, the XC70 designation makes a return, albeit this time for a new electrified crossover SUV instead of a lifted and rugged estate offshoot.

Additionally, the returning XC70 nameplate is poised to see limited use by the Swedish firm in the Chinese market only initially. The firm has hinted that this new model with a revived nameplate could still make it way into other markets in the future.

Volvo touts this new XC70 at being its first "range extended PHEV", and will yield electric-only driving range of up to 200 KM (CLTC).

Interestingly, the new Volvo XC70 is being presented as the brand’s first “extended range plug-in hybrid (PHEV)”, though perhaps that’s a bit of a technicality – this isn’t the brand’s first PHEV in its line-up.

Details about said ‘first’ powertrain are still under wraps, but Volvo did promise that this new SUV can drive up to 200 KM  on electric power alone, the only caveat to said claim is its choice of using the CLTC testing cycle – expect real-world range to be lower.

The XC70 name was last seen in 2016, and it stood as a the lifted and rugged 'Cross Country' flavour of the V70 estate (wagon).

Underneath, the XC70 will underpin Volvo’s latest-gen Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA) platform that boasts “fast charging capabilities”, amongst many other bits. More details are expected to be revealed in the coming months leading up to the model’s launch.

Like the original XC70, Volvo says this follow up continues the legacy of being a versatile family car that’s “ready for all kinds of adventures”, and that’s despite the model’s switchover from estate to crossover SUV form.

Underneath, the XC70 underpins the brand's SMA platform base. It also has a larger footprint and will slot above the XC60.

Aptly, the switch does allow the XC70 to stand as a slightly larger and more spacious offering than the XC60. It also infuses design elements from other Volvo models, including the marque’s all-electric EX90 and ICE-powered XC90 flagship SUVs duo.

The latter fact is evident through the signature Thor’s Hammer LED lighting scheme up front flanking a massive blacked-out grille with active shutters. The side profile does show the XC70 also boasting a sleeker silhouette versus the XC90 as it has a steeper raked rear window.

Volvo’s recently returned president and CEO  Håkan Samuelsson adds that the XC70’s status as an extended range PHEV strikes a perfect bridge towards full electrification. “This is also an example of regionalisation, where we adapt to the local market needs,” he added.