The Volvo XC70 has made its global debut. Here’s what you can expect from the Swedish marque’s first long-range plug-in hybrid.
Serving as a bridge to full electrification, while the Swedish automaker’s global product porfolio already comprises mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs), the XC70 is Volvo’s first long-range PHEV.
Underpinned by the Gothenburg brand’s new Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA) platform, the XC70 has an electric-only driving range of “over” 200 km – the longest of any Volvo PHEV to date – while the petrol-electric setup offers a combined driving range of over 1 200 km, the company says. According to the carmaker, the XC70’s fast charging tech enables its battery to charge from zero to 80 per cent in just 23 minutes. In addition, it offers bi-directional charging, which allows owners to use the car to power other electric devices, such as outdoor and camping appliances. Volvo has yet to reveal powertrain details, including power and torque figures.
The minimalistic design of the exterior is echoed inside, where a large, 15.4-inch, landscape-oriented touchscreen takes place of pride on the facia. A 12.3-inch digital driver’s display is also present. Customers have the option of specifying a 92-inch augmented reality head-up display at additional cost.
“The new XC70 is a very attractive choice for customers who want the benefits of electric driving but are not yet ready to go fully electric,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars. “It is a cornerstone of our electrified product portfolio, a bridge to fully electric cars for our customers, and it will strengthen our presence in the world’s largest car market.”
Said Grant Locke, managing director of Volvo Car South Africa, “The launch of the new XC70 underscores Volvo Cars’ ongoing commitment to electrification. It adds another dimension to our electrification strategy, which already spans fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and mild hybrids.” Locke added, “The XC70 reflects our belief that electrification should offer choice, flexibility, and a seamless transition for customers on their journey towards a fully electric future.”
The XC70 has not been confirmed for Mzansi, though “while not yet confirmed for our market, we never know what the future holds, as the XC70 is planned for Europe in the near future,” said Locke.