The New Volvo XC70: Long-Range PHEV With DC Fast Charging And V2L

A Crossover Reinvention

Volvo is adjusting course to remain relevant in the crossover era, and that means it’s killing off its iconic wagons in the U.S. While the news that the XC70 we know and love isn’t getting a direct successor may sadden lovers of old Volvo bricks, that nameplate will live on as a crossover, which Volvo revealed on Wednesday.

Extended Electric Range And Hybrid Versatility

There are a couple of remarkable things about the new XC70. It’s exclusively available as a plug-in hybrid. And its range is longer than that of any previous Volvo PHEV: over 124 miles (200 kilometers) on the generous Chinese test cycle for the large-battery variant. (It would be more like 80 miles under EPA testing, which is still far more than most PHEVs historically offered in the U.S.) Plus it has other handy features you'd normally only find in full electric vehicles.

According to Volvo, the XC70 "is designed to meet growing demand for longer-range plug-in hybrids, particularly in China." It will also come to Europe at a later stage, the automaker says. Having that much electric range means the XC70 can be used as a pure EV for most driving situations, even on longer journeys.

Charging, V2L, And Road Trip Capabilities

The combined range from a full tank of fuel and battery is over 745 miles (1,200 km), although you can also take it on a fully electric road trip thanks to its standard DC fast charging. Volvo doesn’t specify the exact charging power, but it states that charging from a flat battery to 80% takes 23 minutes. It also has bidirectional charging, meaning it can power appliances or camping accessories. You will need to buy the vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapter separately, which isn't unusual for cars with that capability.

Volvo's top brass says the model may help customers dip their toes into the EV world. “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," Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars, said in a statement.

Market Position And Competition

When the XC70 hits Europe, it will compete against a wide range of very competent PHEV crossovers, including its sister model under the Geely Group umbrella, the Lynk & Co 08. Since it’s made in China, though, the likelihood that it will be sold in the U.S. is slim. Tariffs on Chinese-made cars imported into the U.S. currently stand at over 100%.

While Volvo hasn’t officially shared all the specs of the XC70, we can look at the Lynk & Co model for some additional details. Interestingly, the 08’s electric range is rated at up to 152 miles (245 km) CLTC in the Ultra Long Range variant. That gets a single 218-horsepower electric motor, helped by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that brings the total system output to 381 hp and 453 lb-ft of torque.

Variants, Powertrains, And Pricing Outlook

The CLTC range drops to 136 miles (220 km) in the dual-motor 08 220 Performance, which has 593 hp and 667 lb-ft. Both feature the same 39.6 kWh NMC battery pack, and there’s a lower-range model with a still-pretty-big 21.2 kWh LFP pack quoted at 74 miles (120 km).

All powertrain and battery variants will probably be available in the XC70, too, but Volvo will share additional details at a later time. Pricing in China will likely start at over $30,000, a bit more expensive than the Lynk & Co model, which has a starting price equivalent to $29,000. Tariffs will make it pricier in Europe, where it will likely start north of $40,000 when it eventually arrives.

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