Volvo Brings Back XC70 Name — But Not the Way You Think

Volvo is bringing back the XC70 name, but not quite in the way fans may have expected. After nearly a decade since the wagon was discontinued in favor of the V60 Cross Country, the name returns attached to something very different — a new sport utility vehicle. Set to debut in China later this year, this fresh XC70 is positioned just above the current XC60 in size and cabin space, and may eventually be offered in more markets.

This new model also introduces Volvo’s first “extended-range” plug-in hybrid. Volvo is quoting an all-electric driving distance of 124 miles, or about 200 kilometers, thanks to a completely new powertrain setup. That figure is more than three times what the XC60 plug-in hybrid can manage under United States testing, and more than double the 50-mile range it achieves under Europe’s WLTP testing cycle.

Now, before anyone gets too excited, that 124-mile estimate comes from the Chinese CLTC test cycle, which tends to be overly optimistic. Still, even with expected reductions under EPA and WLTP standards, this XC70 is shaping up to be Volvo’s most capable plug-in hybrid yet. A lot of that range is likely thanks to the company’s Scalable Modular Architecture platform, which supports fast charging — although the specific technical specs are still under wraps.

The term “extended-range” here could mean more than just a larger battery than the 18.8 kilowatt-hour pack found in the XC60. It may actually point to a completely new system from Volvo’s parent company. Geely, in partnership with Renault under the Horse joint venture, has developed a range-extending hybrid powertrain. In this setup, the gasoline engine does not directly drive the wheels. Instead, it serves purely as a generator to charge the battery.

According to Volvo, this allows the new XC70 to travel up to 124 miles on electricity alone, while still achieving a total range of about 500 miles — or 805 kilometers — before needing to refuel or recharge.

Visually, the upcoming XC70 looks like a natural evolution of Volvo’s modern SUV design language. It will likely be slightly longer than the 185.4-inch XC60 and will include all-wheel drive as confirmed by the badge on the tailgate. The front fascia features matrix LED headlights beneath Volvo’s signature Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights, flanking a sleek, closed-off grille.

An official debut is expected in the coming months, and fans of the brand will definitely want to keep an eye out. This is not the wagon they remember — it is something bold, new, and potentially game-changing.