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NEW CARS

Volvo XC60 and XC90 Get Long-Range Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains

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Volvo Cars has introduced new long-range plug-in hybrid versions of its XC60 and XC90 SUVs, bringing significantly greater electric range, updated styling and the latest in-car technology to European and American markets.

Volvo is giving its two most important SUV nameplates a substantial electrified upgrade. The new Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid can travel up to 200 kilometres on a single charge, while the larger Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid offers up to 160 km of electric range. Both figures represent more than two and a half times the range of their existing plug-in hybrid counterparts.

The new variants are part of Volvo’s strategy to maintain a strong plug-in hybrid offering while the company continues its transition towards an all-electric future. For drivers who can complete most daily journeys on electric power but still want the flexibility of a petrol engine, the new XC60 and XC90 could represent a compelling middle ground.

Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid: More Electric Range, Sharper Design

The XC60, Volvo’s best-selling model of all time, receives the most comprehensive visual update of the two SUVs. The exterior changes are designed to give the mid-size premium SUV a more contemporary and dynamic appearance without abandoning the restrained Scandinavian design language that defines the brand.

The redesigned front end features an upgraded grille, a new front bumper, revised bonnet and front wings, and new wheel designs. The familiar Thor’s Hammer Matrix LED headlights have also been refined, giving the XC60 a more technical and sophisticated light signature.

At the rear, Volvo has redesigned the tailgate, LED lamps and bumper, with stronger horizontal lines creating a wider, more confident stance.

Inside, the XC60 benefits from a redesigned dashboard and door panels, wood décor and available Cardamom ventilated Nappa leather. Volvo says the upgraded interior illumination is intended to create a calmer, more sophisticated atmosphere, reinforcing the SUV’s Scandinavian luxury credentials.

Up to 200 Kilometres of Electric Driving

The biggest change is beneath the floor. The new XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrids feature a larger-capacity, floor-integrated battery and a more powerful electric motor. The petrol engine remains available when additional range or performance is required.

Volvo has not yet disclosed every technical specification of the new powertrains, including battery capacity, charging times or total system output. However, the claimed electric range is a major improvement over the current plug-in hybrid models.

For many owners, that could mean completing school runs, commuting and local errands without using the petrol engine at all. Longer journeys remain possible without the need to plan around charging infrastructure.

Both SUVs will continue to be offered with mild-hybrid powertrains, giving customers several electrification options within the same model families.

XC60 Gets Volvo’s Latest Safety and Infotainment Technology

The updated XC60 also introduces Volvo’s latest active safety technology. When a potential collision is detected, the vehicle can warn the driver or intervene to help avoid or reduce the severity of an impact.

The system can assist with automatic emergency steering, apply automatic emergency braking and alert occupants to an approaching cyclist before a door is opened. Volvo says the technology is designed to help select the safest possible response in real time.

An upgraded sensing system, combining radars, cameras and other sensors, supports a range of driver-assistance features. These include lane change assist and a 360-degree camera with 3D view, helping drivers maintain better awareness around the vehicle.

The XC60 also gains an 11.2-inch infotainment screen running Volvo Car UX, the company’s latest user interface. Google Gemini, Google’s next-generation AI assistant, is integrated into the vehicle, allowing drivers to use natural language to plan journeys, find stops and manage messages while on the move.

Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid: Seven-Seat Luxury with Greater Electric Capability

The Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid retains its position as the brand’s large premium family SUV, combining seven-seat practicality with Scandinavian luxury and advanced safety technology.

With up to 160 km of electric range, the XC90’s new plug-in hybrid powertrain is designed to make everyday driving quieter and more efficient while preserving the flexibility expected from a large SUV.

The cabin continues to focus on comfort and relaxation, with premium materials, natural light and smooth wood décor creating an environment Volvo describes as restorative. An optional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system is available for owners who want a more immersive listening experience.

Like the updated XC60, the XC90 also features Google Gemini, bringing the same conversational AI capabilities to the larger SUV.

A Strategic Bridge to Volvo’s Electric Future

Volvo Cars describes the new long-range plug-in hybrids as an important bridge towards full electrification. The company is investing in its existing SUV line-up while expanding its range of electric vehicles, including the upcoming all-electric EX60.

Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, said the XC60 and XC90 build on the legacies of two of the company’s most important models and, alongside the EX60, provide Volvo with a stronger electrified offering in the mid-size SUV segment.

The strategy also has a commercial rationale. By extending the appeal of established models, Volvo aims to maintain sales and profitability while customers gradually move towards fully electric vehicles.

Over-the-Air Updates and Black Edition Models

As with Volvo’s newer models, the updated XC60 and XC90 will benefit from regular over-the-air software updates. The company says this will allow vehicles to gain improvements and new capabilities over time rather than remaining fixed in their original specification.

Order books for the new XC60 and XC90, including Black Edition versions, are open from today in selected markets. Production is scheduled to begin later this autumn.

Volvo XC60 and XC90 Plug-In Hybrid: Key Highlights

ModelElectric rangeKey updates
Volvo XC60 plug-in hybridUp to 200 kmNew exterior design, upgraded interior, 11.2-inch infotainment screen, enhanced safety technology
Volvo XC90 plug-in hybridUp to 160 kmSeven-seat luxury SUV, long-range hybrid powertrain, Google Gemini, optional Bowers & Wilkins audio

The new Volvo XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrids offer a significant increase in electric range, combining everyday zero-tailpipe-emission driving with the long-distance flexibility of a petrol engine. For buyers not yet ready to go fully electric, they could become some of Volvo’s most versatile SUVs.

Source: Volvo

Hybrid

2026 Volvo XC60 T6 PHEV: The Plug-in That Replaces Diesel

Volvo has firmly closed the chapter on diesel. As of last year, the Swedish automaker officially discontinued all diesel-powered models, pivoting toward electrified drivetrains with a clear focus: plug-in hybrids. Now, the XC60 T6 Plug-in Hybrid stands as a symbol of that transition—and a very convincing answer to Europe’s long-standing diesel dominance.

With over 2.7 million units sold, the XC60 has just become the most successful model in Volvo’s history, surpassing the iconic, boxy Volvo 240. This milestone isn’t just a numerical victory—it also marks a philosophical shift. The plug-in hybrid XC60 doesn’t just replace diesel; it redefines Volvo’s approach to efficient, long-range motoring. And in its updated 2026 guise, it’s sharper, smarter, and more capable than ever.

A Scandinavian Response to German Diesels

While German marques like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz continue to find success with their diesel lineups, Volvo has decided to tackle them with next-gen plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology. And it’s working. The latest XC60 T6 AWD brings to the table a compelling blend of performance, efficiency, and real-world usability that’s making diesel look increasingly outdated.

The updated powertrain combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 253 hp and 350 Nm of torque with a significantly improved rear-mounted electric motor now putting out 145 hp and 309 Nm. The combined system output of 353 hp and a stout 709 Nm of torque delivers confident performance in almost all driving scenarios. For those seeking even more punch, the T8 variant ups the ante with 455 hp.

Real-World Range, Real-World Benefits

The 2026 XC60 T6 now offers a net battery capacity of 15.9 kWh (18.8 kWh gross), translating to a WLTP-rated electric range of around 80 km—or up to 90 km in urban driving. That’s more than enough for most daily commutes, and crucially, it allows access to virtually all restricted traffic zones across Europe. Charging from a 16-amp wallbox takes just under 3 hours, making overnight top-ups effortless.

Highway performance is equally compelling. With a full charge and tank, the XC60 T6 can cover up to 600 kilometers at a steady 130 km/h—making it a legitimate long-distance cruiser and a true rival to diesel in terms of range.

Driving Dynamics and Versatility

Volvo has refined the driving experience with three selectable modes: Hybrid, Power, and Pure. Hybrid mode balances electric and combustion power for everyday driving; Power mode sharpens throttle response and unleashes the full system output; Pure mode enables quiet, emission-free travel at speeds of up to 140 km/h.

Despite tipping the scales at 2,156 kg, the XC60 T6 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds—a figure that puts it squarely in the league of performance diesels, but with smoother, quieter operation.

The End of an Era—And the Beginning of a Better One?

The question lingers: is PHEV truly the new diesel? For Volvo, the answer is a resounding yes. While the brand’s beloved five-cylinder diesels have been consigned to history, their plug-in successors bring the same spirit of endurance and versatility—just with fewer emissions and more flexibility.

The 2026 XC60 T6 doesn’t try to be flashy or revolutionary. Instead, it doubles down on what Volvo does best: practical, understated luxury with intelligent engineering. In that sense, it’s not just a successor to the diesels of old—it’s a better one.

Source: Volvo

News

Volvo to Begin U.S. Production of XC60 at South Carolina Plant in 2026

Volvo Cars has officially confirmed that it will begin producing its best-selling XC60 mid-size SUV at its U.S. plant in Ridgeville, just outside Charleston, South Carolina. The move, set to begin in late 2026, comes as the Swedish automaker looks to strengthen its position in the U.S. market while strategically sidestepping tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The decision marks a significant milestone for Volvo’s American operations, especially as the XC60 continues to dominate the brand’s sales charts. In the first half of 2025 alone, the XC60 accounted for over 33 percent of Volvo’s U.S. sales, with a 22.9 percent year-over-year increase in June and a total of 21,907 units sold that month.

A Strategic Shift for a Critical Model

“Adding the XC60 to our Charleston production line will further strengthen its position and attractiveness in the competitive U.S. market, while supporting and creating American manufacturing jobs,” said Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars. “It is also in line with our ambition to build where we sell and reinforces our long-term commitment to the U.S. market.”

The Ridgeville plant, which began operations in 2018, currently assembles the fully electric EX90 flagship SUV and the Polestar 3. However, both models have struggled to gain traction in the U.S. market. By adding the XC60—a proven sales leader—Volvo hopes to invigorate production lines and better align with U.S. consumer preferences.

Luis Rezende, President of Volvo Cars Americas, echoed the sentiment: “The XC60 is the right car for this market. It offers the best of Volvo in a versatile size with the powertrain options to suit our U.S. customers. We’re proud we’ll soon be able to offer American families the XC60 they love, assembled here by American autoworkers.”

A Pillar in Volvo’s Global Portfolio

The XC60 isn’t just Volvo’s top performer in the U.S.—it’s a global powerhouse. With over 2.7 million units sold globally, it recently surpassed the iconic Volvo 240 as the brand’s all-time best-selling model. U.S. customers have long gravitated toward the XC60 for its blend of safety, luxury, and Scandinavian design.

The model will be produced in both mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants in Charleston. That’s a particularly strategic move, given that 25 percent of XC60s sold in the U.S. this year are plug-in hybrids—making it the fourth best-selling luxury plug-in hybrid in the country. For Volvo, it’s not just about meeting current demand, but also about accelerating its push toward electrification.

Investment in the Future

Volvo has invested $1.3 billion into the Ridgeville facility over the past decade, preparing it for high-volume, flexible production. The plant now includes a state-of-the-art battery pack assembly line and upgraded body and paint shops. These enhancements ensure the factory can handle a wide variety of platforms and powertrains.

Governor Henry McMaster and state officials have played a key role in supporting Volvo’s expansion, with South Carolina’s pro-manufacturing policies and workforce development initiatives cited as major factors in the decision.

Looking Ahead

With the addition of the XC60, Volvo is reinforcing its commitment to building vehicles closer to where they are sold—both to reduce costs and to stay agile in a turbulent global trade environment. While the fully electric EX90 will continue to target forward-looking buyers, the XC60 will serve as the brand’s volume leader and bridge to an electric future.

In a year when Volvo celebrates 70 years in the U.S. and surpasses 5 million vehicles sold stateside, the XC60’s American production marks a new chapter in the company’s legacy—and a bet that South Carolina can deliver for one of Europe’s most storied automakers.

Source: Volvo