Volvo is throwing the gauntlet down to its PHEV SUV rivals after revealing upgrades for its Volvo XC60 and Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrids will significantly improve electric-only range on both models.
Indeed, while a handful of manufacturers have come increasingly close to breaking the magic 100-mile benchmark for zero emissions driving – most notably Omoda, Jaecoo and Volkswagen – to date no UK market model has done so… until now.
Introducing the latest Volvo XC60 PHEV, now equipped with an enormous 41.2kWh battery that will not only cruise past 100-miles on electric power, it’ll continue on to a full 124-miles.
Twinned with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, Volvo claims the XC60 PHEV can cover an impressive 770-miles from a full fuel tank and battery.
A huge advance on the existing XC60 PHEV’s potential 49-mile electric range, the new long range battery has been introduced to boost interest in the mid-size premium SUV following the arrival of the similarly-sized, all-electric Volvo EX60.
It also coincides with an overall refresh for Volvo’s best-selling model, which includes tweaked styling, interior upgrades and more up-to-date software tech being
Coming hot on the heels of the updated Volvo XC40, the XC60 adopts a similar nip and tuck approach on the outside with noticeable changes to include a reprofiled bonnet and bumper, plus a wider, squarer grille.
At the front, the XC60’s headlights have been rearranged, while there are new colours, fresh alloy designs and a more angular rear-end profile to complete the look.
Inside, the XC60 stays faithful to the existing design but now features higher-grade materials and the 11.2-inch touchscreen – introduced only last year – is now programmed with the latest version of Google AI assistant, Gemini.
Remarkably, despite the substantial growth in battery size, Volvo has packaged it underneath in a way that doesn’t eat up any space in the rear seats or in the boot.
Refreshed Volvo XC90 PHEV Sets New Large SUV Standard too
The XC60 isn’t the only Volvo PHEV getting comfortable at the top of the EV range rankings in its class with the larger Volvo XC90 PHEV also taking a big step towards durable, emission-free driving.
Equipped with the same 41.2kWh battery, the XC90 PHEV is quoted to cover up to 99-miles of electric-only driving, while the Swedish manufacturer reckons it’ll cover around 680-miles of total range.
An enduring favourite in the large SUV segment, the new battery should do its bit in attracting customer interest away from BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
Beyond the new battery, Volvo has tinkered little with the XC90’s winning formula, choosing wisely to leave the SUV’s classic silhouette and clean, handsome lines largely unchanged. It’s a similar story inside, the XC90’s still one of the most luxurious in the class.
The Swedish duo are set to reach UK price lists before the year is out, along with the facelifted Volvo XC40, while the all-new Volvo EX60 is available to order now.
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- New Cars
- Volvo