More details of the 2026 Volvo XC70 have been revealed as orders open in China, ahead of exports to global markets which may include Australia.
Volvo revealed the five-seat XC70’s new SUV body – a shift from its origins as the V70 XC Cross Country station wagon launched more than two decades ago – earlier this year, confirming it will be powered exclusively with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
It comes after Volvo pulled back on its ambitions to sell only electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, and the increase in popularity of hybrids in the world’s largest car markets, China and the US.
The XC70 will also be the first of a new generation of models to use Volvo’s new Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA), and – given its name and 4815/1890/1650mm (length/width/height) dimensions – will be positioned between the smaller XC60 and larger XC90 SUVs.
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Volvo Australia hasn’t confirmed the XC70 for local showrooms but has told CarExpert it will evaluate a business case for the vehicle, should it be produced in right-hand drive, as a potential addition to its local lineup.
“We understand it’s a China-only, but it’s definitely a consideration if it was to become available,” a spokesperson told CarExpert. “We’d do a market study like we would any other model if it was an option for us.”
The new model will be manufactured in China, where Volvo also makes the XC60, smaller XC40 and electric EX40 SUVs for markets such as Australia.
In opening order books in China, Volvo has confirmed the XC70 will have an electric range of 200km under the CLTC cycle and a total CLTC range of 1200km – which equates to around 170km and 1020km, respectively, using the more realistic WLTP measure.
The automaker hasn’t announced further technical details, however previous Chinese market filings revealed two batteries – an entry-level 21.22kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack for two-wheel drive models, and a 39.63kWh ternary lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) pack on all-wheel drive XC70s.
The filings also showed the XC70 will use a 120kW/255Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine developed in partnership with Renault and already found in several vehicles made by Volvo’s parent company, Geely.
The petrol engine is combined with three electric motors, making 60kW, 107kW and 156kW according to Car News China.
Images and some details of the XC70 interior have now been revealed, showing a leather-lined cabin which continues to pay homage to the brand’s Swedish roots, with the nation’s flag tucked into the seat seams, a tradition kicked off under previous Volvo designer and former Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.
The images show five perforated leather seats with detailed leather stitching with multiple areas of adjustment – expected to follow the Volvo tradition of folding completely flat, including the driver’s seat – with a two-spoke steering wheel and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
That’s flanked by a 15.4-inch horizontal centre touchscreen, with Volvo confirming a 92-inch augmented reality head-up display for “a more immersive cockpit experience”.
The front row is divided by a large centre console, including higher and lower stowage and 50W wireless smartphone charging, with the automaker confirming connected services, such as vehicle preconditioning, via the Volvo Cars smartphone app.
The second row sees heated seats controlled through the digital display on the rear of the centre console, where there are also air vents and additional storage as well as multiple USB-C ports.
There are map pockets on the front seatbacks, while the panoramic sunroof bathes the cabin in light. The XC70 also features a Harman Kardon sound system.
The second row also appears to be a 40:20:40 split-fold rear seat, with a centre armrest with two cup holders and at least four child-seat anchorage points.
Both lighter and darker cabin treatments were shown, while the exterior is offered in seven colours.
There’s also the requisite suite of active safety and driver assist technology, powered by a combination of cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors.
Features include automatic lane change assist and automatic parking features.
