The New Volvo XC70 Betrays Its Wagon Roots

When Volvo teased the new XC70 at the beginning of the month, we had a feeling it wouldn’t be a wagon. Sure enough, fully revealing images of the resurrected nameplate confirm its transition to an SUV. We aren’t even surprised. Ahead of its official debut, the vehicle has appeared early on China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology website. Technical specifications are also available, so let’s dive into what we know.

At 189.5 inches (4815 millimeters) long, it predictably slots between the XC60 and XC90. When equipped with the larger 39.63-kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, the XC70 weighs a hefty 5,015 pounds (2,275 kilograms). Opt for the entry-level version with its 21.22-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery from CATL, and the vehicle weighs a more reasonable 4,652 pounds (2,110 kilograms).

Photo by: MIIT

Volvo claims the XC70 is its first long-range plug-in hybrid. The upgraded battery delivers an electric range of 112 miles (180 kilometers), while the base model offers 62 miles (100 kilometers) on a single charge. While these are decent figures, it’s worth noting that they’re based on the CLTC procedure. If the Geely-owned marque decides to sell the model outside of China, the WLTP and EPA figures would be significantly lower.

Powered by a small turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing a modest 161 horsepower, the XC70 won’t exactly set your pulse racing. Like all Volvos, it features an electronic top speed limiter set to activate at 112 mph (180 km/h). The MIIT document doesn’t include performance data, but expectations should be modest given the four-cylinder engine and high curb weight.

That said, we don’t yet know anything about the electric motor(s), so it’s best to wait for the full debut. An AWD badge is visible on the tailgate, suggesting it may not be as sluggish off the line as the specs imply. The potentially mechanically related Lynk & Co 08, which pairs a 1.5-liter gas engine with two electric motors, does 0–62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.6 seconds.

6

Source: MIIT

Volvo has engineered the reborn XC70 with a generous wheelbase measuring 114 inches (2895 mm). It stands 65 inches (1,650 mm) tall and spans 74.4 inches (1,890 mm) wide. The body design leans more generic than we’d like, though familiar Volvo styling cues are still apparent. The absence of a rear wiper irks us, unless it’s tucked away underneath the roof spoiler. Split headlights are a recurring theme we’re not particularly fond of. The MIIT website lists wheel sizes varying from 19 to 21 inches.

Although primarily aimed at the Chinese market, the XC70 could be offered in other countries. Volvo is considering broader availability following its launch later this year.