Preview: Volvo Debuts Long-Range PHEV Variants of XC60 and XC90 + Video

Volvo is bolstering its electrified lineup by adding two long-range plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants to its XC60 and XC90 crossovers.

The two crossovers have also been refreshed with new looks, technology, and safety upgrades. The compact Volvo XC60 will be able to drive about 126 km on electric-only power, according to Volvo, while the three-row XC90 is rated to get 117 km of electric range — nearly double the range of Volvo’s current PHEVs. To put that into context, PHEVs with the most range currently offer only about 80 km, but it’s more typical to see between 40 and 70 km.

The battery capacity has been increased from 18.8 kWh to 41.2 kWh, and the battery is now flat and part of the vehicle’s floor structure. Charging from zero to 100 per cent takes less than six hours at 7.2 kW.

The XC60 is the best-selling model in Volvo’s history and has received updates throughout. Visually, it gets a refreshed look, but it has aged remarkably well since the second-generation’s introduction in 2017 thanks to its understated, clean design. The refreshed version — which gets new front and rear bumpers, updated signature LED lighting front and rear, a fresh grille, new wheels, and a hood with different sculpting — builds on the Scandinavian sensibility that has made the XC60 such a success.

Inside, the XC60 gets some new trim materials and colour options, and top-line trims get new ambient lighting. The instrument panel is new, and Volvo has made an effort to update the parts drivers interact with every day.

On the safety front, the XC60 now gets automatic emergency steering and braking assistance to bolster its collision mitigation system. Safe exit assist will also alert occupants before opening their doors if an oncoming cyclist or other road user is detected. The adaptive cruise control system has been updated with lane-change assist and better sensors and cameras, while the 360-degree parking cameras now have a 3D view so drivers can better see what’s around them.

Of course, the Volvo XC60 comes with Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, which allows drivers to use conversational language to interact with the vehicle and its integrated Google Maps navigation system. Drivers can say something as specific as, “Find me a highly rated café that’s nearby” or “What’s the weather going to be like tomorrow around noon?” and get accurate results.

The voice assistant also works with different vehicle functions, so an occupant can say, “It’s too hot in here,” and it will adjust the climate control, or even ask it about how to operate certain vehicle functions such as “How do you open the charging port?” instead of having to flip through the user manual. Even commands like “tune to a classical music radio channel” get good results.

The Volvo XC90 has also received the same tech and safety upgrades, but more information about what else has changed on this larger, three-row SUV will be shared later.

Production of the refreshed SUVs starts this fall. Canadian availability will begin in the first half of 2027, and pricing will be announced later.