Earlier this month, Volvo gave a sneak peek at the new XC70, and many suspected it wouldn’t follow the traditional wagon format. As it turns out, those suspicions were right. Recent full-body images have surfaced, and they clearly show that the XC70 has been reimagined as a full-fledged SUV. This revelation came ahead of its official debut, thanks to a listing on China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) website, which not only provided detailed images but also offered technical specifications.
Measuring 4,815 mm in length, the new XC70 fits neatly between the current XC60 and XC90 in Volvo’s lineup. Two different battery options are available, each influencing the vehicle’s total weight. The larger of the two is a 39.63-kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, which brings the total weight up to a substantial 2,275 kilograms. The entry-level variant, on the other hand, is powered by a smaller 21.22-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supplied by CATL, bringing the vehicle’s weight down to a more manageable 2,110 kilograms.
Volvo claims that this model represents the brand’s first long-range plug-in hybrid. According to the company, the higher-capacity battery allows for an all-electric driving range of up to 180 kilometers, while the standard version can achieve up to 100 kilometers on a single charge. These figures are based on the Chinese Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), which typically offers more optimistic results than other international testing standards such as the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) or the U.S.-based EPA ratings. If the XC70 becomes available outside China, we can expect these range figures to be somewhat lower.
Under the hood, the XC70 uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 161 horsepower. While this isn’t an especially high output, it is in line with Volvo’s focus on efficiency rather than performance. Like other models from the brand, the XC70 includes an electronic speed limiter that caps the vehicle's top speed at 180 km/h. The MIIT filing does not provide acceleration or overall performance numbers, though the presence of an AWD badge suggests additional electric motors might help boost traction and off-the-line responsiveness. A potential benchmark could be the Lynk & Co 08, which uses a similar hybrid system and achieves 0–100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.
Dimensionally, the vehicle features a generous 2,895-mm wheelbase, with a width of 1,890 mm and a height of 1,650 mm. Visually, the XC70 embraces a more conventional SUV silhouette, though recognizable Volvo design elements, such as the signature lights, are still present. Notably, the absence of a visible rear windshield wiper raises questions—perhaps it’s hidden beneath the roof spoiler. The MIIT documentation also reveals that wheel sizes will range from 19 to 21 inches. While the model appears to be primarily intended for the Chinese market, Volvo has hinted at the possibility of a broader international release after the initial launch scheduled for later this year.