I was prompted to write this blog post by the recently released information about the update of the Volvo XC60 crossover, as this car is one of the ten new Volvo products scheduled to debut in 2025-2026. What else can you expect from Volvo?
Volvo XC60 update: minimal but noticeable changes
The Volvo XC60 crossover is well known in the world and in Ukraine, and it is one of the brand's best sellers. In order to remain popular with customers and better meet the realities of the modern world, Volvo has recently updated the crossover.
The changes are small, but immediately noticeable - just look at the radiator grille, which has received sloping lines instead of the usual vertical stripes. In addition, the updated Volvo XC60 crossover is now offered with new wheels (18-22-inch), and the palette of available body colors has also been changed.
In the cabin, the iconic element of the updated Volvo XC60 is the enlarged 11.2-inch display of the multimedia system. Moreover, the system itself is based on the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, and has closer integration with Google services - that is, the new multimedia system better meets the realities of the times and the expectations of computer technology fans. The rest of the Volvo XC60's interior updates are minimal: new materials, increased wireless charging, etc.
As for the technical part, there are no changes at all: under the hood of the Volvo XC60, there is always a 2-liter 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine with a hybrid application; the only question is: what kind?
If it is a version with an MHEV-hybrid, then the power of the power plant is 250 hp; if it is a PHEV-hybrid, then two versions are offered - with a capacity of 350 or 455 hp. And then an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive take over.
Everything looks like a typical mid-cycle update. If not for one thing - the Volvo XC60 crossover has been in production since 2017, and an 8-year production run usually means a complete replacement of the car with a new generation, not a minor update. And all because...
Coexistence of gasoline and electric Volvo models is possible!
The successor was indeed planned and prepared for production. Moreover, the plans have not been canceled, and the successor is still being prepared for production - it is the all-electric Volvo EX60 crossover; however, the existing Volvo XC60 will also be produced in parallel for some time to come, which is why the update of the already aging model was required.
The example of updating the Volvo XC60 crossover in anticipation of the launch of an electric successor is not at all unique; on the contrary, Volvo has pulled a similar trick with the Volvo EX90 and Volvo XC90 models before - and the latter is already 10 years old.
It seems that the Volvo EX90 and Volvo EX60 electric cars were developed as a full-fledged replacement for the already well-known Volvo XC90 and Volvo XC60 crossovers, respectively. However, during the development period - which is several years - the market situation has changed: buyers still prefer to choose familiar cars with familiar internal combustion engines. And in order not to lose some of its customers, Volvo decided to extend the production of well-known models for some time. It even slightly changed its strategic plans.
For example, in the spring of 2021, it was planned that Volvo would completely renew its own model range by 2030 and would continue to produce only electric vehicles. However, in the fall of 2024, these plans changed: now the goal is to produce 90% of electrified models by 2030, including both full-fledged EVs and PHEV hybrids. MHEV hybrids are to account for the remaining 10% of the output.
That is, no one is abandoning the development of Volvo electric vehicles, but now the process will be slower and without strict reference to certain dates. Moreover, it is already known that we will soon see other electric Volvo novelties...
Getting ready to meet Volvo EX60 and Volvo ES90, as well as other new products
The aforementioned Volvo EX60 electric crossover is announced as a 2026 model. However, the Volvo ES90 electric sedan is expected to appear even earlier, as it is scheduled for 2025.
It is already known that the Volvo ES90 electric sedan will be almost 5 meters long and will use the technology from the Volvo EX90: you can count on a large battery and all-wheel drive with a pair of electric motors. Potentially, the emergence of the Volvo ES90 electric sedan means the end of the Volvo S90; but you can see for yourself how it goes.
Volvo is planning 10 new products for 2025-2026! And the updated Volvo XC60 crossover and the upcoming Volvo ES90 electric sedan are just the beginning.