Volvo reboots legendary model with electric twist and game-changing range: 'A highly attractive alternative'

The Volvo XC70 is making a bold return. While its striking design is something to behold, that's not what's got everyone excited.

Developed and designed in China for the Chinese market, the new plug-in hybrid XC70 is all-wheel drive and capable of 200 kilometers (roughly 125 miles) of pure-electric driving.

While the SUV's chiseled profile and "Thor's Hammer" headlights turn heads, the real buzz is under the sheet metal.

Volvo XC70 returns as a PHEV with a massive EV range...>> https://t.co/t20iqzmPig pic.twitter.com/m51Bw26Eqy

— Auto Express (@AutoExpress) May 29, 2025

Slated for 2026 and built on Volvo's new SMA platform, the hybrid crossover's ability to cruise about 125 miles on battery alone is enough for most folks to tackle the week's commutes and coffee runs without burning a drop of gas. With a base price of around 400,000 yuan ($55,000), you can't go wrong.

The XC70 PHEV meets the growing demand for longer-range plug-in hybrids while resurrecting an iconic name for the brand.

"The XC70 enables us to maintain and develop a balanced product portfolio, while offering a highly attractive alternative to customers who are not yet ready for fully electric cars," said Håkan Samuelsson, president and returning chief executive of Volvo Cars.

For everyday drivers, that 125-mile electric buffer is a game-changer. Skipping the pump most of the week means quieter drives, no oil changes, and real money back in your pocket, especially as gas prices yo-yo.

Worried about the battery's footprint? Perspective helps. We dig up about 16.5 billion tons of fossil fuels annually, versus roughly 30 million tons of minerals needed for the clean-energy transition. Better yet, manufacturers can recycle those minerals instead of burning them once and losing them forever.

Over an average vehicle's lifetime, it produces around 350 grams of carbon pollution per mile. Meanwhile, an EV running on today's U.S. grid sits closer to 200 grams, a number that keeps dropping as wind and solar crowd out coal.

If you're curious how an electric or plug-in ride might fit your life, this handy starter's guide lays out incentives, charging pointers, and cost math without the jargon. 

If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost 💰 Battery range 🔋 Power and speed 💪 The way it looks 😎 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

One last pro tip: Topping up from rooftop solar instead of public charging stations can lower your fuel bill to pennies. Services like EnergySage make it easy to compare vetted installers and pocket up to $10,000 in savings on panels, turning your driveway into its own tiny power plant.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.