Volvo unveils long-range plug-in hybrids boasting up to 124 miles EV range

Volvo is planning to shake up the plug-in hybrid market with a major refresh of its popular XC60 and XC90 SUVs, complete with new “long-range plug-in hybrid” powertrains.

Thanks to a massive new 41.2kWh battery (with 37.9kWh usable capacity) – more than double the size of previous iterations – the mid-size XC60 now boasts up to 124 miles of zero-emission electric range. Meanwhile, the larger seven-seat XC90 is capable of up to 99 miles on a single charge.

Volvo has cleverly integrated the oversized battery beneath the floor rather than eating into cargo space, simultaneously lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity to sharpen handling.

According to Volvo, the new setup allows drivers to complete an entire week of commuting without burning a single drop of petrol. Combined with a full tank of fuel, total driving ranges stretch up to 770 miles for the XC60 and over 680 miles for the XC90.

Under the skin, the upgraded battery feeds a more powerful 177bhp electric motor, working alongside a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This configuration generates a total system output of 351bhp in the T6 setup and 456bhp in the T8 variant.

Despite weighing up to 2.5 tonnes, the XC90 achieves 0–62mph in just 5.2 seconds, while the agile XC60 manages the sprint in 4.8 seconds. Recharging takes roughly four hours via a home wallbox.

Alongside the mechanical overhaul, the best-selling XC60 receives a new exterior redesign. The front end features a refreshed bonnet, wings, bumper and grille, complemented by a sharper interpretation of Volvo’s signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ matrix LED headlights.

Inside both SUVs, an 11.2-inch portrait touchscreen runs Volvo’s latest interface, enhanced by Google’s Gemini AI assistant for natural voice commands. Upgraded sensors and radars also introduce advanced safety features, including lane-change assist and a 360-degree camera.

Production of the updated models is slated to begin before the end of the year.