Volvo Cars Selling New XC70 PHEV in China

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volvo Cars Selling New XC70 PHEV in China

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The new Volvo (VOLCAR-B.STO)* XC70 SUV is Volvo Cars’ first long-range plug-in hybrid with an all-electric driving range of more than 200km (~124 miles) based on the CLTC testing cycle . This is the longest of any Volvo plug-in hybrid to date. No surprise that given its Chinese ownership customers can now pre-order the SUV in China. Yes, China – Europe, North America, and Scandinavia can wait. Volvo Cars said today it plans to bring the car to Europe at some later unspecified time.

“The new XC70 is a very attractive choice for customers who want the benefits of electric driving but are not yet ready to go fully electric,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars. “It is a cornerstone of our electrified product portfolio, a bridge to fully electric cars for our customers, and it will strengthen our presence in the world’s largest car market.”**

The XC70 is equipped with fast charging technology, enabling charging from 0 to 80% in ~23 minutes. In addition, the car’s bi-directional charging capacity makes it possible to use the battery as a power bank for other electric devices, such as outdoor and camping appliances. [See the inevitable footnotes below – AutoCrat]***

With its long electric range and fast charging capabilities, the XC70 is affordable to drive and in theory free of tailpipe emissions in most of everyday commutes. The combustion engine adds the flexibility needed for longer trips, allowing a range of more than 1200km (~746 miles) without the need for charging or refueling. [See the inevitable footnotes below]***

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volvo Cars Selling New XC70 PHEV in China

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The XC70 has a 12.3-inch driver display and a large free-standing 15.4-inch horizontal center display. The horizontal format” allows the driver to view a large navigation map while still having space for other functions, making multi-tasking intuitive and efficient. In addition, a 92-inch augmented reality head-up display can be opted for, providing a more immersive cockpit experience.”

Many of the car’s functions, such as pre-conditioning of the cabin, can be remotely controlled using the Volvo Cars app. With over-the-air updates, the XC70 stays up to date with the latest software, continuously improving over time, Volvo said.

Safe Space Technology

Equipped with so-called Safe Space Technology, the “Volvo XC70 is designed to help keep people safe and make them feel safe on every journey.

“With advanced sensing technology, including radars, cameras, and sensors, the XC70 can continuously monitor its surroundings and support the driver to help avoid or mitigate collisions when needed. It also comes with safety features to help look out for people around the car in busy urban environment, like the door opening alert, designed to help drivers and passengers avoid opening their doors into the path of cyclists.

“For a relaxed driving experience, the XC70 also offers intelligent driver support, such as automatic lane change assist, Park Pilot Assist and active navigation support,” Volvo said.

*AutoInformed on

**Volvo Cars is a subsidiary of Geely Holding, which owns ~ 78.7% of the company’s outstanding shares. Geely Holding, a Chinese multinational enterprise, bought Volvo from Ford Motor in 2010 after years of cultural clashes between American Ford and Swedish Volvo employees and senior managers.

***Inevitable XC70 PHEV Footnotes

  • All the product details described above are applicable to the XC70 launched in the China market.
  • The driving range is estimated based on testing done according to the CLTC standard and is only applicable to the China market.
  • Charging and range figures are preliminary and based on testing obtained under specific testing conditions. Mentioned outcomes are not guaranteed since real-world charging time or range varies depending on driving behaviors and other external factors.
  • For outdoor and camping appliances, a special adapter which is available as an accessory, is required for the car’s charging outlet.
  • Features described may not be standard or available for all models, styles and powertrain options. Some features may become available through over-the-air updates later.

About Ken Zino

Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
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