Volvo has introduced a new plug-in hybrid powertrain for its two largest SUVs, the XC60 and XC90, Autocar reports. Thanks to a larger battery capacity, the XC60 will be able to travel up to 200 kilometers on electric power alone, which will become one of the highest indicators among plug-in hybrids.

The new powertrain is built around a 2-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, but the battery capacity has been increased from 19 to 41.2 kWh. In addition, the car has a more powerful electric engine. The traction of the new versions is all-wheel drive. The XC60 is offered in two versions.

The 178-horsepower T6 version will be able to travel up to 200 kilometers on electric power, and the more powerful 246-horsepower T8 will be able to travel up to 188 kilometers. These figures are calculated using the WLTP methodology and are intended primarily for comparison between cars; the actual range depends on driving conditions. The electric range of the XC60 T6 is more than two and a half times higher than that of the previous plug-in hybrid version, which could travel about 79 kilometers without starting the gasoline engine.

For comparison, the electric range of the BMW X3 30e is about 90 kilometers, the Audi Q5 TFSI e - about 100 kilometers, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC PHEV - about 129 kilometers. The flagship XC90 will have a 246-horsepower T8 powertrain and will be able to travel up to 161 kilometers without starting the gasoline engine, compared to 61 kilometers for the current version.

The enlarged battery will be fully charged in about four hours with a 16 A current from a household network. At the same time, Volvo focuses not only on increasing the electric range. The new batteries should be placed in such a way as not to reduce the capacity of the XC60's trunk, which is 468 liters, with the rear seats folded down. Also, the XC60 has a noticeable update of its appearance.

The front of the car has been completely redesigned, including the hood, wings, bumpers and radiator grille, and there is a new matrix LED headlights in the signature “Thor's Hammer” style. The changes have affected the rear of the body, too. The cabin features a new 11.2-inch touchscreen with Volvo’s updated multimedia system, including the Gemini AI voice assistant. The XC90 hasn’t changed much in appearance since its major 2024 update, but it also gets a new infotainment system. Sales of these updated cars should start in the coming months.