Both the Volvo XC60 and XC90 have gained new long-range plug-in hybrid drivetrains with a battery that’s almost as big as those used in some entry-level EVs, with the XC60 also scoring its second facelift in as many years.
Like the XC40/EX40/EC40 facelift last week, the XC60 has a redesigned front end with a new bonnet, fenders, a flatter grille, and a redesigned bumper.
There’s also a new two-part take on the company’s Thor’s Hammer signature driving light design.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
🚘 Don’t just read about your next car. Find a great deal with CarExpert.
Supplied Credit: CarExpertSupplied Credit: CarExpert
Out the back there’s a new tailgate with straighter cut lines and restyled tail-lights with (again) a flatter design and lighting elements that stretch deeper into the tailgate. The rear bumper has been reshaped, and there are new alloy wheel designs aplenty.
Interior changes seem to be limited to new trim and material choices. An 11.2-inch touchscreen juts out of the centre of dashboard, and runs the Android-based Volvo Car UX operating system, which includes the Gemini AI assistant.
The safety package has been upgraded with the company’s latest suite of radars, cameras and sensors. Available features include automatic emergency steering assist, autonomous emergency braking, cyclist detection when opening doors, a 360-degree camera system with 3D view, and lane change assist.
Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Arguably the most eye-catching upgrade occurs under the skin, with the plug-in hybrid models dispensing with their 19kWh batteries in favour of new 41kWh units.
The T6 is said to have an electric driving range of up to 200km on the WLTP standard, while the more powerful T8 can manage 189km. That’s a significant improvement from the 89km rating on the existing T8.
There are no visual updates for the XC90, but the T8 variant has been upgraded to same plug-in drivetrain and battery combo as the XC60 T8. Thanks to its larger and heavier body, the XC90 T8 has an EV driving range of 164km.
