Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid Could Top 100 Miles Of Electric Range

All-Time Best-Seller

The 200 Series may be Volvo‘s most definitive model, but it’s the XC60 that serves as the Swedish automaker’s all-time best-selling vehicle. Over 2.7 million XC60s have been sold since 2008, surpassing the iconic 200 Series in 2025. Not only that, the crossover managed to achieve over 2.5 million units sold more quickly than the boxy legend.

It’s safe to say that the XC60 remains one of Volvo’s best business decisions. Without it, the brand would effectively have one hand tied behind its back if it relied solely on the XC90. The segment it competes in is now one of the most hotly contested segments in the world. With the way things are going, we wouldn’t be too surprised if it becomes the first Volvo model to break three million units.

Big Changes Coming Soon

As much as we were hoping for a full redesign of the XC60, it’s been confirmed that it will get yet another facelift. That said, it won’t be a light one, as it’ll effectively be an overhaul of many things under the hood.

We can expect freshened-up styling on the outside, as hinted by the spy shots published earlier this year. We can’t tell the extent of the changes at the moment, but it will most certainly follow the design language set by the EX90 and EX60. Interior and tech enhancements are a given.

But the most important change here would be the plug-in hybrid system. After the hiccups of the earlier models, Volvo has simplified it and has been proving more reliable since the shift. However, the current model’s EV-only range of 35 miles has been far surpassed by the Germans. So, for 2028, Automotive News reports that it’ll be getting a larger and more energy-dense battery pack for even greater efficiency.

Bold Target

The size and composition of the battery weren’t mentioned, but there are bold claims for its range. Automotive News mentioned that it’ll be double that of one of the XC60’s competitors, the Mercedes-Benz GLC. For reference, the GLC 350e has an EPA-rated electric range of 54 miles, so Volvo’s target is a little over 100 miles.

Per the EPA, the current XC60 PHEV has a rating of 63 MPGe. With nearly triple the range, the 2028 model could reach 80 MPGe, and 90 MPGe isn’t out of the picture. Going back to the GLC 350e, it’s rated at 64 MPGe.

What Lies Ahead

Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson also hinted that future Volvo models could get a range-extender powertrain down the line. It will still likely be similar to a plug-in hybrid system, but the engine will merely serve as a generator to constantly top up the battery. Similar to Nissan‘s e-Power technology, this arrangement should see massive gains in economy.

The CEO added that this type of system is currently being developed for the next-generation XC90, saying, “It will behave like an electric car with fast acceleration and a quiet ride.” Should that prove successful, there’s a good chance it will be applied to the XC60, presumably the redesigned model.