Volvo’s compact executive sedan could return as a plug-in hybrid, with spy shots from China pointing to a possible successor to the S60 that may revive the S70 name.
Volvo’s Plug-In Hybrid Plans
Volvo has adjusted its approach to electrification, shifting from plans to become a purely electric vehicle automaker to becoming a fully electrified car company by 2030. Under that strategy, plug-in hybrids are expected to remain available well into the 2030s.
The Swedish automaker is already preparing its next-generation plug-in hybrid powertrains. Its best-selling XC60 is set to receive a new system with far greater battery range than its rivals, while a similar update could also be expected for the XC90.
Now, spy shots from China suggest Volvo could also be preparing a new sedan and potentially expanding its next-generation plug-in hybrid technology beyond its SUV lineup.
A Possible New Volvo PHEV Sedan
Various sources in China have spotted what is claimed to be a new Volvo sedan that could be unveiled soon. Based on its appearance, the vehicle may be the successor to the S60, Volvo’s long-running alternative to the German compact executive sedans.
If that is the case, the new model would continue Volvo’s line of compact executive sedans, which dates back to the 140 Series in the ’60s.
The spy shots also appear to provide an important clue about the vehicle’s powertrain. A photograph of the car’s underchassis shows an exhaust system, while glimpses of bright orange cables can also be seen underneath the car.
Given Volvo’s current roadmap, those details point toward the possibility of a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Could Volvo Bring Back the S70 Name?
Volvo has not confirmed or denied its plans for a new sedan. The retirement of the S60 currently leaves the company without an entry in the compact executive market, making a potential successor particularly notable.
The new sedan has been suggested as a possible S70, reviving a name Volvo used from 1996 to 2000. The original S70 was essentially a heavily updated version of the popular 850 before eventually being succeeded by the S60.
Volvo then continued using the S60 name, but the possible return of the S70 badge would bring back a name from the company’s past.
Potential Platforms for the New Sedan
The possible new sedan could use one of the current plug-in hybrid platforms co-developed by the two brands. Two potential candidates are CMA Evo and CMA 3.0.
CMA Evo currently underpins the revived XC70, which has so far been fairly popular in China. However, it remains unknown whether Volvo plans to export the XC70 outside China.
CMA 3.0 is the newer of the two platforms. It underpins a variety of Lynk & Co products as well as the mid-size Smart vehicles.
Will the Volvo S70 Come to the U.S.?
The potential S70’s availability in the United States could depend on where Volvo ultimately produces the sedan. Unless Volvo plans to build the model outside China, the S70 could have a difficult time making it stateside.
For now, Volvo has not confirmed the sedan, its name or its production plans. The spy shots nevertheless point to the possibility of a new compact executive sedan and a potential return of the S70 name as Volvo continues developing its plug-in hybrid lineup.
