Latest news with #plug-in hybrid
Auto Car
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
The Volvo XC70 is returning – but it's not a chunky, off-road estate any more...
New Volvo SUV is designed primarily for the Chinese market but a global launch is under consideration Open gallery New XC70 sits between XC60 and XC90 but uses a new REx-oriented platform It promises an electric range of up to 124 miles A full reveal is scheduled in the coming months Close Volvo is reviving the XC70 name for a new long-range plug-in hybrid SUV for the Chinese market. The company's first "extended-range plug-in hybrid" has been previewed for the first time today ahead of a reveal in the coming months and a launch later this year. Volvo says the new XC70 is designed specifically "to meet the demand for longer-range plug-in hybrids in China" but also says it will explore "potential additional markets at a later stage". Technical details remain sparse, but Volvo has promised a pure-electric range of up to 124 miles, which is more than double what the similarly sized Volvo XC60 PHEV can achieve. The XC70 is described as slightly larger than the XC60 and looks essentially like a downscaled XC90, but rather than being a close technical relation of that car, it is based on a new architecture designed specifically for range-extended electric vehicles (REXs). The Scalable Modular Architecture, or SMA, is said to be "a premium extended-range plug-in hybrid architecture", but no details of its relationship to Volvo's other platforms – or indeed those from the wider Geely group, of which Volvo is a part – have been given. Geely-owned sibling company Lotus is also investing in extended-range hybrids over the coming years in response to lower than anticipated demand for pure-electric luxury cars, and Coventry-based LEVC (also owned by Geely) has been using an REx powertrain in its Volvo-engined TX taxi since 2017. However, while those two firms are using combustion engines as a generator to top up a traction battery, Volvo's new XC70 is a more conventional plug-in hybrid. Nonetheless, the XC70 will help the firm cater to huge demand for extended-range hybrids in China, and its announcement follows the recent unveiling of the new China-oriented Volkswagen ID Era range-extender concept at the Shanghai motor show. That car – similar in size to the XC70 – has been engineered in partnership with MG owner SAIC to target the burgeoning market for RExs in China, with companies like Li Auto, Leapmotor and Avatr among the biggest players. However, like Volvo, Volkswagen's sales and marketing boss told Autocar that a global launch was not off the table: "Range-extenders today are already a very big thing in China. They will be of relevance in North America and we are convinced they will also have relevance in Europe." Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson said long-range hybrid technology provides "a perfect bridge to full electrification" amid a slowing of demand for pure-EVs. "It enables us to maintain and develop a balanced product portfolio, while offering a highly attractive alternative to customers who are not yet ready for fully electric cars. This is also an example of regionalisation, where we adapt to the local market needs," he said. The XC70 has an especially important role to play for Volvo as the company embarks on a wide-reaching global cost-cutting drive in response to industry "turbulence" and a "challenging external environment". Even amid that turbulence, Volvo said it "remains firm on its ambition of becoming a fully electric car company", but just a fifth of its sales in the first quarter of 2025 were electric, and it said "premium plug-in hybrids provide a pragmatic bridge for customers not yet ready to switch". The XC70 name has been dormant since 2016, when the off-road version of the third-generation V70 estate was taken off sale. It was originally called the V70 XC, with 'XC' standing for 'Cross Country'. Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you'll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here. Next Prev In partnership with
Motor 1
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The New Audi A6 Plug-In Hybrid Has a Decent Electric Range
The new A6 hasn't even gone on sale in the United States yet, but Audi is already expanding the lineup in Europe. Both the sedan and wagon are now offered as plug-in hybrids based on a four-cylinder engine. A major upgrade over the previous PHEV version is the battery, which now has a net capacity of 20.7 kWh, or about 45 percent more than before. That translates to a solid electric range, potentially enough to handle daily driving without using the engine. These upscale PHEVs can travel up to 66 miles (106 kilometers) on a single charge in the combined cycle before the combustion engine kicks in. Stick with the slightly lighter sedan, and Audi says you can get up to 69 miles (111 kilometers) in the city. The quickest way to deplete the battery, mounted under the rear section, is to drive on the Autobahn at the electronically limited 87 mph (140 km/h) in EV mode. With the engine running, the plug-in hybrid A6 can hit 155 mph (250 km/h). Photo by: Audi Two versions are available: one with 295 hp and another with 362 hp. If those figures sound familiar, it's because the new A5 plug-in hybrid has identical outputs. The two models are closely related, both riding on the Premium Platform Combustion. Logic tells us that PPC could also underpin Porsche's upcoming gas-powered Macan successor , which is expected later this decade. The base A6 PHEV makes 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque and does 0–62 mph (100 km/h) in six seconds flat. Step up to the more powerful version and get 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) and a sprint time of just 5.3 seconds. If you want something quicker, a V-6 3.0-liter mild-hybrid model does the job in 4.7 seconds. Of course, the upcoming S6 and RS6 will be even faster. The plug-in hybrid is the wise choice for those prioritizing efficiency and want to move on from diesel. Audi has increased AC charging capacity to 11 kW, enabling a full charge in just two and a half hours. Both PHEVs have rear-wheel steering, a dual-clutch automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive. The 141-horsepower electric motor is integrated into the seven-speed S Tronic gearbox's housing. Audi says full torque is available 'at close to idle speed,' helping these models get off the line effortlessly. 2026 Audi A6 plug-in hybrid 31 Source: Audi The electrified A6 is significantly quieter than its predecessor, thanks to a 30 percent increase in sound insulation. The same improvements apply to conventionally powered versions, which now get acoustic glazing on the rear-side windows and tighter door and window seals. Additional noise reduction comes from foam rings in the tires on cars equipped with 19-inch wheels and larger. Audi also reworked the engine and transmission mount bushings and optimized the shape of the gear teeth to reduce mechanical noise. In Germany, the A6 Sedan E-Hybrid starts at €65,800 for the base model and from €68,300 for the more powerful version. The more practical A6 Avant E-Hybrid begins at €75,050 and €77,550, respectively. That price gap between the two power levels also reflects added standard equipment like S Line trim inside and out, larger wheels, a sport suspension, and red brake calipers. Deliveries in Europe begin this summer. Keep Up With Audi: The New Audi RS5 Sounds Pretty Darn Good Audi Will Launch an Entry-Level Electric Car in 2026 Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Audi Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
