Volvo Gives Its XC60 And XC90 Plug-In Hybrids More Than Twice The Electric Range

Volvo's new long-range XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrids can travel up to 78 and 73 miles on electric power, respectively, before the gasoline engine takes over.

Volvo is giving its XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrids a major electric-range upgrade, with the new versions offering more than twice the electric driving range of the models they replace. The 2028-model-year XC60 T8 AWD Long Range can travel up to 78 miles on electric power, while the three-row XC90 T8 AWD Long Range can cover up to 73 miles. Volvo says the two SUVs will offer the longest electric range of any plug-in hybrids available in the U.S.

The Extra Range Comes From A Bigger Battery

The new XC60 and XC90 use a larger floor-integrated battery and a more powerful electric motor to achieve their much greater electric range. Volvo has retained the plug-in hybrid format, meaning the gasoline engine can take over when the battery's charge is depleted or additional power is required.

Both SUVs continue to use Volvo's T8 AWD powertrain, which combines gasoline and electric power for a total output of 455 horsepower. That gives the new long-range versions the ability to function as electric vehicles for a much larger portion of everyday driving without giving up the longer-distance capability of a gasoline-powered SUV.

The difference is particularly significant compared with the current XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrids. Their EPA-estimated electric ranges are 35 and 32 miles, respectively, meaning the new models more than double those figures.

The XC60 Gets The Bigger Range Figure

The XC60 is the more efficient of the two new long-range PHEVs, with up to 78 miles of electric range. Volvo says that figure is enough to cover more than three times the median U.S. daily round-trip commute of 22 miles.

XC60 XC90

That changes how the XC60 T8 can be used. A driver who charges at home and has a relatively short daily commute could potentially complete several days of routine driving without starting the gasoline engine, while still having the combustion engine available for longer journeys.

The XC60 is also receiving a broader update for the 2028 model year. Its exterior gets revised front and rear styling, including a redesigned grille, bumper, hood and front fenders, along with updated Thor's Hammer LED headlights.

The XC90 Brings 73 Miles Of Electric Driving To A Three-Row SUV

The larger XC90 gets the same long-range plug-in hybrid treatment but is rated for up to 73 miles of electric driving. It remains a six- or seven-seat SUV, depending on configuration, making the increased electric range particularly notable for buyers who need a larger family vehicle.

The XC90 continues to combine its gasoline engine with electric propulsion and all-wheel drive, while retaining the 455-hp T8 powertrain. Volvo says the new battery allows the XC90 to more than double the electric range of the existing model.

The XC90's basic proposition remains unchanged: it is still intended to cover long trips without the range considerations of a fully electric vehicle, but its larger battery means owners can spend substantially more time driving without using gasoline.

Volvo Is Using PHEVs As A Bridge To EVs

The longer-range XC60 and XC90 arrive as Volvo continues its transition toward an increasingly electrified lineup. Rather than abandoning plug-in hybrids as fully electric vehicles expand, the company is using a larger battery to make its existing PHEV formula considerably more capable.

That matters because the usefulness of a plug-in hybrid depends heavily on how much driving it can complete electrically. A vehicle with roughly 30 miles of electric range can cover many commutes, but a vehicle capable of more than 70 miles can potentially handle a much larger share of an owner's routine driving without its gasoline engine.

Volvo says the new XC60 and XC90 T8 AWD Long Range models will enter production later this fall, with customer deliveries expected to begin in early 2027. The company has not yet announced U.S. pricing for either model.