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Volvo XC60 and XC90 gain new plug-in hybrid engines with up to 124 miles of range

Volvo’s plug-in hybrid SUVs will have class-leading all-electric range

Volvo XC60 front driving

On sale Late 2026 Price from £52,000 (est)

Depending on your age, you might remember the 20-year long Space Race between the United States and Soviet Union, which saw huge technical advances in spaceflight as both countries fought to best one another. A similar thing has been happening in the automotive industry, which has seen huge leaps in electrification recently – and Volvo might have just got one up on its competitors with the introduction of new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) tech for its Volvo XC60 and XC90 models, which promises to bring class-leading range.

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Indeed, Volvo has updated its XC60 and XC90 SUVs with all-new electrified power. It has taken the existing PHEV variants of both cars, dubbed T6 and T8, and boosted their battery power to enable them to travel even further without help from their petrol engines.

In T6 guise, the new XC60 PHEV uses a four cylinder, 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as before, but it has swapped its old 18.8kWh (total capacity) battery for a larger 41.2kWh unit, which gives it a very impressive all-electric range of up to 124 miles. That’s further than any other PHEV on the market.

Eleanor Cooper

Updated: 15 September 2026

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It also gets slightly more power from its dual-motor set-up, with an output of 351bhp, but a slightly slower 0-62mph sprint time of 5.7sec compared with its predecessor. That’s likely down to the weight of the bigger battery, but it’s slightly faster than the Audi Q5 e-Hybrid.

Meanwhile, the XC60 T8 uses the same 41.2kWh battery, but due to its larger power output of 421bhp, it has a smaller 117-mile range. That still comfortably beats any other plug-in hybrid on the market, and it’s the version to opt for if you have a need for speed; it completes a 0-62mph sprint in 4.8sec.

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Volvo XC60 rear driving

The new XC90 in PHEV form is available exclusively with the T8 AWD power option, using the same 41.2kWh battery and 421bhp electric motor set-up as its smaller sibling. However, due to its larger size, it has a smaller official all-electric range of 103 miles. Still, that’s further than all of its PHEV rivals, including the BMW X5 (62 miles) and Range Rover Sport (72 miles).

Both cars also can be had with the B5 AWD mild hybrid set-up, which uses the same 2.0-litre engine with a small electric motor and battery for a total output of 247bhp – identical to the outgoing models.

Much like the new XC40 which was revealed last week, the XC60 has received some cosmetic updates throughout both the outside and inside. Outside, it gets a new front end with redesigned ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlights, a slimmer grille and more sculpted lines across the body.

Volvo XC60 interior

Inside, there’s a new dashboard design featuring wood accents and Nappa leather. The XC60’s 11.2in touchscreen now runs the latest version of Volvo’s infotainment software, as seen in newer electric cars like the EX60. As such, it comes with Google integration, including a Google Gemini-powered voice assistant that you can talk to in a natural, conversational way.

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Also new is an upgraded safety computer and software, which adds some new systems such as the ability to warn you of approaching cyclists, and kit including new cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors.

Volvo XC90 rear driving

Changes to the XC90 have been minimal outside of its new plug-in hybrid engine, having only received updates to its exterior looks and interior tech last year. Both cars have the capability of receiving over-the-air (OTA) software updates, which will allow them to stay up-to-date automatically.

The new Volvo XC60 and XC90 will arrive later this year. Full UK pricing and specifications have yet to be revealed, but we expect prices to start at a slight premium over the current cars. For reference, the XC60 currently starts at £49,860, while the XC90 is priced from £66,270.

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