The future of the Volvo XC60 goes through a total transformation. Volvo’s popular SUV will change its name and adopt a more familiar design. In addition, and as far as the mechanical section is concerned, it will bet without complexes on electrification by incorporating a 100% electric mechanics into its range. A model that will be ready to debut in the year 2025.
Volvo is carrying out preparations to get down to work and focus on the process of developing a model that will be key in its immediate future. Once the fate facing the Volvo XC90 has been clarified, it is time to focus on the model that occupies a middle position in the range. An SUV halfway between the XC40 and the aforementioned XC90. Logically, we refer to the Volvo XC60.
But, Will there be a third generation of the XC60? Scheduled to see the light in the year 2024 and reach dealerships a model of 2025, the Swedish manufacturer has on the agenda the development of a completely new SUV. A vehicle that will even change its name. A decisive measure that will, in the end, cut any link and link with the SUV that we can find today in European dealerships.
The successor to the Volvo XC60 will be revealed in 2024
This new model, whose name is unknown today, will play a leading role in helping Volvo reach its electric car sales targets. In the convulsive 2021 marked by the stock crisis in dealerships due to the global shortage of microchips, electric cars represented only 6.5% of Volvo’s global sales. This percentage must be increased to 50% by 2025.
In the range of the successor to the XC60 there will be a 100% electric mechanic. Volvo’s new electric SUV, the “big brother” of the XC40 Recharge, will have to face, among others, the BMW iX3. It will be the company’s first model to use batteries made by Volvo and Northvolt’s new joint venture. A company that will start up a production center for batteries for electric vehicles in Sweden.
On the other hand, and due to the great popularity of the current XC60 with thermal engines, Volvo is expected to keep it in its portfolio for a period of time so that it coexists with this new model. That is to say, the same strategy that the brand will follow with the XC90. In the absence of official confirmation, current reports indicate that it will be supported by the SPA2 platforman architecture compatible with 100% electric and plug-in hybrid mechanics.
In search of profitability with the electric successor to the Volvo XC60
Volvo has decided to delay the full electrification of its best-selling SUV for as long as possible for good reason. Björn Annwall, CFO at Volvo, explained that while it has to do with the life cycles of the company’s models, profitability is also key: “We launched the XC90 before the XC60, so while we were looking to update the XC90, we decided to make it completely electric. There’s continuous improvement of the technology we use for each of the cars, and then it’s even more important to have a fully cost-competitive situation when we get to the XC60. It’s easier to do it if it’s a little later.”
Volvo’s high position highlights the need for technology to continue to become cheaper so that, in certain segments, acceptable profit margins can be achieved. Last but not least, he assured that the successor to the XC60 will have autonomous driving functions and a high level of connectivity.
Source: coach