On May 7th, Volvo unveiled its all-new SMA architecture and the first vehicle based on this architecture – the all-new Volvo XC70. This new car is the first model under Volvo’s SMA architecture. Its exterior showcases Volvo’s new-generation family design language, which is both innovative and retains tradition, perfectly blending the family style with the new design. However, only the exterior was revealed this time; the interior will be shown at a later date.
The Volvo XC70, a V70 variant born from the P2 platform, is known for its unique crossover wagon design. Unlike its sibling models, the XC90 and the popular XC60, the XC70 offered higher ground clearance and a more rugged exterior. The second-generation XC70 accompanied us from 2000 to 2007 until it was replaced by the more premium third-generation XC70.
Today, Volvo is bringing back the “XC70” name to the historical stage and plans to launch it within this year. As an all-new model, the new XC70 has no direct inheritance from the old XC70 but borrows this classic name.
Despite not being a direct successor to the old crossover wagon, the new XC70 has many highlights worth noting. Firstly, this model will be the first Volvo vehicle built on the all-new SMA architecture. Its core feature is that the new XC70, based on the SMA architecture, will offer a more efficient plug-in hybrid system. It is predicted that the new XC70 will no longer use the existing P1+P4 structure, nor will it be equipped with a traditional multi-speed gearbox. In short, the new XC70 will adopt a series-parallel hybrid structure common in the Chinese new energy vehicle market and will be equipped with P1, P2, and P4 three-motor configurations. For specific configurations, refer to the hybrid system of the Lynk & Co 08 EM-P.
In addition to introducing the SMA architecture at the launch event, the most important part was, of course, the debut of the new XC70. This car fills the gap between the 70 series and the 90 series. Although the body dimensions were not announced, judging from the on-site vehicle size and official materials, it is expected to be positioned as a mid-to-large-sized SUV.
Although it’s a hybrid model, the front face design resembles that of a pure electric vehicle because the entire grille uses a closed shield-shaped design without any messy lines or curves. The upper half of the front face gives a very clean, neat, minimalist, and restrained feeling.
The rearview mirror design shows good texture. Additionally, despite being a hybrid model, the XC70 still uses hidden door handles.
The tires look very thin and very large, with dimensions of 255/40 R21, using Goodyear ElectricDrive A6 tires. A 40 aspect ratio is actually not excessively low. I personally really like the wheel design, which balances low wind resistance without being too boring.
This car does not use a continuous taillight design, but there is still a black trim strip running across both sides of the rear. This line allows the rear, despite using a minimalist design, to avoid looking very monotonous and lacking personality, instead adding some layers.
In addition, the license plate fixing position is placed lower, so that the license plate does not become the visual focal point, making the overall look cleaner and simpler.
At this debut, although only the exterior design was revealed, it can be seen that this car did not excessively pursue the so-called “minimalist” or “extremely luxurious” design. This simple Nordic design may not catch the eye of many people at first glance, but it won’t quickly become tiresome over time.
During this launch, the manufacturer also introduced the SMA Super Hybrid Architecture. Why is it named “SMA”? The “S” actually has four meanings: Scalable, Smart, Safety, and Sustainability. “M” stands for Modular, referring to the super hybrid module that supports a pure electric range of 200km (CLTC standard). “A” stands for Architecture. In the current era of pursuing intelligence, Volvo is probably one of the fastest-moving luxury brands. The SMA architecture features a sustainably evolving electrical and electronic system, sustainably evolving assisted driving, and a continuously iterating intelligent cockpit. Furthermore, during the production process, the manufacturing steps will be reviewed for potential hazards to assembly workers, and if any are found, those steps will be improved, fully demonstrating Volvo’s human-centered brand philosophy.
The fact that this car is named XC70 shows Volvo’s emphasis on this vehicle. After all, the XC70 can be said to be the ancestor of Volvo’s SUVs. Although the complete information about this car has not yet been released, it is gratifying that it has not completely lost its persistence or design in order to cater to the market. Instead, it has further refined various details. In this highly competitive market, Volvo, as a traditional brand, has presented such a “main course” that caters to the Chinese market, which is very exciting, especially for those consumers who want to switch from traditional luxury brands to new energy vehicles but do not want to be limited by “charging” and do not want to embrace new emerging brands so quickly. The new XC70 should be the “only solution” for this group of people.
