The Swedish brand is expected to begin introducing a second-generation hybrid system into its models, which will include a battery with increased capacity.
Swedish brand Volvo, owned by Chinese holding company Geely, plans to make several changes to its model lineup in 2026. One of these will likely be the arrival of a facelifted version of the Volvo XC40 crossover. Incidentally, last month, Kolesa.ru designer Nikita Chuiko speculated on what the updated compact crossover might look like.
As a reminder, the model debuted in 2017, received its first facelift in 2022, and now appears to be preparing for another update: previously, spy photographers have already caught prototypes of the future new model during road tests. The Volvo XC40 is expected to feature a new front end styled after the flagship XC90 – with new T-shaped daytime running lights, a different grille, as well as new taillights at the rear, while the profile will be adorned with new wheel designs. Changes are also likely in the interior, and technical updates are not ruled out either.
Additionally, the Volvo XC60 appears to be preparing for an update. It is worth noting that the current second-generation Swedish SUV debuted in 2017, received its first refresh in 2021, and a second one relatively recently, in early 2025. Recently, prototypes of the "revised" crossover were again caught by spy photographers. Its exterior will also receive changes in the flagship's style: earlier, our designer speculated on what the facelifted XC60's exterior might look like.
According to the British publication Auto Express, the Swedish brand will likely begin introducing a new second-generation hybrid system into its models. It is reported that this system will include a significantly larger capacity battery, allowing vehicles to rely much less on the internal combustion engine, thereby improving fuel efficiency.
The publication noted that the new plug-in hybrid setup may more closely resemble the Extended Range PHEV system used in the Volvo XC70, which debuted in China. As a reminder, the base crossover has front-wheel drive, and the system includes a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, a pair of electric motors, and a traction battery with a capacity of 21.2 kWh. The combined output is 318 hp. The all-wheel-drive version gets an additional separate electric motor on the rear axle, with a battery capacity of 39.6 kWh. Total power is 462 hp, the range on electric power alone exceeds 200 km, and in hybrid mode, it exceeds 1,200 km.
In the future (not this year), the brand may prepare a new model, which could possibly be a wagon. It is not ruled out that it will be based on the modular SPA3 platform, which would link the potential "estate" with the mid-size electric crossover Volvo EX60, which debuted in January 2026. However, there is currently no official confirmation of the information about the upcoming wagon, although Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson has not ruled out the possibility of such a project.
It is reported that part of Volvo's new strategy includes developing models specifically for the Chinese market (with the help of Geely), as well as vehicles created for the American market. The latter will run on various types of fuel and are planned to be sold in Europe as well. Details about these new models will emerge later.
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