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Currently, Volvo’s SUV lineup offers three models. Mid-size three-row XC90 is one of the most luxurious vehicles in its segment. In the compact segment, we have XC60, while the XC40 is subcompact crossover. The smallest vehicle is the youngest one, released in 2017. Now, the Swedish company is planning the expansion to other classes. The strongest rumors are pointing to 2020 Volvo XC70. According to the nomenclature, this one should take the position between compact and mid-size model. A five-seater is going to offer better handling and fuel economy than the XC90. Compared to XC60 there will be more power and extra safety.
The XC70 used to be a variation of the V70 executive car. For the first time, fans met XC70 during 1997. Then, it was also called V70 Cross Country. Compared to the base car, the special edition had more ground clearance and it was available only with an AWD. There were also other cosmetic differences, but these two set up the direction of development for the new crossover. However, the company discontinued the V70 in 2016. Now, part of the lineup will be revived with the comeback of the 2020 Volvo XC70.
2020 Volvo XC70 To be Slotted Between XC60 and XC90
Definitely, Volvo will need more SUVs. The premium carmaker is very popular. It is among leaders in the mid-size class. But, they need depth. The 2020 Volvo XC70 will provide that, probably as a mid-size model with five seats. Everything will depend on its size. Currently, the largest SUV is 195 inches long with 117.5 in wheelbase. It is 10 and 5 inches more than the XC60. The new SUV should be somewhere between.
If we compare it to the compact crossover, the XC70 will probably use stronger engines. The downside is a higher consumption. On the other hand, the larger vehicle is safer, but again, more expensive. Pros over XC60 become cons versus XC90. Better handling, fuel economy and price are advantages if you are going after 2020 Volvo XC70. The larger SUV established its name as one of the most advanced vehicles in the class. The new one will hardly match the offer of five different drive setups, including a plug-in hybrid.
Read more about XC90:
2020 Volvo XC90 Redesign, Hybrid, T8, Interior
2020 Volvo XC70 Drivetrains
Volvo has an interesting strategy in grading its engine configurations. The 2.0- liter four-cylinder drivetrain is the base for all of them. But, you will choose, T4, T5, T6… As you can guess, the higher the number next to T is, the more power the engine produces. XC60 and XC90 are using the same drivetrains. So, the 2020 Volvo XC70 will probably use all of them as well.
The base setup is T5. It combines a four-pot unit with a turbocharger and eights-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to front wheels. Optionally, you can pick an all-wheel drive. The total output of this system is 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The XC70 will return around 25 mpg combined with FWD and 23 mpg if you opt for AWD. A supercharged 2.0 engine is the T6 configuration. With this boost, the drivetrain is capable to burst 315 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. On both XC70’s siblings, the engine sends power only to all wheels. A higher output causes a higher consumption, and the gas mileage drops to 22 mpg. Start/stop system helps you in saving some fuel. However, drivers are being annoyed with its rough restarts.
Plug-In Hybrid
Last but not the least interesting setup is a plug-in hybrid. Again, the 2.0-l four-cylinder engine is there, this time supercharged/turbocharged and paired with an electric motor. The system distributes power to all wheels exclusively, and an 8-speed gearbox is a router. Popular T8 configuration is good for 400 hp and 472 pound-feet of torque. The advantage of this system is that can ride by using electric power only. However, the range is only 20 miles. Volvo is developing the new generation of charges, which will cut the current 2.5 hours to 90 minutes or less for a full refill. The home outlets will need 4 hours.
When Will 2020 Volvo XC70 Be Available?
The new SUV in Volvo’s lineup is not coming so soon. We can see it next year as a concept before the company starts production. Currently, the carmaker is working on some other platforms. Five electric cars will be out in the next two years. We must add the 2020 Volvo XC70 to this list, with Concept XC being one of the future vehicles. Well, the company said they want to develop small models. The XC70 misses this one, but there is definitely a need for a fresh SUV.
As for all other things, the 2020 Volvo XC70 will cost less than XC90 and more than a smaller crossover. We can expect it somewhere around $45,000. With more powerful T6, the price will be increased to $50k-$55k. Top of the line plug-in hybrid T8 AWD should cost around $65,000.
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