Volvo has unveiled updated versions of its XC60 and three-row XC90 SUVs, featuring subtle exterior tweaks like reworked Thor's Hammer headlights with hidden matrix LED projectors and a slimmer front grille. The bigger change is under the skin: a significantly larger lithium-ion battery pack for the plug-in hybrid T8 powertrain, which Volvo says more than doubles real-world electric-only range compared to the current model. Both SUVs also gain a new 11.2-inch infotainment system running Google's Gemini assistant for conversational voice control.
arstechnica.com
· 2026-09-15
Volvo's updated 2028 XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrids pair the existing 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and electric motors with a larger 41.2-kWh battery, of which 37.9 kWh is usable. This pushes electric-only range to 78 miles on the XC60 and 73 miles on the XC90, up from roughly 35 miles previously, while system output stays at 455 horsepower and total combined range for the XC90 reaches 560 miles. Mild-hybrid B5 and B6 versions without plugs remain available for both models.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-15
Volvo unveiled refreshed plug-in hybrid versions of its XC60 and XC90 SUVs, claiming preliminary EPA-tested electric ranges of 78 miles and 73 miles respectively—more than double their previous PHEV versions. The gains come from larger 41.2 kWh batteries integrated into the vehicle floor, similar to Volvo's EV designs, paired with more powerful motors. Volvo says these figures would make them the longest-range plug-in hybrids sold in the US.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-15
Volvo is giving the XC40 crossover a second midlife update, arriving as the 2028 model year, following an earlier refresh in 2023. The changes center on redesigned front and rear LED light clusters, including a more minimalist take on the 'Thor's Hammer' daytime running lights, plus subtly reshaped, less boxy corners that shrink the vehicle's overall footprint.
arstechnica.com
· 2026-09-14
Volvo has updated the interior of its XC40 and EX40 models with a bigger 11.2-inch touchscreen, up from 9 inches, mounted atop the dashboard rather than recessed into it. The updated software runs the latest Android Automotive build with Google's Gemini assistant, which can adjust vehicle settings, suggest restaurants with dietary details, and recommend scenic routes.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-10
Volvo is bringing back the plug-in hybrid version of its XC40 after a three-year absence, pairing it with a refreshed exterior, new headlight and grille design, and a larger 11.2-inch infotainment screen running Google's Gemini assistant. The updated model, arriving at dealerships early next year, also adds a new sensor-based safety suite and diamond-cut wheel options in three sizes.
theverge.com
· 2026-09-10
Volvo has confirmed a software update bringing Spatial Audio support through Apple CarPlay to the EX90, following earlier plans to add the feature to the EX60 and ES90. The immersive sound experience relies on Dolby Atmos and requires the optional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system with 25 speakers.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-08-26
Volvo is rolling out new connected safety alerts across three electric models—the EX90, ES90, and EX60—that warn drivers about large animals, pedestrians, cyclists, roadwork, and accidents ahead. Rather than relying on crowdsourced apps like Waze, the system uses onboard sensors and cameras from Volvo's own fleet to detect hazards, log their location, and push warnings to other Volvo vehicles on the same road via the cloud. Volvo says over 1 million of its vehicles already support connected safety alerts, and it shares this data with traffic centers and other automakers.
theverge.com
· 2026-08-26
Polestar disclosed in an August 18th dealer letter that it was denied a US Commerce Department waiver allowing continued sales of its electric vehicles, despite officials reportedly signaling approval was likely. The rejection contrasts with sister brand Volvo, which received approval in May 2026 despite similar ties to Chinese owner Geely, forcing Polestar to halt US sales starting with the 2027 model year.
theverge.com
· 2026-08-25
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