After the launch of the XC90 successor and the 3, Volvo and Polestar will each turn their attention to introducing new entry-level electric SUVs in the coming years. Volvo is understood to be working on a premium-oriented compact crossover in the vein of the Mercedes-Benz EQA that will play a key role in the brand’s ambition for EVs to account for 50 percent of its global sales by 2025.
- New SUV to not follow alpha-numeric name scheme
- Expected to feature a streamlined design
Volvo’s new small electric SUV
Previously tipped to take either the XC20 or C20 moniker, it has now been confirmed to follow the XC90 replacement in adopting a new name and, like that car, will sit high off the ground, but feature a streamlined silhouette to maximise efficiency.
It will be the first Volvo model to sit on Geely’s new ‘open-source’ SEA platform, first used for the new 001 shooting brake from nascent Chinese premium brand Zeekr. The 001, which is set to be offered globally from next year, comes with either an 86kWh or 100kWh battery for a maximum range of 700km, hinting at the long-range potential of any platform-sharing Volvo model.
Notably, Zeekr claims it can charge at speeds of up to 360kW, which allows for 120km of range to be added in just five minutes. However, the 001’s 542hp twin-motor drivetrain is likely to remain the preserve of performance-focused models.
Other headlining features of the SEA architecture include its automatically lowering suspension, facial recognition functionality and ‘full-life’ over-the-air update compatibility.
Polestar SUV to sit between the 2 and 3
Polestar’s second SUV, due in 2023, will sit between the 2 and 3 in terms of size and features, and have similarly rakish proportions to the flagship model, despite being positioned as a more mass-market proposition. Although it will sit lower to the ground than the 3 and has a more heavily curved roofline, Polestar boss Thomas Ingenlath said it will not “compromise much” on interior space.
Its size and positioning suggest it will be closely related to Volvo’s existing XC40 Recharge and, as such, could use the same CMA architecture as that car and its 2 stablemate. This would mean the option of front and all-wheel drive, and a choice of either 64kWh or 78kWh batteries.
Volvo to enter EV market in India in 2022
Volvo recently updated the XC60, S90 and XC90, and replaced the diesel engines on these three cars with new mild-hybrid petrol units. Volvo is also set to enter the luxury EV market with the launch of the all-electric XC40 Recharge next year. The Recharge will be Volvo's first EV for the Indian market with the carmaker planning to launch one new EV every year.
Are you looking forward to seeing the new entry-level, electric luxury SUVs? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also see:
Volvo XC90 petrol mild-hybrid launched at Rs 89.90 lakh; replaces the diesel version
2021 Volvo S90 facelift review, test drive