Volvo prepares to refresh a pair of SUVs, with a new estate potentially following

The Swedish brand is expected to begin introducing its second-generation hybrid system into its models, which will include a larger-capacity battery.

Swedish brand Volvo, owned by Chinese holding company Geely, plans to make several changes to its model range in 2026. One of these will likely be the arrival of a facelifted version of the Volvo XC40 SUV. Incidentally, last month, Kolesa.ru designer Nikita Chuiko speculated on what the updated compact crossover might look like.

To recap, the model first appeared in 2017, underwent its first facelift in 2022, and now appears to be preparing for another update: spy photographers have previously spotted 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, and revised rear lights, while the profile will be adorned with new alloy wheels. Changes are also likely inside the cabin, and technical updates are not out of the question.

Furthermore, the Volvo XC60 also appears to be gearing up 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 more recently, in early 2025. Recently, prototypes of this further 'revised' SUV have been caught on camera by spy photographers. Its exterior will also adopt changes inspired by the flagship model: our designer previously speculated on what the facelifted XC60's exterior might look like.

According to 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 will include a significantly larger-capacity battery, allowing the cars 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 fitted to the Volvo XC70, which debuted in China. To recap, the base crossover has front-wheel drive, and the system comprises a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a pair of electric motors, and a traction battery with a capacity of 21.2 kWh. Total output is 318 bhp. The all-wheel-drive version gets an additional separate electric motor on the rear axle, and its battery capacity is 39.6 kWh. Combined power is 462 bhp, the electric-only range is over 200 km, and in hybrid mode, it exceeds 1,200 km.

Further down the line (not this year), the brand may prepare a new model, which could potentially be an estate car. It is possible that this will be based on the modular SPA3 platform, which would link this 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 regarding a forthcoming estate, 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 involves 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 different fuel types and are planned to be sold in Europe as well. Details about these new models will emerge later.