Volvo is reportedly planning an even larger three-row flagship SUV, to bepositioned above the current XC90. As reported by Autocar, the new flagship SUV model is aimed at capitalising on growing demand for full-size ‘F-segment’ SUVs particularly in the US and Chinese markets, and bringing the fight to models like the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS.
The report suggests that while the XC90 remains Volvo’s current seven-seat flagship, it may no longer be sufficient for markets where buyers increasingly favour bigger, more imposing three-row SUVs.
Volvo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Håkan Samuelsson has reportedly confirmed that the company is currently studying the feasibility of such a model, noting that “especially in China and the US, the real three-row SUV is a growing and interesting segment.” He added that for now, Volvo’s three-row offerings are limited to the EX90 and XC90.
While the CEO held back from confirming any production plans, he hinted that the new flagship could be built at Volvo’s Charleston plant in South Carolina. He also said that if the company decides to manufacture the model in the US, the model should be well-positioned – price wise – to appeal to local buyers.
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Samuelsson further emphasised that if the model does move forward, Volvo is leaning toward offering it as a hybrid rather than a fully electric vehicle (EV). A fully electric version, he explained, would require batteries so large that achieving a meaningful driving range would be difficult.
With that in mind, the new Volvo flagship SUV could be developed on the same SPA2 platform used by the XC90 and the EX90 EV. Both models are already produced in the US, and Volvo could potentially extend or widen the platform to accommodate a larger footprint.
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Looking East, Volvo’s parent company Geely also offers a potential platform-sharing opportunity with the Zeekr 9X — an ultra-luxury full-size SUV positioned to rival the likes of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Although the Zeekr 9X is even larger than the XC90 and EX90, it is designed as a five-seater due to its more luxury-focused positioning.
The Zeekr 9X is built on Geely’s SEA-R plug-in hybrid (PHEV) platform, which pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with three electric motors for a combined output of 1,381 hp. This enables a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h. Its 70 kWh battery provides an EV-only range of 380 km and a total range of up to 1,200 km under the CLTC cycle.
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