Free space! New electric crossover to take place between Volvo's XC60 and XC90 SUVs in 2024 to compete against BMW iX and Audi e-tron

The design of the unnamed electric crossover is expected to be based on the Volvo Recharge concept.

Volvo has successfully and truly moved from being a smart station wagon company to fully embracing SUVs, and it looks like the range is about to get even bigger.

In accordance with Automotive News The Chinese-owned Swedish brand is set to place a new all-electric crossover between its existing XC60 midsize car and the XC90 large SUV, according to the report.

The report says the new electric vehicle will be built at the Charleston, South Carolina plant from 2025, and at one of Volvo's factories in China from 2024.

It's unclear what name the model will get, but it could resurrect the old XC70 moniker that was used for the jaded version of the V70 station wagon, or adopt the XC80.

The C70 or C80 could also be on the list, given the recent introduction of the C40 name for a coupe-style crossover that sits alongside the XC40. Given that Volvo is reportedly moving from alphanumeric to alpha code with the next XC90, which will be called Embla, it may even adopt the new name.

Whatever it's called, the new model will be based on a new electric platform, likely the next generation of Scalable Product Architecture (SPA2), and will have advanced driver assistance features for semi-autonomous driving.

The next generation XC60 and XC90 versions are expected to be based on the SPA2, with all-electric versions also available.

Given its expected size and positioning, the new Volvo EV model could be a new competitor for the just-released BMW iX, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQE and Audi e-tron Sportback, as well as models from major competitors such as the Volkswagen ID. .5, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Nissan Ariya.

In terms of design, expect it to build on last year's striking Recharge concept. The XC90 replacement is expected to have a design inspired by the sleek concept.

Volvo previously announced plans to phase out internal combustion engines and become an EV-only brand by 2030. It already sells the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric small SUV and will be joined in Australia by the C40 Pure Electric coupe later this year.

The company recently announced that it is investing 10 billion SEK ($1.5 billion) in its production center in Sweden to ramp up electric vehicle production, and is also investing heavily in Northvolt to build its own batteries.