- The new model could use the same powertrain as the Lynk & Co 08.
- Volvo’s Chinese team is leading the research and development of the SUV.
- Production of the new model could start as soon as early 2025.
Not long after Volvo abandoned its plans to go all-electric by 2030, the Swedish car manufacturer is said to be developing a new plug-in hybrid SUV that it will sell exclusively in China.
This new model, currently codenamed V446, is tipped to be based on the CMA 2 platform and should use the same EM-P PHEV technology found in Lynk & Co models like the 07 sedan and the 08 SUV. In the 08, this system consists of a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and either a single 215 hp electric motor or a dual-motor system consisting of 215 hp and 209 hp motors. Lynk & Co also offers the 08 with 21 kWh and 39.6 kWh battery packs.
Read: Electric Volvos Now Have Access To Tesla Supercharger Stations
It’s not just the powertrain that will be sourced from another model within the Geely Group. The new PHEV will feature the same Flyme Auto in-car software from Meizu that’s used by a slew of Lynk & Co, Galaxy, and Polestar models. However, CarNewsChina understands Volvo is insisting on making some changes to this software to make it “feel more like a Volvo.”.
Leading the research and development for the new model is Volvo’s Chinese team, and the SUV is said to include very little involvement from the brand’s Swedish R&D team. As the vehicle will be sold exclusively in China, it comes as no surprise that it will be built locally.
Volvo to launch new PHEV SUV – but only in China
— Tycho de Feijter (@TychodeFeijter) November 21, 2024
Volvo is a Chinese-Swedish car brand owned by the Geely Group. Volvo is working on a new PHEV SUV that will only be sold in China. The new Volvo is code named V446. It will be based on the CMA platform with Lynk & Co EM-P PHEV… pic.twitter.com/2eJ0OI0qy8
The V446 won’t be the first Volvo model developed with the Chinese market in mind. Twelve months ago, Volvo lifted the veil on the all-electric EM90 MPV and is initially selling it exclusively in China, although it could be offered in other markets moving forward. The EM90 shares its platform with another vehicle from the Geely group, namely the Zeekr 009.
While few details about the Volvo V446 have been confirmed, production of it will reportedly start in early 2025. If that’s the case, then we expect to learn more about it in the not-too-distant future.
