At the beginning of the year, Volvo launched the EX60, the first product on its new SPA3 platform, and earlier this week, it revealed the 2028 model year XC60 and XC90 PHEVs. Now, the Swedish automaker has announced that these product launches were just the beginning of a new strategy that will include at least 13 new vehicles by the end of 2030. It’s the most ambitious product plan in the brand’s history, and the incoming arrivals will be tailored to each region, seven of which are earmarked for sale in the U.S. and Europe and six of which will be specific to China.
Volvo Plans New Vehicles, Including ‘Low’ Cars
Volvo did not provide specifics on what the new vehicles will be, only saying that its next EV would launch in 2027 on the SPA3 architecture, but it has previously admitted that it was too heavy on SUVs, and the sales charts reflect that. Moreover, the brand and its CEO have previously hinted that wagons may return to its dealerships before too long, and the SPA3 platform is suitable for “low” cars like sedans and station wagons. Technically, it may even be used for a sports car of some sort, but that would be among the last avenues Volvo would explore. Fortunately, we don’t have long to wait before Volvo will give us an idea of where it’s headed, with a new concept car coming in spring 2027 to preview future designs.
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Volvo’s presentation included imagery of the Volvo P1800 ES shooting brake from the 1960s (1972 model pictured above) when hinting at what’s on the way, while the automaker’s chief technical officer, Alexander Petrofski, said, “I think it would be fantastic if a brand like Volvo could bring back wagons, so stay tuned, more to come.” 2027 is Volvo’s centenary year, and the concept could well be a two-door wagon, and if the reception received is good enough, Volvo may well pursue the practical yet sporty body style. The company claims its platform is better than a traditional skateboard architecture, especially for design, says recently reappointed design boss Thomas Ingenlath, allowing for “really attractive proportioned low cars, and we will fully embrace it and have very exciting products coming up for that.”
Bringing Back Buttons, Adding Bigger SUVs for America
Related: Polestar’s New Design Looks a Lot Like the Volvo It Left Behind
Volvo is working on a new SPA3-based midsize electric SUV for America, planned to slot between the EX60 and EX90, but gas-powered vehicles will sit atop the SPA2 platform, which the aforementioned 2028 XC60 and XC90 are underpinned by. Fortunately, third-gen hybrids are also in development, and there have been many reports about an SUV large enough to rival the Cadillac Escalade. Another interesting takeaway is that Volvo plans to improve the interior experience. Ingenlath revealed that Volvo is “not going away from touchscreen [systems], it’s just to use the screen for what it’s good at.” He added that Volvo will be thoughtful about where buttons will be reintroduced, saying there won’t be “rows and rows of interchangeable buttons” again.” Likening the goal for switchgear feel to that of a classic Leica camera, he said that “it’s about the sensation and the sensual quality that such an interaction can give in terms of premiumness, the experience, the luxury of high-quality materials, the luxury of this great sound that that button will create.” He elaborated by saying that each buttons should look and feel unique, with some bing twisted, others being clicked up or down, or pressed in and out. Along with the potential for a new logo and grille, it seems Volvo wants to refresh its image without reinventing it, and going back to sedans and wagons while simultaneously offering bigger, more luxurious SUVs may help. Let’s see how the next four years go.
