This image sourced from the Swedish magazine, Auto Motor & Sport, was taken outside the Volvo factory in Sweden. Although we don’t expect to see the car officially until the second half of next year, these spy images reveals the car’s exterior in almost full detail.

Major changes over the previous car include the large rear brake lights that dominate the tail-end, and a much smoother look overall. The bumpers and side-cladding have also grown and covers much more of the car, while the front end styling is sharper with larger headlamps and a longer bonnet. Otherwise the car shares much in common with the S80 on which it’s based.

Engine options will also be shared with the S80, which means there will be a range-topping model equipped with the 315hp V8 combined with AWD. Another option is an E85 powered 2L four-cylinder that will develop roughly 200hp and go head-to-head with Saab’s upcoming BioPower range of cars. Expect some diesel variants plus a possible 370hp performance R-version powered by a 4.4L V8. Follow the jump for more information plus full sized images.

Volvo's adding some truckish cues to the XC70's exterior in celebration of its move to the EUCD platform. The shiny accents around the fog lamps, along the rockers, and in the rear fascia recall some ambulance conversions we've seen. The Tupperware theme of the current XC is carried over to the new wagon: we wish they'd stop. It looks okay when the car's new, but once a couple of years have passed the plastic looks chalky and takes on a mackerel pattern. The V70 wagon is handsome, the XC has always looked like its buck-toothed cousin; this trend continues. For 2008, Volvo's added a retainer-esque piece of shinyness to the chin spoiler, and the grille has grown significantly.

Posted on Monday 5 March 2007


Volvo has finally released official details and images for its new XC70 after months of speculation and leaked spy-shots. Powering the all new estate is a naturally aspirated 3.2L straight-six gasoline engine developing 238hp with peak torque of 320Nm.

Volvo also offers a version powered by its second generation 2.4L turbo-diesel five-cylinder with 185hp and 400Nm on tap. The inline six engine features an aluminium block and head, and is available only with a six-speed Geartronic auto transmission with manual shift mode. The D5 turbo diesel packs an electronically controlled turbocharger and is available either with a conventional six-speed manual or the Geartronic auto. The 0 – 60mph time for the gasoline powerplant is achieved in 8.8 seconds with a top speed of 134mph, while the diesel takes just 8.1 seconds and manages the same top speed.

The XC70 rides on an all-new chassis that incorporates high-strength steel in its construction. The result is a 15% increase in rigidity over the predecessor. The all new XC70 is also fitted with Volvo’s DSTC (dynamic stability and traction control) system, which enhances cornering stability and reduces the risk of a skid by utilising feedback from numerous dynamic sensors to reduce engine torque and apply carefully calculated braking. Volvo also offers its Four-C active chassis technology with electronic damper control for improved dynamic ability.

Pricing will be revealed closer to the sales launch in September, and Volvo expects to shift up to 40,000 units per year worldwide.