Volvo PH launches all-new XC60, XC90 Plug-In Hybrid crossovers
Volvo has long been one of the most low-key luxury brands in the Philippines.
But under the leadership of veteran automotive executive Maria Fe Perez-Agudo of Hariphil Asia Resources Inc., it’s out to show BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus that there’s a whole lot of life left in Sweden’s premier automaker.
Volvo Philippines launched on Wednesday the all-new XC60 Plug-In Hybrid and XC90 Plug-In Hybrid crossovers. Both are powered by a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to a rear-mounted electric motor.
World’s best-selling Volvo
The XC60, which has been in production since 2008, was recently named the best-selling Volvo of all time with over 2.7 million units sold as of press time.
“Growing up in Sweden in the 1980s, the Volvo 240 was the iconic family car – you could spot one in every driveway,” said Volvo Cars head of global offer Susanne Hagglund in a press statement.
“Today, the XC60 has taken over that position in two ways,” she added. “Not only as the family favorite, but also becoming our all-time top-seller, which in itself is the ultimate proof point of a successful car. And now, with the latest update, it gets even better.”
The latest XC60 Plug-In Hybrid has a very strong combined output of 455 horsepower and 709 Newton-meters of torque, which are coursed through all four wheels using an 8-speed automatic gearbox. This means a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds and up to 80 kilometers of WLTP range on a single charge.
This all-new XC60 also comes with mild refresh, particularly the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and asymmetrical front grill. Inside, you get Nordico leather-free upholstery, a crystal gear shifter by Swedish art-glass maker Orrefors and a Harmon Kardon surround-sound system.
And given that this is a Volvo, this crossover comes standard with the most advanced safety features, such as Pilot Assist, collision-avoidance systems and Blind Spot Information System. Other neat features include adaptive air suspension and an attractive wood and aluminum trim.
“The new Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid is for those who choose to raise the bar – versatile and ready for the every, prepared for life’s big moments, and designed to protect what matters most,” said Volvo Philippines president and CEO Perez-Agudo in a press statement.
“It’s a high-breed SUV for drivers who value smart performance and responsible leadership on the road,” she added.
The 2025 XC60 Plug-In Hybrid is priced at P4,550,000.
A rare breed
Meanwhile, the XC90 Plug-In Hybrid is one of the handful of luxury plug-in-hybrid seven-seaters available in the Philippines.
Volvo Phiilppines’ flagship gets the same air suspension and aesthetic refresh as its smaller cousin, as well as the bevy of features that made the brand a pioneer in safety. Inside, the three-row cabin is lined in buttery-soft Nappa leather trim, along with wood-and-aluminum décor and a free-standing center display.
This electrified XC90 has a combined output of 462 horsepower and 709 Newton-meters of torque, also mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Volvo Philippines claims a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.4 seconds and up to 77 kilometers of WLTP battery range.
“The Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid is more than a vehicle that helps us exceed distance through intelligent hybrid technology – it is a symbol of how we, as leaders and individuals, can exceed the bar of responsibility,” said Perez-Agudo in a press statement.
“It represents our commitment to go beyond expectations, to care for people, and to drive meaningful change on the road and in our society,” she added.
The 2025 Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid costs P5,450,000.
Zero deaths on our roads
The launch of these two electrified crossovers coincides with Volvo Philippines’ ongoing “Being Alive” campaign, which aims to eliminate road-crash fatalities in the country.
This involves several initiatives like collaborations with educational institutions, road-safety summits and community-engagement activities that target motorists, pedestrians and commuters. Road crashes are the number-one killers of young people aged 5 to 29 globally as of 2019, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Meanwhile, the 2023 WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety said around 1.19 million people were killed in road crashes worldwide in 2021 – these included 11,096 Filipinos, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Building upon this, the Swedish carmaker showcased on Wednesday its decades of pioneering safety research in an interactive exhibit called “ALIVE: Bringing the World of Volvo to Life” at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Paranaque City.
Besides showing Volvo’s safety innovations and milestones over the decades, the company also showcased one of its most iconic models, the 850 R. Fully restored by Volvo Philippines, this bright-yellow heritage car still packs a mighty punch with its turbocharged 2.3-liter, twin-cam, 20-valve inline-5 gasoline engine producing 237 horsepower and 300 Newton-meters of torque.
“This moment isn’t just about unveiling a product – it’s about affirming a product,” Agudo-Perez said in a press statement. “At Volvo, we see every innovation as an expression of leadership that values life, and a shared responsibility to shape mobility with a mindset for care.”
“Safety isn’t just what we build,” she added. “It is founded on a simple principle: to use technology to continuously improve lives, with safety and sustainability as part of our DNA.”
It looks like Volvo Philippines isn’t just working hard to keep us all alive, but it’s also more alive than ever.
