2027 Volvo XC60 & XC90 facelift: Still here, still going, now with 200 km EV range and Google Gemini

Nine years is a long time for any car. Eleven years is longer still. And that's how long the current-generation Volvo XC60 and XC90 have been with us.

Both models are still in their second generation, but Volvo isn't done with them yet. The company has just announced another major update for the two SUVs, bringing fresh styling and technology, and a much bigger upgrade to their plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.

200 km electric range

According to Volvo, the biggest change comes under the skin. The XC60 gets a larger floor-mounted battery and a more powerful electric motor, giving it up to 200 km of electric range. The larger XC90, meanwhile, can travel up to 160 km on electric power alone.

That is more than two and a half times the electric range of the current versions. For everyday driving, that could cover a sizeable part of the routine — commuting around town, taking the kids to school or making a quick trip to the shops — without needing to use the petrol engine.

For longer journeys, the petrol engine is still there when you need it, giving the two SUVs the flexibility that comes with a plug-in hybrid rather than asking owners to plan every trip around charging.

Volvo XC60 facelift

The facelifted XC60 has also received a series of exterior and interior changes, alongside its much longer electric range.

Up front, the new XC60 gets a new front bumper, grille and bonnet, giving it a more modern look. The familiar Thor's Hammer Matrix LED headlights have also been reshaped with sharper lines, while the rear gets revised tail-lights and a new bumper with more horizontal detailing.

Inside, Volvo has redesigned the dashboard and door panels, adding new wood trim and Cardamom ventilated Nappa leather seats. The cabin also features ambient lighting, giving the interior a more polished feel without changing the understated Scandinavian style that has always been part of the XC60's appeal.

The infotainment system now centres around an 11.2-inch touchscreen, with Google Gemini built in as the AI assistant. Drivers can use natural language to ask for directions, find places to eat or handle other tasks while on the move.

Safety remains a major part of the package. Standard equipment includes automated emergency steering, automatic braking and door-opening protection, which can warn of approaching vehicles, motorcyclists or cyclists when a door is opened. A 360-degree 3D camera and blind-spot assistance are also available.

Volvo XC90 facelift

At the other end of the range, the new XC90 continues to serve as Volvo's flagship seven-seat SUV, with the latest update focusing on comfort, materials and technology.

The cabin makes greater use of natural materials and wood trim, while Volvo aiming for a calm, relaxed atmosphere rather than an overload of screens and decorative details.

For those who take their music seriously, the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system is available as an option, turning the XC90's cabin into something closer to a private listening room.

The Google Gemini AI assistant is also part of the updated technology package, bringing the same conversational features offered in the XC60.

What about Malaysia?

Volvo describes the two long-range PHEVs as a bridge towards its fully electric future. Both models support over-the-air (OTA) updates, allowing software and selected vehicle functions to be updated over time.

Bookings have already opened in selected markets in Europe and the US, with production scheduled to begin this autumn. Volvo notes that equipment and features may vary between markets depending on local product strategies.

For Malaysian buyers, the more interesting question is when — or whether — these updates will make their way here.

For referance, the current XC60 PHEV is priced at RM 362,888, while the XC90 PHEV is priced at RM 434,888.