China’s Geely, like many carmakers, is privy to rebadging vehicles between its brands.
The latest from this Chinese car giant could be a new SUV flagship for Volvo that’s based on the new Zeekr 9X plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and sits above the XC90 and EX90.
It’s theorised this new SUV could be called the Volvo EX100, but it’s unclear if this will be correct because the brand’s ‘EX’ models currently only pure electric vehicles (EVs).
Digital artist, Sugar Design, has mocked up what this new flagship Volvo SUV could look like with current Volvo exterior design language.
This includes the iconic ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlights, and a full-width rear tail-light setup with Volvo script written out on the tailgate.
If this model does make it to production it’s likely to be offered with seven- and six-seat configurations across three rows, though an ultra-luxury trim with only four seats could happen.
Zeekr unveiled the 9X in April this year as its flagship SUV offering. It’s the brand’s first PHEV, previously only offering EVs.
With exterior styling reminiscent of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Range Rover, the Zeekr 9X is a large SUV with up to three rows of seating.
It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 205kW of power, mated with a 290kW front electric motor and a 370kW rear electric motor.
Full details still haven’t been announced, but Zeekr claims the 9X has an electric range of more than 380km that’s to the CATL-sourced Qilin battery pack.
If this flagship Volvo SUV happens, it won’t be the first time the Sino-Chinese brand has used Geely vehicles as the base of new models.
The Volvo EX30 small electric SUV is essentially a rebadged Smart #1 and Zeekr X, and the Volvo EM90 electric people mover is a rebadged Zeekr 009.
The latter of these Volvos is currently for the Chinese market only.
At this stage it’s still unclear when or if this flagship Volvo SUV will ever come to fruition.
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