1999 Volvo S70 Reviews

The ageing Volvo XC60 was set for the chop as part of bold plans by the Swedish brand to go all-electric but it's now been granted an indefinite stay of execution in the wake of slowing EV sales.To help keep it relevant, the near ten-year-old mid-size SUV, which remains Volvo's best-selling car globally, has undergone a huge facelift that heralds a big overhaul inside and out while under the bonnet the XC60 gets the firm's next-gen plug-in hybrids that deliver up to 200km of EV range.On sale in Australia from next year, it's expected the refreshed XC60 will continue to be priced from around $75,000 (plus on-road costs) for the entry mild-hybrid B5, with the most expensive T8 plug-in hybrid to cost around $90,000.Originally, the XC60 was primed to be replaced by the EX60 in the Swedish manufacturer’s line-up and, if you're wondering why the all-new, battery-powered successor wasn't adapted for combustion or hybrid power, engineers told Carsguide it wasn't possible without massive reengineering of its SPA3 platform that was designed specifically for EVs.That means the facelifted XC60 will continue to have to fight off newer opposition like the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.In the flesh, the XC60, that is now the biggest-selling Volvo of all time with more than 3 million sold, gets a completely new front end, with the fresh fenders, bonnet and bumper that aligns it with the EX60 EV, and provides a cleaner, more modern look.A pair of new matrix LED lamps display a sharper take on the firm's Thor's hammer graphic, while at the rear new LED lamps and a restyled bumper provide a wider, lower look.Other changes are new 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels, plus a fetching Heather Bronze brown paint.Within, there's now the option of a Charcoal Nappa leather and non-leather options that can be blended with Brown Ash wood for the first time for a proper Scandinavian experience, although the cabin design remains dated.When it comes to tech an earlier facelift already upsized the infotainment to the car-maker's latest 11.2-inch hardware, with the Android based touchscreen running Volvo's most recent software that introduced Google Gemini, allowing for natural speech voice control and an AI-powered onboard assistant you can have a chat with when you're bored.As you would expect from the XC60 that was rated the maximum five stars for protection in ANCAP testing, safety has not taken a back seat with the updates and to ensure it will exceed new driver-assist regulations every single radar, camera and sensors have been replaced, with the tech run by a single processing unit that can now be updated over-the-air.Adding to its semi-autonomous armoury is a new door-opening alert, lane-change assist and a new 3D 360-degree camera view.Under the bonnet in Europe there are three powertrains – an entry B5 mild-hybrid, plus two plug-in hybrids.All are all-wheel drive and use a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder.The B5 produces 184kW and 360Nm of torque, for a 0-100k/h dash of 6.9 seconds.To provide for the long range both hybrids ditch the current car's 14.4kWh (usable) battery pack for a much larger 37.9kWh that still lives under the rear seat between the axles.To help offset the extra mass and to enhance efficiency there's an all-new e-motor that drives the rear wheels and produces 130kW of power.Combined, the T6 variant produces 262kW for a 0-100km/h sprint of 5.7 seconds.Now capable of travelling up to 200km on a single charge, the XC60 can travel almost 2.5 times further than the 79km the old version achieved and, with a full tank of fuel, the Volvo can cover a total of 1240km.When it comes to the EV range, that's 70km further than the Mercedes GLC 400e is capable of with its much smaller 25.3kWh (usable) battery.At the top of the XC60 tree is the more powerful plug-in T8 that pumps out 339kW for a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.8 seconds.Even on the larger 21-inch wheels, the most powerful Volvo mid-sizer can still drive up to 189km on electric power alone.AC charging is limited to just 11kW, with a 0 to 100 per cent top up taking 4 hours using a three-phase charger.Unlike other rivals, like the Mercedes GLC plug-in hybrid, the Volvo doesn't even offer DC fast-charging, which will limit its efficiency on longer drives.Chat to the people who have designed and developed the XC60, and they are convinced most owners will still prefer the Volvo, thanks to its longer 200km EV range.In fact, the Geely-owned car-maker thinks many Australians will never trouble the combustion engine on the Monday-to-Friday commute, making it the perfect alternative stop-gap between a combustion and EV, with added bonus of ultra-low running costs.Set to share the showroom floor with the Volvo EX60 EV (from $86,990 plus on-roads) that arrive in Australia with a range of up to 810km before the end of the year, exact timing, specification and pricing for the 2027 Volvo XC60 will be announced next year.

The Volvo XC40 and EX40 have no right to look this good.After all, the small SUV, built to rival the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Lexus UX, first went on sale as far back as 2017, which makes it ancient.Most car models live for seven- or eight years before pensioned off, but the Volvo XC40 bucks that trend by quite a margin.Helping it outlive the opposition is a big 2027 facelift that freshen up its already timeless looks ahead of its launch in Australian showrooms next year.Full costs have yet to be announced, but a new entry B3 variant should make the combustion-powered version even more attractive with a price of entry to around $50,000 (plus on-roads) – $5000 less than the B4.Last refreshed back in 2022, the latest updates are the biggest yet.Drawing plenty from the all-new EX60 mid-size electric SUV, the trio of small Volvos sports an all-new front end that adds a fresh bonnet, fenders and front bumper that's claimed to simplify, modernise and package a pair of all-new matrix LED lamps that display a sharper take on the firm's 'Thor's Hammer' graphic.With a narrower front grille and revised air intakes, the combustion version mimics the more closed-off EX60's snout while looking lower.Along its flanks there have been few changes other than the addition of a set of handsome solid diamond-cut 20-inch alloy wheels that feature a triple two-spoke 'V' graphic.The combustion and all-electric versions score a new tailgate, a pair of restyled lamps and a fresh bumper that are said to create the illusion of a wider SUV.Inside, there's no disguising the small Volvo's advanced years, even with the addition of upgraded ambient lighting and more premium materials.What has improved the cabin is the introduction of a larger 11.2-inch centrally mounted infotainment system that replaces the old 9.0-inch version that runs the Swedish firm's latest operating system and embeds Google's Gemini that features an AI-powered assistant that you can have a natural conversation with.More unseen tech includes replacing the small SUV's radars, cameras and ultrasonic sensors for more sophisticated driver assist experience, that now includes lane change assist and a 360-degree camera view.Under the bonnet there's little change, with either the mild-hybrid or all-electric powertrains currently offered in the range – with one exception. When sales start next year Volvo Cars Australia says it will sell the entry B3, sold in Europe, that will lower the price of entry to the XC40 range.Powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid as the 145kW/300Nm B4, the base XC40 produces 120kW of power and 265Nm of torque for a 0-100km/h dash of 8.6 seconds (1.0 second slower).Fuel consumption is identical to the punchier B4 at 6.5L/100km on the WLTP test cycle.Prefer battery power and the EX40 comes with the upgraded all-electric powertrains introduced last year.That means in Australia the most affordable Volvo EV will be kitted out with a single rear motor that pumps out 175kW/420Nm and is combined with a 79kWh battery (usable) for a range of around 520km.A second dual-motor version produces 300kW and 600Nm with the 79kWh that still covers up to 500km on a charge.The drawback is DC charging is limited to 205kW, with a 10-80 per cent top-up taking 28 minutes, versus the 22 minutes the all-new Mercedes GLA 350 4MATIC takes.It's thought the Volvo XC40, all-electric EX40 were not supposed to live this long, but the global slowing transition to EVs has thrown it a lifeline and the current small SUV might now live beyond 2030.Despite elderly, last year out of the 7239 cars Volvo sold Down Under the XC40 was easily the Geely-owned brand's best-selling car with 2630 finding homes, although that number was 16.3 per cent down on the year before.In second place was the current XC60, with 2067 deliveries.Originally, the mid-size Volvo SUV was supposed to be replaced by the battery-electric EX60 but the near ten-year-old XC60 will now also be facelifted one final time.

Motoring journos spend a lot of time in all manner of cars, and with the increasing pace of change brought on by technology, new brands and electrification, we’re constantly reassessing what a good car should be.The fundamentals stay the same, of course, but car brands are increasingly trying new things. Sometimes they work, sometimes they should go back to the drawing board.Some of these are widespread, and some remain rare oddities, but it would be great if all of them vanished.I need to get this one out of the way first because if I don’t mention how driver assists are ruining the driving experience in some cars, I’ll be called out in the comments.In a lot of cases I actually think driver assists are becoming better tuned and brands are realising we would like easy ways to turn them off, but there are still lane-keeps and driver monitors that would drive a saint to swear.The traditional method of pulling a lever down to ‘drive’ has always worked well, everyone quite naturally knows how to do it.I’ll even concede that the return of column-mounted shifters is a nice way to clear-up space in the centre console, as long as the direction you need to pull the shifter follows logic.But ever since a gear selector dial in a Ford Focus ST-Line wagon caught me off guard in 2019, I’ve seen more odd shifter methods creeping in. From individual buttons on the dash (Jeep Avenger) to the swipe on the screen for each direction (Tesla), these methods are annoying to use in a hurry.If you’re in the middle of a three-point turn and you have to look at what you’re doing with your hands to get the car into reverse, a designer somewhere has failed.The biggest culprit for weird and unintuitive door handles is, to most people, Tesla. Many have commented on being confused when faced with entry to a Model 3 Uber that’s pulled up to the kerb for a pick-up.Tesla is not alone in this, however.On the inside, the current Ford Ranger and Ford Everest have ‘squeeze’ handles, many new EVs have buttons to open, and other new car doors have handles that open incongruently with how your arm moves as you open the door to exit.On the outside, the Zeekr 7X has exterior buttons on the b-pillars to open the doors electrically, some cars have retractable handles so they sit flush with the door, and others have similar frustrating handles that you must first ‘press’ to pop-out before you can open the door.Not only is it frustrating for your passengers, but it can also be unsafe in an emergency.RFID (short for ‘radio frequency identification’) or NFC (near field communication) functions are pretty handy for plenty of things: contactless payments, building access fobs, even your toll pass or data transfer.More specifically, NFC has been adapted by some brands to cards used to unlock and even start new cars, like the Volvo EX30 or the Leapmotor B10.Tap the card in the right place (like the b-pillar or the driver wing mirror) and the car unlocks, then place the card in the centre console slot and the car starts. No fobs with buttons for unlocking your car on approach or unlocking it from a distance.Inconvenient? Very. Annoying? Yes. And it means you have to find somewhere to keep the card rather than just having the fob on your keyring.The implementation of the central touchscreen in new cars has become an anathema to convenience. It’s now an easy way for designers to create ‘sleek’ environments and for engineers to save money on buttons.It’s also now allowing some manufacturers (Volvo, you again) to move some otherwise out-of-the-way controls to a digital home.The electric seat adjustments that used to sit on the side of the seat or on the door, the side mirror adjustment controls that could once be found by the window, and in some cases the steering column adjustment controls - all now on-screen controls as far as Volvo is concerned.It’s not alone, as some new Chinese brands are doing the same, but it’s especially disappointing from the brand that once made the three-point seatbelt design public domain in the interest of safety over profit.I think cars that make sounds on unlock and lock, akin to a PC or old Macintosh startup sound, are more embarrassing than actually annoying but they’ve made the list nonetheless.I don’t need my car to chime away when I unlock it in the car park at work, especially not when people are already looking at the car and trying to figure out what it is. I’m looking at you, Zeekr and now GWM.Some of them are loud, some of them can be disabled, all of them are unnecessary.

Volvo is reportedly working on a next-generation version of its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology and it’s understood it will be applied to a series of vehicles.While it’s virtually guaranteed that this new Volvo PHEV system will make its way into a number of SUVs, new information indicates that it may power a successor to the S60 sedan.Tentatively dubbed the S70, a heavily camouflaged prototype has been spied in China. It’s understood to be based on the Lynk & Co 10.Official details are few and far between for now, but it’s understood it could be revealed before the end of 2026 and may initially be for the Chinese market, like the XC70 SUV.Based on this, digital artist Sugar Design has whipped up some renders of this forthcoming PHEV sedan.The digital renders of the forthcoming, so-called Volvo S70 show it has some design similarities with the XC70 PHEV SUV.There’s a faux front grille, large diamond-cut alloy wheels, flush door handles, as well as an elliptical tail-light design.Another notable design point is the LiDAR mounted on the roof which indicates that the car may have some level of semi-autonomous driving capabilities.No renders of the interior have been made yet, however a spied prototype showed it will have a central roller and button cluster like the new XC70, EX60 and ES90.At this stage we’ve only seen a sedan version of this forthcoming Volvo, however Sugar Design has mocked up what a wagon counterpart would look like.Tentatively dubbed the V70, it looks virtually identical to the S70 renders, but has a longer roofline, as well as a more upright tailgate and tail-lights that look more like the XC70.It’s unclear whether Volvo actually intends to produce a wagon version of the forthcoming S70.If it does, it could be a successor to the V60 which was axed during 2025.No official details about what may power the Volvo S70 and V70 have been confirmed yet, however PHEV power is likely.Given reports have indicated that the Lynk & Co 10 may form the basis of these cars, this potentially points to what may be on offer.The Lynk & Co 10 is powered by a PHEV set-up combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors. Total system output is 390kW.The electric motors are fed by either an 18.4kWh or 38.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, allowing up to 100km or 192km of CLTC claimed electric range, respectively.It’s understood that the forthcoming Volvo S70 sedan could be revealed before the end of 2026.Like the Volvo XC70, it’s expected the S70 will likely be aimed primarily at the Chinese market where sedans are still popular. However, export markets may be on the cards.While the S70 seems closer to production reality, it’s unclear whether Volvo actually plans to produce a wagon counterpart. No spied prototypes have been caught yet.If Volvo does plan to launch a new electrified sedan and wagon, the pair would form as successors to the S60 and V60.

Despite an already huge year for new model launches, there are still some key mid-size SUVs slated for Australia in the tail end of 2026 which might be worth waiting for.So far this year, new-generation versions of top-selling mid-size SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 have arrived, among a swathe of new contenders from challenger brands.If you’re not a huge fan of what’s currently on the market though, there may be something coming that better suits your lifestyle, budget or tastes.Here is a rundown of the five best mid-size SUVs that are still to come. They’re in alphabetical order and span both the mainstream and premium mid-size SUV segments.The current GWM Haval H7 has flown under the radar since it launched in 2025 and the Chinese carmaker is planning to hit reset with a new-generation model.GWM has confirmed it will launch the new Haval H7 in the second half of 2026 and it will feature hybrid and all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power.Front and rear differential locks are also confirmed for the flagship variants, which is a major upgrade to the off-road capabilities compared to the current front-wheel drive hybrid model.Overall there’s a tougher and boxier look that’s more in keeping with the Tank models.Mazda is finally launching a rival to the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X in Australia.The CX-6e is the brand’s first electric mid-size SUV and it quickly follows on the heels of the Mazda 6e electric liftback launching locally.Both vehicles have been co-developed with Changan and are built in China. The CX-6e in particular is built on the same platform as the Deepal S07, which is already offered in Australia.Locally the CX-6e will only be offered with a battery electric (BEV) powertrain, however in other markets a range-extender (REEV) hybrid is available.Mercedes-Benz is set to launch a new-generation version of the GLB SUV in Australia. Final details haven’t been locked in yet.Globally the new GLB is offered with both mild-hybrid and BEV powertrains, like the new GLA and CLA it shares componentry with.This new GLB is larger in every dimension and notably features a 60mm longer wheelbase. It’s available with both five- and seven-seat configurations.Another highlight is the ‘MBUX Superscreen’ which comprises a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as dual 14.0-inch touchscreens for the central multimedia system and front passenger display.Skoda launched the regular Elroq electric SUV in 2025, but later in 2026 it’s readying the hotter RS version.Power comes from a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up with total system outputs of 250kW and 545Nm. This is enough to send it from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds.The electric motors are fed by an 84kWh lithium-ion battery pack which allows for up to 550km of claimed range, according to WLTP testing.The Elroq is essentially a shortened version of the Enyaq electric mid-size SUV. It is already offered in RS form locally with both the typical SUV and ‘coupe’ SUV body styles.Volvo fans have been waiting for an electric counterpart to the top-selling XC60 mid-size SUV for years now and later in 2026 it’ll arrive in Australia.The Volvo EX60 is based on a new platform called SPA3 and it has an 800V electrical architecture.In Australia two versions of the EX60 will be offered initially, the Ultra P6 RWD and Ultra P10 AWD. They’re priced from $86,990 and $101,990, before on-road costs, respectively.It’s understood that the range-topping P12 AWD trim, as well as a more affordable, entry-level grade will arrive in 2027.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in Australia as people transition from owning combustion- or hybrid-powered vehicles.One major consideration that many people have when considering which EV to buy is how much range it offers, but another factor that should be considered is how quickly the battery can be charged.EV and battery technology is continually evolving, but here is a rundown of the 11 EVs with the highest DC fast-charging rate that are either already on sale or confirmed for a launch in Australia.It’s worth noting that the fastest DC fast-chargers in Australia currently are 400kW and these are operated by AmpCharge. However, Denza has confirmed that it’s rolling out its 1500kW ‘Flash’ charging network at its dealers by late 2026 or early 2027.The forthcoming Denza Z9 GT electric shooting brake will launch in Australia in either late 2026 or early 2027, alongside the ‘Flash’ charging network.Final specifications have yet to be locked in, but peak DC fast-charging is up to 1500kW. This allows a 10 to 97 per cent charge in nine minutes.The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door, which is due in Australia during 2027, offers a peak DC fast-charging rate of 600kW.This allows the 111kWh lithium-ion battery pack to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 11 minutes. It offers up to 460km of WLTP-claimed range.The XPeng X9 electric people mover has a peak DC fast-charging rate of up to 542kW. This allows for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 12 minutes.Two versions are available, the FWD Standard Range and AWD Performance.The former has a 94.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with up to 535km of WLTP-claimed range. The latter has a larger 110kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery with up to 580km of WLTP-claimed range.The recently revealed BMW iX5 will launch in Australia around mid-2027 and will follow after the launch of the new, petrol-powered X5 variants later this year.The iX5 60 xDrive is the only variant to be detailed so far and it offers a peak DC fast-charging rate of 460kW.It has a 141kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 10 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 23 minutes. It offers up to 845km of WLTP-claimed range.The updated version of the XPeng G6 with the larger 80.8kWh LFP battery has a peak DC fast-charging rate of 451kW. It’s currently the highest in Australia.A 10 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 12 minutes.In RWD Long Range form there’s up to 525km of range and in AWD Performance form there’s up to 510km, according to WLTP testing.While the entry-level G6 RWD Standard Range with its smaller 68.5kWh can only DC fast-charge at rates up to 382kW, it’s still claimed to take 12 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent. It offers up to 480km of WLTP-claimed range.The entry-level Zeekr 7X RWD with its 75kWh LFP battery can DC fast-charge at rates up to 450kW. It offers up to 480km of WLTP-claimed range.The 7X Long Range RWD and Performance AWD, on the other hand, with its larger 100kWh NMC battery can charge at rates up to 420kW. WLTP-claimed range is 615km and 543km, respectively.Mirroring the Zeekr 7X SUV, the forthcoming, entry-level version of the 7GT electric shooting brake has a peak DC fast-charging rate of 450kW. It has a 75kWh LFP battery and can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 13 minutes.Other versions of the 7GT have a larger 100kWh NMC battery that can charge at rates up to 420kW.The top-spec BMW iX3 50 xDrive has a peak DC fast-charging rate of 400kW.It has a 108.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 10 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 21 minutes. It offers up to 805km of WLTP-claimed range.The entry-level iX3 40 with its slightly smaller 82.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack has a peak DC fast-charging rate of 300kW. Despite this, a 10 to 80 per cent charge is still claimed to take 21 minutes. It offers up to 635km of WLTP-claimed range.The MG IM5 Platinum RWD and Performance AWD have a peak DC fast-charging rate of 396kW.They both have a 100kWh NMC battery pack and WLTP-claimed range of 655km and 575km, respectively. A 30 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 15 minutes.The entry-level IM5 Premium RWD, on the other hand, has a peak DC fast-charging rate of 153kW. It has a 75kWh LFP battery, up to 490km of WLTP-claimed range and a 30 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 20 minutes.The MG IM6 Platinum RWD and Performance AWD have a peak DC fast-charging rate of 396kW.They both have a 100kWh NMC battery pack and WLTP-claimed range of 555km and 505km, respectively. A 30 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 15 minutes.The entry-level IM5 Premium RWD, on the other hand, has a peak DC fast-charging rate of 153kW. It has a 75kWh LFP battery, up to 450km of WLTP-claimed range and a 30 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 20 minutes.The forthcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric offers a peak DC fast-charging rate of 390kW.It has a 113kWh lithium-ion battery pack and up to 542km of WLTP-claimed range. A 10 to 80 per cent charge is claimed to take 16 minutes.While Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models on the E-GMP platform, like the Ioniq 5, EV6 and GV60, among others, display a claimed 10 to 80 per cent charge time when plugged into a 350kW DC fast-charger, a common misconception is they have a peak DC fast-charging rate of 350kW.However, this is not the case. None of the aforementioned Hyundai Group brands quote an official peak charging rate, but real-world data indicates it’s around 240kW.

A new report has shed light on which electric vehicles (EVs) maintain the highest percentage of battery life over time.Swedish car marketplace Carla has published results from a study into battery life of electric cars, using data from 10,000 battery tests on EVs in Sweden between 2022 and 2026.The results may come as a surprise to some, with the best brand for battery health after 10,000km travelled being Kia, and the second best being Hyundai with 96.8 per cent and 95.4 per cent battery health, respectively.The next brands down were premium marques Mercedes-Benz (95 per cent) and BMW (94.5 per cent), with Ford (94.3 per cent) sitting above Geely Group brands Volvo (94.2 per cent) and Polestar (93.7 per cent).Volkswagen Group vehicles took up the next four positions, which in order included Audi (92.9 per cent), Skoda (92.6 per cent), VW (92.4 per cent) and Porsche (90.9 per cent).Tesla, which is often quoted as a brand with impressive battery degradation figures in other studies placed 12th in the Swedish study, with its cars maintaining 90.2 per cent battery health after 10,000km.The grouping of various brands together comes as little surprise given each parent company will source batteries from similar places and use familiar chemistries and heat management methods.Another graph from the same study shows average battery degradation between the first 50,000km (94.39 per cent) and the next 50,000km was negligible, at just over 2 per cent. Average battery health of the 10,000 cars tested by 100,000km was 92.35 per cent.More interesting is the breakdown by model, with the study showing the car with the least overall battery degradation was the Kia Niro EV, which maintained 97.25 per cent of its battery capacity.The Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia EV6 also scored well, with the next model down being the Volvo XC40 Recharge and Polestar 2.The popular Tesla Model Y also maintained 92.18 per cent of its battery capacity on average over 10,000km, although ranked 18th in the study, below many VW Group, BMW, and Geely Group products.It is worth noting that this study does not simply transfer across to the Australian market. Many of the EVs delivered to Sweden are built in Europe which often use different battery suppliers to the versions of the cars sold here.In addition, Sweden’s cool climate may produce different results to our hot climate, with different demands placed on temperature management systems, and different pressures placed on batteries while discharging or charging.However, more Australian cars using batteries from Chinese suppliers may actually be an advantage. Lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries from CATL (China’s largest battery supplier) are now pervasive across EVs from many brands sold in Australia. The Swedish study compared the performance of these Chinese CATL LFP batteries, Korean LG Chem batteries and two different types of Japanese Panasonic batteries, all in the Tesla Model 3 to control for model differences.The CATL cells had the highest average battery health, maintaining 93.3 per cent, the LG Chem cells were next at 91.5 per cent, and the Panasonic NMC batteries ranked lower at 89.8 and 88.2 per cent respectively.One factor worth keeping in mind is BYD’s lack of a major footprint in Sweden despite launching there in 2022, leaving it off the study. Not only does this exclude BYD from the ranking system, but it also leaves its batteries out.BYD sells its signature LFP ‘Blade’ batteries to many brands for cars sold in Australia, including Kia, KGM, and even entry-level versions of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.The study confirms several things - battery degradation is often over-stated, with almost all cars maintaining over 90 per cent capacity at the 100,000km mark, and newer chemistries and temperature management systems are having a notable improvement on battery life across all makes and models.Previous stories of cars losing up to 50 per cent of their capacity were often limited to early-generation NMC batteries using air-cooled technology. Almost all new EVs sold, particularly in Australia, use liquid-cooled cells.In other good news for Aussie EV owners and those considering a second hand EV, the Carla study is not the first time EV batteries have performed better than expected when surveyed en-masse.In Australia, auction house Pickles recently shared data based on its battery health scoring which showed EVs with between 80- and 120,000km were maintaining a battery health score of around 91 per cent.

After its backflip on the announcement it would go all-electric by 2030, Volvo seems set to reverse another trend it has been following of late: the shift to SUVs.Reports from the US reveal internal discussions around a sedan and wagon being reintroduced to the North American market, with insiders saying the target models are already being developed for Europe.While the report is focused on the US, comments from Volvo Australia’s top brass in the past mean Aussie fans of the Swedish brand’s wagons have reason to be optimistic.The sedan and wagon, both to be electric, would bring some traditional styles back to the Volvo line-up, which as it stands only includes the large, high-riding ES90 as anything resembling a sedan.The return of a wagon has been reported by Automotive News in the US, with apparent insider information pointing to Volvo using ‘60’ or ‘70’ badged cars similar to the S60/V60 or S70/V70 badges used for sedans (S) and wagons (V) in the past.According to the report, the models will be built in Europe, with a Cross Country version of the wagon also on the cards as has been Volvo’s tradition.Set to be built on the same SPA3 platform as the new EX60, the new models would also incorporate 800-volt electrical architecture for super-fast charging and options in terms of battery sizing.While the news comes very soon after the US discontinued the V60 and V90 wagons, it might not be hugely surprising to those aware of Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson’s comments early this year on the industry’s global push for more SUVs.“We are looking into that,” Samuelsson said, “I think we will not only have SUVs five years from now.”The comments are similar to those from Volvo Cars Australia’s Managing Director, Stephen Connor, who in 2022 said Volvo wouldn’t go ‘all-SUV’.“Absolutely, we can have other models,” said Connor. “We’ve seen a big move toward SUVs in the last few years, now electrification will broaden that range. I think there’s a desire now for new shapes that aren’t just what we would consider an SUV. Electric cars let us experiment with new shapes and new ideas.”The brand’s local head of PR and Communications Greg Bosnich added at the time that if an electric version of the V60 came along, Australia would have its hand up for it.“There is still demand in Australia for a car like the V60, and if an electric model comes, we’ll be getting it.“The wagon is part of our story, isn’t it? I think HQ is conscious of that and I think that emotional connection is still there.”If you were disappointed to see the V60 disappear from Australian showrooms, stay tuned.

The rise in popularity of Chinese cars has been so rapid it’s left traditional car companies scrambling to keep up in technology and sales.So now it is a case of, if you can’t beat them join them, with the old big carmakers searching for a Chinese partner in a bid for survival.Here’s who some big established brands are teaming up with to weather the electrical storm.The luxury sportscar maker is already part-owned by Chinese behemoth Geely, which has 17 per cent stake in the company, but there appear to be troubling times ahead and a buy out by Geely could be on the cards.Audi lives a completely double life. There’s the brand with the four-ringed badge, which operates in every country except China, and there's the brand with AUDI logo that is only found in China.AUDI models are completely different to the models sold outside China and are developed in a joint venture with MG's owner, SAICIt’s hard not to be envious of AUDI models, which are fully electric and futuristic looking. How much longer will it be before these highly desirable vehicles are exported to the world?BMW and Great Wall Motors (GWM) formed a joint venture in 2019 and the current Mini Aceman and Mini Cooper are one of the results. You knew Mini is owned by BMW right?The current Aceman and Cooper use a platform developed by BMW and GWM and are manufactured in Zhangjiagang and sold to the world.Ford’s global boss Jim Farley talks of the Chinese car brands being an ‘existential threat’, calling brands such as BYD “the best in the business”, and also admits the need to form partnerships. Farley has even suggested Ford forms joint ventures to build Chinese cars within the United States.Ford’s track record of partnerships with Chinese carmakers isn’t terrific. It recently broke up with Jiangling, which had been making versions of the Bronco SUV that were planned to be sold in Australia.Now the hunt is on for a new partner with Ford rumoured to be talking to Geely, BYD and Xiaomi.The embattled off-road brand, Jeep, may be rescued thanks to a partnership between parent company Stellantis and Chinese car maker Dongfeng.The agreement will see two new Jeep models with Dongfeng platforms built in China and exported globally.Land Rover and Chery have been building cars together in China for a decade now, but recently the relationship went to the next level.Land Rover has given Chery permission to revive the Freelander name. The twist is Freelander won’t be a model but a range of models.The extra twist is Chery Freelanders won’t just be built and sold in China, they’ll also be exported globally.How does Land Rover benefit? Well there’s probably a lot of money changing hands, but more valuable than that would be the use of Chery’s plug-in hybrid and EV know-how and hardware in exchange.Mazda has been criticised for its lack of electric vehicles, but its joint venture with Changam appears to be turning that around quickly, with the agreement resulting in the stunning Mazda 6e and CX-6e EVs.Both fully electric, the 6e and CX-6e, are made in China and use Changan engineering and drivetrains. Mazda’s designers were behind the styling.Mercedes-Benz’s joint venture with Geely is a successful one and the Smart brand of EVs is the result of this relationship. Smart sees Geely handle the engineering and production, while Mercedes-Benz looks after design.Mercedes-Benz is also working on a new Phoenix EV platform to underpin its next generation cars.The famous French brand Peugeot will also benefit along with Jeep from its parent company Stellantis's recent agreement with Dongfeng.Two Peugeots will be underpinned by Dongfeng platforms, and the Concept 6 and Concept 7 Peugeots displayed at the Beijing motor show have given us a glimpse of what’s to come.Geely arguably saved Volvo from demise when it bought the Swedish company off Ford in 2010. Now Geely owns about 78 per cent of Volvo, and while that still gives the Chinese parent company control, it allows Volvo to self-rule and operate out of Sweden.Volvo has flourished thanks to the injection of funds and the autonomy, with the vehicles benefitting from Swedish design and Geely advanced EV know-how.Many Volvo models including the EX40 are now made in China and sold to the world.Volkswagen and XPeng signed an agreement in 2023 to produce vehicles in China and in March this year. The first model co-developed by the two companies - the ID. UNYX 08 has entered production.Volkswagen benefits from the XPeng’s EV architecture and is said to be considering exporting co-developed vehicles direct from China in the future.

Polestar has been banned from selling cars in the USA after the 2027 model year due to the country’s new ‘Connected Vehicle Rule’.The new rules in the US crack down on cars with technology sourced from China, including over-the-air connectivity features, with US regulators citing concerns around the amount of sensitive data being collected on its citizens.It is part of a wider protectionist regulatory push in the US to effectively ban Chinese vehicles to protect its large domestic auto industry.Polestar fell afoul of the new rules despite the Polestar 3 being built inside the US and the Polestar 4 being built in South Korea.Volvo, Polestar's sister brand under the same Geely ownership, was granted a specific exemption to the new rules.Policies like the Connected Vehicle Rule can effectively ban individual models or entire brands from sale in the country, but high tariffs are also wreaking havoc on the financials of both the Hyundai Motor Group and the biggest Japanese brands, including Toyota, Nissan and Honda, which all have partial manufacturing footprints in the US and now need to scramble to localise more parts or models.Polestar issued a statement confirming the US made up only a small portion (six per cent) of its current sales footprint, and that it would re-focus on the European market where it says nearly 80 per cent of its sales volumes are centred.The brand also re-committed to Latin America and Canada as important markets in the future.The company said it would sell the remainder of its Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 stock in the US and then wind up its sales operation, continuing to support existing owners through its service network.Polestar noted it is still committed to its future product line-up, which includes the Europe-built Polestar 7 small SUV (expected to share its underpinnings with the Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X) as its next key volume seller.It will also continue to roll-out the Polestar 5 grand tourer and launch a next-generation Polestar 2 in 2027.The future of the Polestar 3 mid-sized performance SUV, which is currently built in the US, is up in the air. The version of the car sold in Australia is still built in China.Polestar’s share price has taken a battering thanks to a range of recent events, which has seen the company’s once global aspirations shrink down to a strategic focus on just a few markets.The brand has closed all of its retail stores in China, where much of its range is built, after selling only a handful of vehicles in 2025. Instead it has shifted to a by-order-only online approach.Despite these developments, the brand reported its highest ever Q1 sales result earlier this year, off the back of stronger sales in Australia, Germany, Sweden, South Korea and the UK.