Intern Supply Chain Management Logistics Projects

Could Volvo rival Rolls-Royce with an ultra-luxury SUV? May 4, 2026 What if the Swedish automaker Volvo stepped into the big leagues? A plan is on the table for an ultra-luxury SUV with truly monumental dimensions. While there's no official confirmation, executives are talking about serious internal discussions around a flagship model... Even larger than the XC90. A future rival to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Cadillac Escalade, or the Mercedes GLS? In brief. Volvo is seriously weighing the launch of an ultra-luxury SUV that would sit above the XC90 to take on prestige models like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Cadillac Escalade. The project would lean on Geely Group technologies, including the Zeekr 9X platform. With clear ambitions to conquer the American and Chinese markets, Volvo could offer a premium SUV with an extended-range hybrid powertrain. A final decision hasn't been made, but the brand seems determined to elevate its luxury game and meet the expectations of a global premium clientele. A gigantic SUV under consideration at Volvo. During a Stockholm press conference, Volvo Cars CEO acknowledged that the brand is studying the possibility of launching a three-row SUV even larger than the XC90. This forthcoming flagship for the Swedish lineup would especially target the American market, which has a penchant for XXL-sized vehicles. It would also aim at China, where large families favor spacious premium SUVs. According to Edmunds, 11% of former XC90 or EX90 owners move up to larger-format models. A figure that does not escape Volvo's strategists. Dealers, for their part, are calling for a real upscale shift to keep loyal customers from turning to German or American rivals. The project has not yet received official approval. But Volvo chief Håkan Samuelsson's comments to its colleagues at Auto News leave little doubt. "The bigger SUVs are a path we're exploring." Duly noted is that the brand already has several levers to draw upon, both on the technical platforms and in production capability. A geely-based foundation already in place? Volvo could lean on the technology of its parent Geely, notably via the Zeekr 9X, a plug-in hybrid SUV launched in China in 2025. Measuring 5.23 m in length, 2.03 m in width, and a wheelbase of 3.17 m, this behemoth approaches the Escalade in size - and even surpasses the Rolls-Royce Cullinan in wheelbase. The 9X runs on the SEA-S 900-volt platform and delivers top-tier performance. Up to 1,380 horsepower combined, a massive battery, ultra-fast charging (20-80% in under 10 minutes), and an electric range of up to 380 km. That could provide a solid base for Volvo's ultra-premium SUV, tailored to global tastes. Meanwhile, Volvo's South Carolina plant is gearing up to welcome a new plug-in hybrid model for production as early as 2028, though it is not yet clear whether the model will be the big SUV. The site has already seen a $1.3 billion investment, and today it builds the EX90 and Polestar 3, with the next XC60 on the way. Volvo ready to take on segment giants? This future model would offer an electric range of about 100 miles, with a driving feel close to that of a 100% electric vehicle, according to Volvo. A long-range hybrid approach would allow the brand to meet environmental standards while satisfying premium market expectations. If this project comes to fruition, Volvo could take aim at benchmarks like the BMW X7, Mercedes GLS, Cadillac Escalade, and even the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. A bold repositioning for a brand that has long been associated with a rational, Scandinavian take on luxury. With the gradual phasing out of its traditional internal combustion models and a push to move upmarket, Volvo seems ready to cross a new threshold. The global market is evolving... And the Swedish automaker isn't planning to stay on the sidelines. The future XXL Volvo SUV may still be just an idea today, but everything points to it becoming a reality sooner rather than later. One question remains: can the brand reconcile extreme luxury, sustainability, and its Nordic DNA in a single vehicle? Comparison table. | Model | Length | Width | Wheelbase | Max Power | Electric Range | Charge 20-80% | | Zeekr 9X | 5.23 m | 2.03 m | 3.17 m | Up to 1,380 hp | 380 km | < 10 min | | Future Volvo Plug-in Hybrid SUV | - | - | - | - | ≈ 100 miles | - | Key takeaways. * Volvo is seriously considering launching an ultra-luxury, oversized SUV to compete with the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and other segment giants. * The project could lean on the Zeekr 9X's technical platform, a Geely group vehicle launched in China. * The vehicle would target the American and Chinese markets, major buyers of premium large SUVs. * An upcoming plug-in hybrid version would deliver about 100 miles of electric range, according to Volvo. * The U.S. manufacturing push signals potential production in the United States by 2028. * No official confirmation yet on launch timing or final specifications. Faq. Will Volvo launch a SUV more luxurious than the XC90? Volvo is indeed evaluating a flagship, ultra-luxury SUV that would be even larger than the XC90, but no official confirmation has been issued yet. What technical platform would underlie this future Volvo SUV? Geely's Zeekr 9X SEA-S 900-volt platform could serve as the foundation for Volvo's next flagship. What range might the Volvo plug-in hybrid SUV offer? Volvo says the upcoming plug-in hybrid could deliver around 100 miles of electric range. Which markets is Volvo targeting with this XXL SUV? The United States and China, both avid buyers of large premium SUVs, are primary targets for Volvo's potential new model. When might production of this new Volvo SUV begin? The South Carolina plant will begin producing a new plug-in hybrid in 2028, though it's not confirmed whether this will be the big SUV. Nolan Kessler I focus on performance-driven cars, emerging technologies, and the business forces shaping the automotive industry. My work aims to deliver clear, relevant insights without unnecessary noise, with a strong attention to detail and accuracy. I follow the evolution of mobility daily, with a particular interest in what defines the next generation of driving.

Rolls-royce voted Britain's most iconic trade mark in new public poll. Rolls-Royce has been voted Britain's favourite trade mark of all time in a new poll commissioned by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first UK trade mark being registered. Press contact. Andrew Ball Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Tel: +44-1243-384-064 send an e-mail Andrew Ball Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Downloads. * Rolls-Royce voted Britain's most iconic trade mark of all time in a new public survey * Poll commissioned by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to mark the 150th anniversary of the first UK trade mark being registered * The IPO now protects over 2.5 million registered trade marks * Result confirms Rolls-Royce's status as a brand woven into Britain's national identity "We're delighted that the British public has chosen Rolls-Royce as their favourite trade mark of all time. Our name has been synonymous with excellence for well over 100 years: the Silver Ghost was officially dubbed 'the best car in the world' in 1913, and we proudly retain that crown with the motor cars we hand-build at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood today. We enjoy the rare privilege of a trade mark that transcends not only our own company, but our entire industry, with 'the Rolls-Royce of...' a global shorthand for the best of the best in any field. And for us as a team, it's highly gratifying that our world-class engineering, craftsmanship and creativity resonate far beyond those who actually own and drive our motor cars." Julian Jenkins, Director of Sales & Brand, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Rolls-Royce has been voted Britain's favourite trade mark of all time in a new poll commissioned by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first UK trade mark being registered. Members of the public were invited to nominate and share their favourite UK trade marks, past or present, and explain what they felt makes a trade mark iconic. From around 2,000 responses, Rolls-Royce topped the list, its famous 'double R' trade mark, formed by the interlocked initial letters of its founders' surnames, representing more than a century of British engineering excellence and craftsmanship in the popular consciousness. One respondent described Rolls-Royce as "an iconic British brand name which over time has become a worldwide metaphor for the best of the best", with another calling it simply "the mark of quality". The IPO is the official UK government body responsible for intellectual property (IP) rights, including patents, designs, trade marks and copyright. It currently protects more than 2.5 million marks across 45 different classes of goods and services, with approximately 200,000 new applications received during the past 12 months alone. In its words, the 150th anniversary celebrates not just a legal milestone, but also the enduring role that brands play in connecting businesses with the public. Article offline attachments.

Rolls-Royce launches new two-seater electric car. 22 hours ago Hsin-Yi LoSouth East Luxury car maker Rolls-Royce has unveiled a new two-seater electric convertible model. The BMW-owned company said it will create just 100 of the Project Nightingale cars and will be hand-built at the Rolls-Royce headquarters in Goodwood, West Sussex, with deliveries anticipated to start in 2028. Being pure electric means there will be "virtually no mechanical noise", the company said. Last month, Rolls-Royce scrapped its pledge to only sell pure-electric cars from 2030, adding it would continue to offer vehicles with petrol engines beyond that date. Rolls-Royce said Project Nightingale will measure 5.76m, which is roughly the same length as its flagship four- or five-seater saloon, Phantom. It added it would have a long bonnet to give it a "torpedo-shaped form", drawing inspiration from the company's experimental cars of the 1920s, known as EX models, and the Art Deco era. Chris Brownridge, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: "Some of the most discerning Rolls-Royce clients in the world asked Perpetual Value Ltd for its most ambitious work. "We responded by bringing three things together that have never co-existed in our brand: the complete design freedom of coachbuilding, our powerful, near-silent all-electric powertrain, and a uniquely potent yet serene expression of open-top motoring." Brownbridge adds Project Nightingale is the "most extravagant expression of what Rolls-Royce is capable of today". While the company does not publicly disclose the price of its cars, it said Project Nightingale would sit between its Private Commission and Coachbuild products, which have been estimated to cost more than £500,000 and £20m respectively. Additional reporting by PA. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp Perpetual Value Ltd on 08081 002250. More on this story