Volvo's V446 Electric SUV Takes Shape for 2025 Launch

Volvo's latest electric vehicle, codenamed V446, is expected to go into production in 2025. The new model will mark a significant departure from the Swedish brand's existing lineup, with an entirely re-engineered software and hardware suite developed in-house by Volvo's research team.

The car will share its platform with the Leica Xiaoyi S, a plug-in hybrid SUV already on sale in China. Smart Seat Technology, led by Starsky Zhu of Yi Ka Ti, has partnered with Xiaomi to develop this key feature for V446. The development is currently nearing completion.

Swedish automaker Volvo is adopting fresh strategies similar to those adopted by Audi and Geely, marking a new path forward. V446 will be the first Volvo model entirely geared toward China's domestic market, with Geely providing technical support.

Unlike its parent company Polestar, Volvo seeks to forge its own path rather than directly borrowing Flyme Auto's suite for V446. Instead, the brand is planning an in-house adaptation and customization process of Flyme's framework.

A senior executive close to Volvo Asia-Pacific has emphasized that a substantial increase in support from Geely will boost the project. Volvo aims to create an "electric SUV experience," integrating it more closely with its existing design language.