For decades, Volvo built its identity around practical station wagons that became symbols of safety, family life, and understated luxury. But in recent years, the automaker’s American lineup shifted almost entirely toward SUVs, leaving long-time wagon fans disappointed after the departure of the V60 and V90 estates.
Now, that may finally be changing.
Speaking during the U.S. launch of the new EX60, Volvo Cars President and CEO Håkan Samuelsson hinted that the Swedish brand is seriously considering bringing wagons back into the spotlight.
“We will not only have SUVs five years from now,” Samuelsson said during a media roundtable, signaling what could become a major strategic shift for the automaker.
Why Volvo Thinks Wagons Could Return
Volvo’s renewed interest in wagons is not just about nostalgia. According to Samuelsson, lower and more aerodynamic vehicles make increasing sense in the electric era.
SUVs may dominate sales globally, but their taller shape creates more air resistance, which directly affects electric vehicle range. Wagons and other lower-profile cars offer better efficiency without sacrificing practicality.
Samuelsson also pointed toward changing consumer attitudes, especially among younger buyers.
“They say, ‘My mother used to have that car’ when they see an SUV,” he noted, suggesting that the next generation of drivers may be looking for something different from the oversized SUV trend that has dominated the past decade.
That shift could open the door for modern electric wagons designed with Scandinavian styling, long-range capability, and family practicality in mind.
America Still Loves Big SUVs
Even while discussing wagons, Volvo made it clear that it has no plans to abandon America’s appetite for large SUVs.
Samuelsson revealed that the company is developing a new family-oriented flagship SUV specifically aimed at the U.S. market. While the executive avoided confirming details, the vehicle is widely expected to compete with luxury giants such as the Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
The upcoming model is expected to sit above the current XC90 and EX90 in Volvo’s lineup and could potentially arrive as an XC100.
“It’s a somewhat bigger car,” Samuelsson explained, adding that the SUV would likely feature a multi-fuel setup rather than being purely electric from launch.
That statement reflects a broader industry trend where automakers are slowing down their all-electric transition timelines and investing more heavily in hybrid and extended-range technologies.
Hybrid Technology Could Play a Bigger Role
Volvo also appears interested in expanding the use of range-extending electric vehicle systems, commonly known as EREVs.
Samuelsson referenced the China-market XC70 plug-in hybrid system as an example of the kind of technology that could eventually make its way to America.
The idea behind EREV technology is simple: drivers get electric driving for daily commutes while a gasoline engine acts as a backup generator for longer trips. It addresses one of the biggest concerns among buyers who remain hesitant about fully electric vehicles—charging infrastructure and range anxiety.
“We need some bridge solutions for customers who are not yet ready for full electric,” Samuelsson said.
A New Chapter for Volvo
Volvo’s future strategy now appears to balance two worlds: efficient, emotionally appealing wagons for a changing generation, and large premium SUVs tailored for the still booming American market.
If the company succeeds, it could mark one of the most interesting design reversals in the automotive industry—bringing the station wagon back from the edge of extinction while simultaneously doubling down on luxury family SUVs.
For a brand that once defined the wagon era, the comeback almost feels inevitable.
