Cadillac’s Biggest Nameplate May Soon Get A Surprise Rival From Volvo

It’s no secret that Americans like their cars the way they like their food portions and houses, probably far bigger than they really need. U.S. automakers have made sure to deliver exactly that, which is why SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade stretch well over 18 feet long. Now, Volvo might be preparing to join the craze, with internal talks pointing toward a move into the full-size (or is that XL full-size?) SUV segment in America.

Speaking during a media briefing in Stockholm on January 22, Volvo Cars CEO Håkan Samuelsson acknowledged the company is exploring a larger three-row SUV that could sit above today’s XC90 and go head-to-head with heavyweights like the Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, which, as we recently reported, may itself be making room for an even larger X9.

More: BMW’s X7 Is Apparently Too Small Now, So Dealers Want An X9

Importantly, he stressed that nothing has been approved yet. “Bigger SUVs – that is something we’re looking into,” Samuelsson told Auto News, adding that the project has not been greenlit.

Volvo Eyes the American Upsize

The comments come as Volvo reassesses its long-term product strategy, particularly for the U.S., where, as mentioned, demand for large three-row SUVs remains strong. China, another key market, is also seeing continued appetite for big, premium family haulers.

Edmunds reports that 11 percent of people who traded in their EX90 moved into a full-size SUV. That’s the highest defection rate to those segments that the vehicle has ever seen across its entire history. It would seem a bit strange for Volvo to see that and ignore it entirely. Dealers are reportedly asking for something to provide for those folks, and the brand previewed a larger SUV back in 2020.

It’s also important to note that all of this is happening as Volvo works on building a next-gen plug-in hybrid at its South Carolina factory. That’s the same place where the brand already builds the EX90 and Polestar 3. In 2027, that factory will also build the XC60. The following year, a new hybrid is supposed to begin production at the $1.3 billion plant.

Samuelsson wouldn’t say whether that upcoming hybrid is the potential three-row flagship, but he did drop a hint. “It’s very attractive for U.S. customers,” he said, suggesting it could be “maybe a bigger one.”

Volvo has been tight-lipped on details, though the model is expected to feature an extended-range hybrid system capable of roughly 100 miles of electric-only driving. Samuelsson previously described it as driving “like an electric car with fast acceleration and a quiet ride.” Now, we wait to see what comes down the pipeline.

A Full-Size Template Already Exists

The XC100, or whatever name Volvo ultimately chooses for its big SUV, could evolve from the current SPA2 architecture or draw on parent company Geely’s resources.

Geely’s premium EV brand Zeekr launched the three-row 9X SUV in 2025, hinting at possible component or tech sharing. Built on the 900-volt SEA-S platform, the 9X plug-in hybrid offers 236 miles of electric range and can charge to 80 percent in just 10 minutes.

Zeekr 9X

Higher trims of the 9X push output to 1,381 hp using a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and three electric motors. It also features the largest battery ever fitted to a production plug-in hybrid, charged via a 900-volt system that can replenish from 20 to 80 percent in just nine minutes. Pricing in China starts at the equivalent of $62,600.

More: New Volvo EX60 Promises A Range Tesla Can’t Touch

At 206.2 inches long, 79.8 inches wide, and 71.6 inches tall, with a 124.7-inch wheelbase, the Zeekr 9X sits firmly in full-size SUV territory. For comparison, the standard Cadillac Escalade measures 211.9 inches in length with a 120.9-inch wheelbase, while the ESV variant stretches to 227 inches and 134.1 inches, respectively.

The 9X comes close in overall footprint and even surpasses both Escalades in wheelbase, making it a strong candidate to form the base for a future XL Vovlo SUV.

Zeekr 9X