Volvo and Buick Hint at Sedan and Wagon Comebacks as SUV Craze Shows Signs of Cooling

S. showrooms by 2028, a move that would mark a notable reversal from the brand’s recent all-crossover strategy. The Swedish automaker is studying how to adapt models already in development for Europe, meaning the heavy lifting on design and engineering is mostly done. Both vehicles would carry familiar 60- or 70-series badges, ride on Volvo’s new 800-volt SPA3 platform, and likely start in the low $50,000 range.

A rugged Cross Country version of the wagon is also under consideration. , but CEO Hakan Samuelsson has made clear he sees room for something other than oversized SUVs. “We are looking into that,” Samuelsson told reporters.

Buick is also eyeing a return to sedans. The brand, which currently sells only crossovers, plans to introduce a gasoline-powered sedan built in Michigan within the next three years. It would be Buick’s first non-crossover since the Regal was discontinued in 2020. The move represents a step back from GM’s earlier plan to make Buick an all-electric lineup by decade’s end.

Analysts say Buick is waiting for stronger EV demand before expanding its electric offerings. Meanwhile, Cadillac is extending the life of several gas-powered models, including the CT5 sedan and XT5 and XT6 crossovers, as it pushes its all-EV deadline deeper into the 2030s. The luxury brand still plans to sell electric vehicles like the Lyriq and Escalade IQ, but executives acknowledge that customer demand hasn’t matched early expectations.

BMW, meanwhile, is dealing with a more immediate problem: a fire risk. The automaker is recalling more than 29,000 plug-in hybrids from model years 2016 through 2020, including the 330e, 530e, and 740Le. A corroded engine starter relay can overheat and short circuit, potentially causing a fire.

BMW is telling owners to park outside and away from structures until dealers replace the starter free of charge. Notification letters are expected to go out by late August. For Volvo and Buick, the bet is that enough drivers still want something lower, sleeker, and more efficient than the towering SUVs that dominate American roads.

If they’re right, the sedan and wagon might not be gone for good after all.