Volvo has transformed its image in recent years, and this has been reflected in just how much the firm’s sales have grown.
And a key part of Volvo’s success has been based on the XC40 – a compact SUV that arrived in 2017, rivalling the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. It’s now one of the UK’s most popular cars, and impresses with its stunning design, practical interior and comfortable ride. Thanks to a range of electrified options, it’s also become a big hit with company car drivers as well.
Sound appealing? Here’s our buyer’s guide to the XC40.
What powertrains are available?
There’s a great choice of powertrains available with the XC40, with buyers able to choose from petrol, mild-hybrid petrol, plug-in hybrids and even an EV. Diesel models have recently been discontinued, though.
The entry-level cars are the T2 and T3, which both feature three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engines producing 127bhp and 161bhp respectively. Both come with a manual gearbox as standard, and are the only XC40s to do so.
If you fancy something a bit more powerful, upgrade to the four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engines, which are available with either 194bhp (B4) or 247bhp (B5), which also feature integrated mild-hybrid technology. Both are available with all-wheel-drive, too.
Next up are the plug-in hybrids, which are badged as the T4 and T5. Both feature electric motors and batteries paired with the three-cylinder petrol engine, with the T4 producing a combined 211bhp and the T5 developing 258bhp. Each is front-wheel-drive and automatic, and you should expect a 28-mile electric range from it – giving it CO2 emissions of 48g/km, and meaning it has a benefit-in-kind percentage of just 12 per cent.
And then there’s the new electric model, which is badged as the P8. It’s by far the most powerful XC40 available – developing an impressive 402bhp from its electric motor and coming with a large 78kWh battery that enables 249 miles of electric range. Given it can also sprint to 60mph in just 4.7 seconds, it’s rapid as well.
What trim levels are offered?
There’s also plenty of trim level choice available as well, with equipment highlights and pricing as follows.
Momentum Core – from £25,420
All XC40s come well-equipped, with even entry-level XC40s coming with keyless start, automatic LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a nine-inch touchscreen and digital dials. It also comes with rear parking sensors, satellite navigation and a host of safety kit, including autonomous emergency braking traffic sign recognition and lane keep assist. It’s worth noting that Momentum Core is only available with the entry T2 petrol engine.
Momentum – from £29,720
Upgrading to Momentum gives access to more engine choice, and also gets you 18-inch alloy wheels, lumbar support for the seats, and two-zone climate control.
R-Design – from £31,595
If you fancy something a bit sportier, choose the R-Design, which gains leather and Alcantara upholstery, a sports chassis. Gloss black detailing, a sports steering wheel aluminium pedals. It also ffains LED fog lights and an electric boot.
R-Design Pro – from £33,595
If you go up to the Pro, you get heated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, a heated windscreen and an electric driver’s seat.
Inscription – from £31,945
If you fancy something a bit more luxurious, then the Inscriptions are the ones to go for. These do away with the sporty styling, but add leather upholstery, driftwood interior inlays and chrome styling. You also gain a reversing camera, crystal gear lever, an electric tailgate and an electric driver’s seat.
Inscription Pro – from £33,595
The Pro package brings heated front seats, a heated windscreen, an electric driver’s seat and front seat cushion extensions.
The First Edition is currently the only grade you can order the electric model in, and serves as a worthy flagship. It adds a host of option packs – including ‘Climate’ that gets you a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, along with ‘Lounge’. The latter brings you a 360-degree parking camera, park assist, a Harmon Kardon sound system and a panoramic sunroof.
What about personalisation?
Volvo isn’t a brand known for its personalisation, but there’s plenty you can do to the XC40 to make it your own. There are a range of colours to choose from, with Denim Blue and Passion Red being two highlights, while a special Sage Green shade is exclusive to the electric model. A host of alloy wheel designs are also offered, up to 21 inches.
Some aforementioned option packs, as mentioned on the First Edition, can add extra appeal to the XC40, though conventional options are also offered – Apple CarPlay (£200) and an enhanced safety pack (£600) being two options we’d pick.
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