Volvo Xc40 – The interior of the Volvo XC40 is cool and high-tech, but look closer and there are some dodgy plastics to show.
The interior of the Volvo XC40 has a premium look and feel that contrasts with well-built but wonderful mainstream options like the Volkswagen Tiguan. In fact, it’s cool enough to be considered an alternative to luxury SUVs like the Mercedes GLA, Audi Q2 and BMW X1.
Volvo Xc40
That said, none of them have the Volvo XC40’s portrait-style 9-inch infotainment screen. That means traditional buttons are kept in a neat single row in the center of the dash, including a large volume rocker in the middle that’s easy to reach when you’re on the go.
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The design of the infotainment system is exactly what you’d find on larger Volvos, but the youthful, bright Lava Orange carpet and doors (available as an option on R-Design models) certainly aren’t.
You will love the soft plastic and expensive look. The only problem is the build, which has panel-to-panel inconsistencies that you won’t find in an Audi Q2.
On the side, even early Volvo XC40 Momentum models get textile-vinyl (friends will assume they are semi-leather) seats and Urban Grid aluminum trim that looks very good.
Sporty-looking R-Design models get leather-nubuck upholstery, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, as well as aluminum inserts.
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Written models are the most luxurious and come with full leather interior and unpainted wood trim that looks as good as anything Mercedes has to offer.
If you’ve ever used an Apple iPad, you’ll have no problem using the Volvo XC40’s 9-inch infotainment screen. It lets you swipe between menus and pinch to zoom in on maps, and has a traditional “home” button at the bottom of the screen so you can quickly jump to the main menu.
Entering postcodes in the vehicle is easy – either by typing letters with your finger or by entering them with the onscreen keyboard – but it’s more complicated to do while driving than in a BMW X1 or Audi. Q2.
In fairness, the Volvo XC40 supports it a few uses by providing an app for your smartphone, so you can program the cruise control without leaving the house. You can also use it to set the cabin temperature or lock the car remotely.
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On top of the central infotainment screen, you get another 12.3-inch digital driver’s display that is optional on BMW and Audi. It is customizable so you can navigate between traditional dials or have a large map screen for the visual route right in front of your eyes.
Completing the audiovisual package of the Volvo XC40 is a standard stereo that has a very healthy 250W output and eight speakers. That should be enough for casual music fans, but if you’re the ultimate enthusiast, you should check the box for the 13-speaker, 650W Harman Kardon system that surrounds you in a wave of sound. The XC40, Volvo’s launch model – or at least it was until the EX30 electric SUV arrived. It has been on sale since 2017, with a thorough facelift introduced in 2022 to keep things fresh. In theory it’s a compact SUV, but it’s actually pretty big when you’re standing next to one. It’s a very competitive part of the market, this. You cannot sell old fabric.
Against the diminutive Volvo are the Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque. You also have Lexus NX, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mazda CX-5 or DS 7 as an obscure left field choice.
What can we say, people love their compact family SUVs. They can all look a bit similar, though, so if you’re having trouble telling your BMW X1 apart from the X3 and X5, you’ll notice that Volvo hasn’t taken the same approach to its design.
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The Swedes have gone to great lengths to make the XC40 different from the rest of the range, although it remains a unique Volvo. It has an angular, relatively small side glass surface and elongated cutouts in the lower body. Smart two-tone paint schemes are also prominent in the tuning kit.
Inside it is also colorful (if you want it). Visual options run the gamut up to (and with) red carpet on the floor and downstairs doors. After taking a look at this retreat, you will find it pleasantly spacious and functional. The passenger compartment and the boot have some clever ideas to keep your things organized and prevent them from sliding around.
The XC40 also doesn’t use a downsized version of the XC60/XC90’s structure and suspension. The XC40 sits on parent company Geely’s CMA (compact modular architecture) platform, which was designed for maximum space utilization and took into account future electric powertrains from the start.
Unlike many of its rivals, the XC40 makes no pretense of offering a “car-like” driving experience. Rather, it offers more of a subcompact SUV experience, leaning into the profile rather than trying to disguise it. You get a smooth ride and an intimidating float from a high ride, although the car is still quite flat.
New Volvo Xc40
The combustion engines in the standard car are limited to a mild hybrid 2.0 liter 4cyl petrol engine in two configurations – 161bhp and 194bhp. These are labeled the B3 and B4 respectively, the former taking you to 62mph from a standstill in 8.6 seconds and the latter doing it a second faster. Both are limited to a top speed of 112mph (as is Volvo policy these days) and are officially rated at 42.2mpg. The 48V mild hybrid system corresponds to an increased stop-start capability and a small electric charge.
The XC40 has more going on in terms of everyday family business than anything from Audi or Mercedes. Cabin storage is useful, you’ll appreciate the little plugs and hooks around the place, and access to the seats is very good. Also, there are some tricks for the boots, which also make it more practical for loose shops. It would be tight for five adults, but there is decent space for children, even if they want a better view outside.
Rather than acting like a car-like crossover, the XC40 is an upright and solid SUV. Volvo did something nice here. It helps that SUV values match many of Volvo’s values. It is a comfortable ride that provides safety in all weather conditions. It keeps you calm instead of pushing you into hard turns, but when you demand it, it doesn’t come apart.
The cabin is extremely well organized and functional, with some practical storage ideas that really work. It is also large and well made. The electric version is also worth checking out, but it’s quite expensive in comparison.
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Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Watch your regular roundup of news, reviews and deals delivered to your inbox. Volvo XC40 updated for 2023 as company electrifies whole range Volvo will only offer mild hybrids, plug-ins and electric models.
Volvo announced today that it will electrify its entire US lineup for the 2023 model year. No, not all models will be fully electric yet. That means every Volvo model will have some form of electrification, from mild hybrids to plug-ins to fully electric. Volvo is also making some updates to its XC40 crossover.
The change will see the Volvo XC90, C60 Cross Country and XC40 now offer mild hybrid engines. This is a step in the direction of the company’s promised future for electric vehicles by 2030. The updated product range gives customers a range of electrified options tailored to their lifestyle and charging situation.
Volvo updates the XC40 by adding a new frameless grill and a new front bumper that matches the design of the XC40 Hybrid with the updated all-electric XC40 Recharge. Volvo is also giving the Thor’s Hammer headlight logo a new look. Inside the 2023 XC40, the company will offer premium leather-free upholstery that customers can pair with new exterior colors and wheels.
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Volvo is also launching its built-in Google Assistant in the XC40 and across the entire Volvo 2023 range. The system allows Volvo to offer over-the-air updates to its vehicles, which can bring better features and services to customers after they purchase the car.
The 2023 update also brings a number of styling updates to various other models. These include new paint, rims and interior. The S60, V60 and V60 Cross Country get a new front grille design and an updated rear bumper insert. Volvo is also eliminating trim lines, allowing customers to combine the exterior design, interior trim and equipment levels of their choice.
Volvo says the 2023 lineup is now in production. The updated products will arrive in US dealerships sometime this summer, including the updated XC40. Volvo’s updated product range firmly emphasizes its stance on electrification, while giving customers the choice to choose the electric vehicle that suits them best.
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