VOLVO XC40 ELECTRIC ESTATE 175kW Recharge Core 69kWh 5dr Auto

Volvo's compact XC40 SUV has delivered some new beginnings for the company. Jonathan Crouch drives and checks out the latest versions.

Ten Second Review

Volvo's XC40 is much more than just a smaller version of the brand's larger SUVs. It gets its own 'CMA' platform, a very distinct design to set itself apart and lots of potential for electrification. The result is a slightly unusual alternative to premium-branded compact SUVs like Audi's Q3 and the BMW X1. Here's the most recent lightly updated version, which offers mild hybrid, PHEV and full-EV options.

Background

Volvo took its time in developing a contender for the industry's fastest-growing market segment, that for compact family hatchback-based SUVs. Back in 2017, the XC40 put that right. Since then, it's been usefully updated. Under the skin lies a bespoke 'Compact Modular Architecture' platform that Volvo created with its Chinese owner Geely. It's a chassis that will in future be used by a whole range of new compact Volvo models, but it's hard to believe that many of them will be much more significant than this one. Established premium brand compact SUV contenders like BMW's X1, Mercedes' GLA and Audi's Q3 are all within this XC40's sights. So it'll have to be good.

Driving Experience

The XC40's 'CMA' platform has been based around provision for a whole range of future cutting-edge Volvo powerplants. All the combustion units now fuel from the green pump, you can only have front wheel drive and auto transmission is mandatory. The range kicks off with the B3 mild hybrid 163hp variant, which sits alongside a 197hp B4 mild hybrid model. If you need your XC40 to be fully battery-powered, you'll need a differently-badged version of this design, the EX40. There are two Pure Electric variants of the EX40 on offer. The base rear-driven single-motor model offers 238hp and goes 290 miles between charges of its 69kWh battery. The alternative AWD model offers the twin electric motor set-up (one on each axle) offering a 334 mile range between charges of its larger 82kWh battery. That AWD variant has 408hp on tap (yes, you heard that right), which seems like it'd be rather excessive for the needs of most likely customers, sprinting you to 62mph from rest in just 4.5s with more torque than you'd get in a Nissan GT-R super sports car - 660Nm of it, at which point, the motor's spinning at a heady 14,000rpm.

Design and Build

This XC40 has recently been updated with a smarter front bumper and a frameless front grille. That latter feature is blanked off in the EX40 Pure Electric model, which is the main visual difference marking out that full-EV XC40 variant from the combustion-engined versions of this design. In addition, the car's signature Thor's Hammer headlights have been augmented with state-of-the-art pixel LED light technology, enabling them to automatically adapt to traffic in front and efficiently light up the road ahead without dazzling other drivers. Otherwise, the XC40 is much as it was when we first saw it back in 2017. It's an interesting combination this. A Swedish-branded product, financed by a Chinese conglomerate, styled by a British designer and built in a Dutch factory. We'll start with the penman, a young Englishman Ian Kettle who says that the look of this car was inspired by robots he'd seen in sci-fi movies. In styling this contender, his brief was to give the XC40 its own identity, rather than simply making it a down-sized XC60. So while this car shares its bigger stablemate's 'Thor's Hammer' LED headlights and clamshell bonnet, it also gets unique touches like an inverted front grille and coupe-like rear styling. To some extent of course, the XC40 had to be different because it rides on quite different underpinnings, a 'CMA' ('Common Modular Architecture') platform that'll be seen on a whole range of future small models from Volvo and its Chinese parent Geely. Not too much is different with the latest model inside, though if you delve into the workings of the central portrait-style 9-inch screen, you'll find that the infotainment system is powered by Android, which means you get a raft of over-the-air Google features, including Maps and YouTube Music built in. What else might you need to know about the cabin? Well because the XC40's basic architecture was designed to accommodate a full-electric powertrain from the start, there are no compromises with the EV model over combustion versions when it comes to rear seat legroom. Or luggage space. Which is just as well because trunk capacity isn't huge, though the 452-litre capacity figure will probably be quite sufficient for the needs of most owners.

Market and Model

The XC40's quite a lot pricier than it used to be. The combustion models start at just under £36,000 and range up to just under £46,000. The EX40 Pure Electric line-up begins at around £48,000 and ranges up to around £62,000. Whatever kind of propulsion you choose for your XC40, there are three levels of trim available - 'Core', 'Plus' and 'Ultimate'. As standard in the combustion range, even entry-level 'Core' variants come with LED headlights with optional active high beam, two-zone climate control with a 'CleanZone' air-filtration system, rear parking sensors, a 12.3-inch TFT instrument binnacle display and 19-inch alloy wheels, plus roof rails and a power-operated tailgate. Plusher 'Plus'-spec gets you keyless entry, LED front fog lamps, a Park Assist system, a flexible load floor and heat for the front seats and steering wheel. Top 'Ultimate' trim gives you 19-inch wheels, Volvo's 'Pilot Assist' with Adaptive Cruise Control set-up and a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. There's also a powered sunroof, a 360-degree camera system and a headlamp cleaning system. As ever with Volvo, a key focus is safety. An autonomous braking system is standard-fit and this system can specifically detect people and animals. There's also an 'Oncoming Lane Mitigation' set-up that not only stops you from pulling out into the path of an oncoming vehicle but can also steer you away from such an impact. Pilot Assist, Volvo's innovative semi-autonomous drive feature, is an optional extra on every XC40, as is 'Run-off Road Protection and Mitigation'. And Cross Traffic Alert with brake support', which warn you of oncoming vehicles when you're reversing out of a space.

Cost of Ownership

On the the WLTP figures. The B3 and B4 mild hybrid front-driven models both offer combined fuel economy of up to 42mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions up to 152g/km. The Plug-in hybrids (which can go up to 28 EAER-rated miles on a charge) both manage a faintly unbelievable official combined cycle fuel reading of up to 134.5mpg and a CO2 reading of around 47g/km. The rear-driven single motor EX40 electric model can go up to 290 miles on a single charge. The Dual Motor AWD EX40 manages up to 334 miles. Charging times for the EV variants are competitive. The improved AWD model's larger battery pack allows for charging at an updated top rate of 200kW DC (previously there was 150kW DC maximum), while a 10-80 per cent charge takes approximately 28 minutes. Overnight charging via a home wallbox will occupy around 8 hours. There are of course, lots of taxation advantages in running an EV. With this one, as with its main rivals, you'll be rated at just 2% for BiK Benefit-in-Kind taxation. Maintenance across the XC40 range should be relatively affordable for a car of this kind, with three or five year pre-paid servicing packages are available to help you budget ahead. If you pay extra for the useful 'On Call with App' remote connectivity system, this Volvo can be programmed to autonomously realise when a service is due, then automatically book it for you at a dealership of your choice. Finally, we'll tell you that the warranty is the usual three year, 60,000 mile package.

Summary

Volvo clearly felt that to break into the premium brand compact SUV segment, it had to offer something distinctively different to its German rivals, so that's exactly what we've got. Not everyone will like the looks but there's no doubt that they will help the brand to target buyers who would never previously have considered a Volvo. Will these people pass up a premium German-branded alternative to own this car though? Well, the class-leading safety standards may be tempting for some. And the personalisation options a deciding factor for others. Overall, if you're looking for a quality option that's a bit more unique in this segment, Volvo thinks it has a car that'll interest you very much.

Body Glass

Dark tinted windows for rear door side windows and cargo compartment

Front and rear electric windows

Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation

Rear wiper

Brakes

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

Hill descent control

Hill start assist

Stability and traction control includes spin control and corner traction control

Vehicle deceleration control with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Electric rear axle drive

Touring chassis

Communication

Bluetooth handsfree system

Volvo on call with charge station locations and route planning and pre climatisation

Wired Apple CarPlay

Wireless/Inductive Mobile Phone Charging

Driver Aids

Emergency services call system

Power operated tailgate

Driver Convenience

Adjustable steering wheel force

Cruise control

Driver alert control with lane keeping aid

Intelligent speed assistance

Oncoming Lane Mitigation

Rear park assist

Rear park assist camera

Speed sensitive steering

Driver Information

12.3" Progressive Driver Display

9" centre console portrait touch screen

Google automatic services - Nav with google maps, apple carplay/android auto, voice recognition with google assistant

Volvo cars services with app

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming interior mirror

Black stone door mirrors

Electric adjustable/heated/auto folding door mirrors

Engine

Lithium-ion battery

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

High performance sound, 8 speakers/250W, 2 front USB and 2 rear type C USB

Low speed exterior sound speaker

Steering wheel remote infotainment controls

Exterior Body Features

Black stone boot spoiler

Colour co-ordinated front grille and surround

Front recharge tread plates

High gloss black front and rear skid plate

High gloss black lower front bumper

High gloss black window trim

Integrated roof rails in high gloss black

Rear side wing doors

Recharge embossed rear side roof pillar

Roof antenna

Visible VIN plate

Exterior Lights

Adaptive brake lights with high level LED brake lights

Automatic headlamp levelling

Automatic LED Headlights + Active high beam incorporating daytime running lights

Home safe and approach lighting

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

2 zone electronic climate control and rear air vent with clean zone air quality system and pollen filter

Interior Features

12V socket in front tunnel console

3 spoke sports tailored steering wheel

A-pillar parking ticket holder

Centre console cupholders and storage

Charcoal headlining

Charcoal lower dashboard, upper tunnel console and armrest

Front load compartment (31 litres)

Front tunnel net pocket and integrated waste bin

Glovebox bag hook

Height/reach adjustable steering column

High gloss black centre tunnel and centre screen surround deco

Load protection net

One pedal drive mode

Rear armrest with cupholder

Rear coat hook

Textile cloth upholstery

Underfloor cargo storage

Interior Lights

Front footwell illumination

Front reading light and theatre lighting

Illuminated glovebox

Illuminated luggage compartment

Safety

3x3 point rear seatbelts

City safety includes pedestrain and cyclist detection, front collision warning with full and rear auto brake

Drivers knee airbag

Dual stage driver/passenger airbags

First aid kit

Front and outer rear seatbelt reminder and pretensioners

Front seats SIPS airbags

IC (Inflatable Curtains) - Full Length

ISOFIX attachment (Front passenger and Rear outer seats)

Passenger airbag cut-off device

Power child locks on rear doors

Road sign information display

Run off Road Mitigation

Run off Road Protection

SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)

Slippery road and hazard light alert

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Warning triangle

WHIPS whiplash protection system - front

Seats

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

60/40 versatile split folding rear seat

Front headrests

Front seat cushion extensions

Heated front seats

Height adjustable passenger seat

Height/tilt adjustable driver's seat

Multi directional lumbar support

Rear headrests

Single front passenger seat

Security

2 x Key integrated remote control central locking including recharging port with deadlocking system and auto open/close power windows

Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor

Care key with user defined top speed

Convenient entry and start

Locking wheel nuts

Private locking for tailgate

Remote door locking and unlocking

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated vanity mirrors + ticket holder

Vehicle Charging

3.7 kW monophase on board charger

7m 10amp charging cable with 3 pin plug and 4.5m 3 phase 32 amp type 2 / mode 3 charge cable

Recharging port located in nearside rear wing

Wheels

All season tyres

Wheels - Alloy

19" 5 Spoke diamond cut/black alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre sealant kit + 12v compressor

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Battery Capacity in kWh: 69

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 1260

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 660

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 27

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 150

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 150

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Usable Battery Capacity: 66

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 18.3

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.7

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 475

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 435

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 475

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 295.1

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 270.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 295.1

Emissions - ICE

CO: N

CO2 (g/km): 0

HC: N

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: N

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

CC: 1

Compression Ratio: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Cylinders: N

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

Engine Code: N

Engine Layout: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Gears: 1 SPEED

Number of Valves: N

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): N

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Urban (mpg): N

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 0

Badge Power: 238

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: 175kW Recharge

Coin Series: Core

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 36E

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 97

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 71

NCAP Safety Assist %: 76

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.3

Engine Power - BHP: 238

Engine Power - KW: 175

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 310

Engine Torque - MKG: 42.8

Engine Torque - NM: 420

Engine Torque - RPM: N

Top Speed: 112

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 235/50 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 255/45 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: 5 SPOKE

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1651

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 4440

Wheelbase: 2702

Width: 1910

Width (including mirrors): 2034

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2470

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1328

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 452

Max. Loading Weight: 511

Max. Roof Load: 75

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Minimum Kerbweight: 1959

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Exterior Body Features

Additional Metallic paint

Black stone pillars

Black stone roof

Black stone roof spoiler

Packs

Climate pack - C40/XC40

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Bright Dusk

Metallic - Cloud blue

Metallic - Crystal white

Metallic - Fjord blue

Metallic - Onyx black

Metallic - Sage green

Metallic - Silver Dawn

Metallic - Vapour grey

Towing

Retractable towbar

Trim - Cloth

Textile cloth - Charcoal city canvas + carpet and mats, door panel insert, origin inlay and standard gearknob