Introduced in September 2017, the Volvo XC40, along with its pure-electric variant, the EX40, is the brand’s second-highest-selling car globally. It may be long overdue for a full model change, but instead, it is set to receive another facelift following the first one in 2022.
Here’s everything we know and expect from the new Volvo XC40:
Design
Volvo Cars has begun testing the facelifted XC40 on public roads, and recent images of prototypes reveal design changes. Our exclusive renderings featured in this story incorporate the details visible in these spy shots along with additional revisions that we expect.
Like its larger siblings, the second-gen XC60 and the XC90, both of which have also had unusually long life cycles and dual facelifts, the XC40 should gain a new radiator grille with diagonal slats angled in opposing directions on either side of the Volvo emblem.
Both the grille surround and the slats will likely feature a chrome finish. Expect the Thor’s Hammer DRLs to be slimmer, and their horizontal strips to be wider, extending inward into the upper corners of the grille.
The front bumper will likely lose the air-intake-style elements at its outer corners for a cleaner appearance. The lower air intake should also have a new shape, with rounded corners replacing the current model’s sharp edges.
Along the sides, Volvo Cars will likely offer new alloy wheels in multiple designs and 18-, 19-, and 20-inch sizes. Tweaked taillights and a revised rear bumper with smaller, slimmer reflectors positioned lower should complete the exterior changes.
Interior
The interior of the new Volvo XC40 is unlikely to sport wholesale changes compared to the current model. We expect to see updates such as a new infotainment system, an improved wireless smartphone charger with a power output of 15 watts, and a revised center console.
The new infotainment system will likely have a free-standing touchscreen that protrudes from the dashboard rather than being integrated into it as in the current model. The display should be slightly larger, measuring 11.2 inches diagonally, and have a 21% higher pixel density.
Besides a larger, sharper display, the new infotainment system will likely feature a new-generation Snapdragon processor, making it more than twice as fast and capable of generating graphics 10 times faster.
Specifications
Speaking to Automotive News, Volvo’s CEO Håkan Samuelsson has said that the company needs hybrid cars for longer. The publication is also suggesting “stronger hybrid options” for the XC series vehicles.
While the European-spec model could witness changes under the hood, in the U.S., it may continue to be offered in B4 and B5 mild-hybrid variants, both with a 2.0-liter gas engine.
The B4 variant should pack 194 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, and the B5 variant should bump the outputs to 247 hp and 258 lb-ft, respectively. The former may accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 8 seconds, and the latter may take around 6 seconds to do the same.
Unlike the B4, B5 should come with an AWD system, included as standard, for enhanced all-weather capability. Both mild-hybrid variants will likely deliver an EPA-estimated fuel economy of over 25 mpg.
Price & Release Date
Prices of the new Volvo XC40 may start at around USD 42,000. The updated model should arrive in the U.S. sometime next year. We expect to hear Volvo’s electrification plans for the 40, 60, and 90 Series models during the Strategy Update event to be held in Stockholm on September 17.
Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s exclusive render of the refreshed XC40.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
