The Volvo XC40 is to celebrate its tenth year on sale by receiving a series of updates aimed at keeping it competitive in the busy small premium SUV sector.
It’s one of three Volvos going under the knife for MY27 with the electric equivalents – the Volvo EX40 and the coupe-style Volvo EC40 – also being revised.
One of the UK’s best-selling cars, the XC40 has consistently found favour with buyers for its attractive blend of classy styling, a high-end image and refined driving experience.
They are traits that Volvo have looked to keep intact with this latest upgrade, bestowing the XC40 with a series of subtle but effective styling tweaks, a refreshed interior layout and an upgrade of on-board technology.
From the outset, the XC40’s classic silhouette remains very recognisable, with features like the sharply tapered rear-window line and chunky haunches staying on the drawing board.
Instead, the changes can be seen in the details with a softened front bumper design that draws inspiration from the new Volvo EX30 and Volvo XC90, while the grille is shorter and wider than before.
The ‘Thor’s Hammer’-style headlights now sit behind smokier cowls, while the tail lights are slimmer and more angular than in previous models.
Updated 20-inch wheel trims complete the look, giving the XC40 a fresh lease of life aesthetically to hold it in stead against new rivals, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3.
The revisions haven’t just been limited to the XC40 either with its all-electric EX40 and EC40 getting a similar design treatment, the biggest differentiation being the blanked-off front-grille.
What’s New Inside the Volvo XC40?
Changes to the interior revolve around a new, larger 11.2-inch touchscreen, which ‘floats’ out of the centre console.
Running the latest Google-powered interface, Volvo says it is crisper, faster and easier to navigate for key controls. Moreover, it has Google AI assistant Gemini installed, which is designed to help with route planning and location finding using simple voice commands.
The Swedish firm is also claiming higher quality materials inspired by those that can be found on the recently launched Volvo EX60 electric SUV.
Under the skin the changes are relatively minor, instead focusing on the implementation of the XC40’s safety systems.
As such, there are upgrades to the cameras, radars and sensors to help alert to dangers more readily, while revised software brings in fresh features, such as ‘safe exit’ for when opening doors in the path of oncoming hazards.
The engines, however, remain unchanged meaning XC40 buyers can choose between two versions of Volvo’s 2.0-litre mild-hybrid engine generating either 161bhp or 194bhp.
The EX40 and more rakish EC40, meanwhile, offers the choice of single-motor 69kWh or 82kWh batteries – for up to 357-miles of range – or a dual-motor 82kWh battery generating a whopping 402bhp.
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- Electric
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- Volvo