2023 (23) Volvo XC40 2.0 B3P Plus Dark 5dr Auto

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

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 further updated version, based as before around mild hybrid power, which now offers a smarter look and better media connectivity.

Background

Quite a lot's happened to the XC40 since Volvo first introduced it back in 2017 complete with the bespoke 'Compact Modular Architecture' platform that Volvo created with its Chinese owner Geely. The first big update arrived in the Autumn of 2019, with the introduction of a T5 Plug-in Hybrid powertrain and an entry-level T2 version of the base three cylinder model. More significantly, at the same time Volvo announced a full-EV version, initially only available in powerful Twin Motor AWD form and sold with 'P8' badging. But hardly anyone was interested at the prices being asked, so 2020 saw the Swedish brand completely rejuvenating the combustion side of the range. The conventional T4 and T5 petrol units were updated to mild hybrid 48-volt B4 and B5 status and a more affordable T4 version of the Plug-in Hybrid powertrain arrived, all of which emboldened the brand to drop diesel power for XC40 folk. Volvo announced a mild facelift in Spring 2022, which included the introduction of an advanced Android-powered infotainment system. By this time, diesel and PHEV petrol powerplants were long gone and just two mild hybrid non-plug-in petrol B3 and B4 models remained. Alongside the full-EV version, which in 2024 was separated from the combustion line-up and given a new name - the EX40. But combustion XC40 models continued on and in Autumn 2026, Volvo gave them a further visual update and introduced more new cabin screen tech, creating the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience

The XC40's 'CMA' platform has been based around provision for a whole range of future cutting-edge Volvo powerplants. Both the combustion units fuel from the green pump, you can only have front wheel drive and auto transmission is mandatory. The combustion line-up's starting point is the 163hp B3, which makes 62mph in 8.6s, but you could also choose the 197hp version, the B4, which takes a second off that time on the way to the 112mph top speed figure that these days all Volvos share. A torque rise from 265 to 300Nm on the B4 boosts the braked towing weight from 1,600 to 2,000kgs. The mild hybrid system on B3 and B4 models works as this kind of tech usually does. So, there's a 48-volt battery, a 'KERS' kinetic energy recovery system and an 'ISG' integrated starter-generator. Every time you brake or take your foot from the throttle, the 'KERS' set-up captures surplus energy and stores it as electricity in an extra battery provided in the boot. That additional electricity can be used to boost the engine if needed while accelerating. And that power boost might also be used to restart the engine when the stop/start system kicks in at low speeds; or this surplus energy might be directed to help power ancillary functions. Volvo's overall objective here wasn't to provide Prius-like periods of electric-only driving but instead make the engine more efficient via smoother transitions between driving, cruising and resting. That's all been aided by revisions to the automatic gearbox and the implementation of a brake-by-wire system. But it's not really necessary to know any of this if you're an XC40 B3 or B4 driver. The technology is so seamlessly built into the powertrain that you simply don't notice it. There are certainly no fancy graphics, nor do you have to press any buttons - or plug anything in. Whatever kind of XC40 you choose, you get the kind of properly raised SUV-like driving position that not all rivals provide. That's obviously a boon for urban manoeuvring. And for highway driving, there's an optional 'Intellisafe Pro' pack that includes Volvo's effective 'Pilot Assist' system, a set-up that at cruising speeds of up to 80mph can effectively drive for you. It's able to take care of the steering, throttle and braking on major roads, reading the white lines on the road and keeping you firmly between them. As with the Mercedes version of this system, you have to keep your hands on the steering wheel for the system to be operable. A piercing beep admonishes you if you let go of it. It's all very sensible, assured and predictable, words that sum up most aspects of this XC40's confidently measured approach to drive dynamics. Which is one of the main reasons why potential buyers will like it so much.

Design and Build

If you're familiar with the XC40, as many are by now, then you'll immediately notice that this latest update is the most far-reaching visually that we've seen so far. The entire front end, including the bonnet, has been redesigned to give the car a more contemporary look. There's a cleaner-looking bumper and the grille is shorter and wider than before, connecting to the 'Thor's Hammer' matrix LED headlights - which gain a sharper two-piece signature. There are fresh alloy wheel designs too and both the tailgate and the bumper have also been redesigned at the rear, where there are more restyled LED lights. 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. Inside with this latest model, a previous owner would also notice the key change - the installation on the dashboard of a larger asnd crisper 11.2-inch central screen (up from 9-inches before). This monitor incorporates Google Gemini AI voice control, which allows the user to have 'natural' conversation with it. There are also new premium upholstery and decor options, plus the wirless 'phone charger has been updated. 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, you get fairly uncompromised rear seat legroom. Out back, trunk capacity isn't huge, though the 443-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 £37,000 and range up to just under £47,500. For reference, the alternative EX40 Pure Electric line-up begins at around £47,000 and ranges up to around £58,000. Whatever kind of propulsion you choose for your XC40, there are various levels of trim available - 'Core', 'Plus', 'Plus Black Edition', 'Plus Pro', 'Plus Pro Black Edition', 'Ultra' and 'Ultra Black Edition'. 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 'Ultra' 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, a portfolio expanded with this updated model by the addition of Door Opening Alert and lane change assist in the optional Pilot Assist system. Otherwise, it's as before. An autonomous braking system is of course 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 42.7mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions up to 149g/km. Rival German models easily better these stats. Still, you can't have everything. An SUV that's particularly strong, tough and laden with safety equipment has to make a few compromises somewhere and in the case of the mild hybrid XC40, they haven't been too great. 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. Servicing will be every year or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. Customers can book a service directly from the 'Volvo Cars app'; and use the maintenance pick-up and delivery service 'Volvo Valet', which allows customers to have their cars collected, serviced and returned from the comfort of their own home. 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. Finally, residuals; according to the CAP data, after three years and 36,000 miles, the mild hybrid B4 variant retains 57.7% of its value.

Summary

Back in 2017, few thought that this XC40 would still be around a decade later - but here it is, looking remarkably class-competitive in this further updated facelifted form. Volvo must be pleased that, right from the outset with this car, it tried to offer something distinctively different, an approach that continues to stand the XC40 in good stead against more modern segment rivals. Not everyone will like the looks but there's no doubt that they will continue to help the brand 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 strong 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 still interest you very much.