Volvo XC40 Marks Automaker's Entry Into Compact Crossover Segment
The all-new Volvo XC40 has made its official debut – marking Volvo’s first foray into the increasingly competitive compact crossover segment.
The XC40 rides on the Swedish automaker’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which will underpin all other upcoming cars in its lineup of ’40’ badged cars, including fully electrified vehicles. From launch, it will be offered with Volvo’s T5 Drive-E powertrain, which consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, which are paired with all-wheel drive. Volvo says it will eventually add both a hybridized and fully electric version.
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Volvo describes the XC40 as a “bold rendition of Scandinavian design and functionality.” The front is dominated by the brand’s “Thor’s hammer” daytime running lights, which flank the latest interpretation of the automaker’s grille. The profile is described as strong, structured and youthful, with an available color contrasting roof accentuating the character lines. Large wheels, spacious arches and a respectable 8.3-inch ride height give it a “true SUV feeling,” Volvo says.
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Volvo conducted extensive global research on how CUVs are typically used and designed the XC40’s interior with usefulness in mind. The automaker boasts of large door pockets, convenient bag hooks and a customizable cargo area for all of your storage needs. The dash is dominated by a standard 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is joined by tech-friendly features such as a dedicated cell phone storage space and wireless phone charging.
A range of safety features are available including Pilot Assist, Run-off Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic alert with brake support and a 360° camera for maneuvering the vehicle into tight spaces. City Safety is also standard, which can automatically detect pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles and large animals and apply an emergency autobrake if needed. With the XC40, Volvo is also rolling out a new program called “Care by Volvo”, which charges users a monthly fee for Volvo to take care of the maintenance, insurance, wear and tear and protection services for the vehicle. It also allows them to upgrade to a new car as early as 12 months after the initial purchase.
Production of the 2018 Volvo XC40 will start at Volvo’s plant in Ghent, Belgium in November, but the order books are open immediately. We’ll learn more about the XC40, along with Care by Volvo, at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late November.
Discuss this story on our Volvo forum.
Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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I dont love the design, kinda clunky. Looks well built and safe but not progressive.
Interesting side view, with the kick up at the C-pillar, which makes for a large dead zone, BTW. Thought this was going to be a look for the concept and then they would produce, essentially a smaller XC60, which is fabulous looking. While I generally applaud decisions to do something different with the side profile, as the rest is pretty "Volvo-expected", interior views show that this exterior kick-up makes the interior volume and light inside, well..darker and smaller feeling. This is unlike everyone else who is trying to have more expanse of glass and light in the interior, of what is essentially a smallish 175 or so inch car like the Jag E-Pace, GLC, BMWX2, etc. Therefore, the interior suffers, IMO, for the small nod to "modernity" of this element. Not a fan of that. Other than that, the concept of load it up with safety and self-parking goodies is just going to make for just another B-SUV segment 175 inch, 50,000 dollar...well, nice little vehicle. Give me the XC60. Another 10 inches and a whole lot more car, at 1000 more per inch, or maybe another 100 a month in a lease?