Volvo downsizes for its next crossover
The Swedes know SUVs sell, so Volvo’s crafting a pretty Puma rival for a new generation. By Jake Groves
SUV DOMINATION
Volvo is well aware that coupes only sell if they’re also crossovers, like the new C40, the XC40’s shapelier twin. Same story with a supermini. So, given the marque wants to enter the B segment, it’ll have to do so with a cute crossover. And, given Volvo’s plan to be electriconly by 2030, it’ll also need to be electric. Expect XC20 or XC30 badging.
HITTING THE AIRWAVES
Volvo has a solid base for its electric cars, first seen on the XC40 Recharge. While it and the C40 have two e-motors, expect the smaller EV to only use one. Henrik Green, Volvo’s CTO, is frustrated by range constraints, but knows that subsequent over-theair updates, similar to Tesla, can eke out more miles.
JOINING THE WINNING TEAM
Along with new digital dials like the C40, Volvo is rolling out its Googlebased Android OS infotainment to more of its models. The new XC90, likely a year or so away from debut, will take this path – as will the new baby crossover.
ORDER IT FROM YOUR PHONE
Volvo’s made a big fuss about its ‘Care by Volvo’ subscription service in the past couple of years, which will apply to every new EV. Like the C40, there’ll be demos to test at a dealer, but you’ll order your car online, regardless of whether you’re buying or subscribing.
Håkan Samuelsson CEO, Volvo Cars
‘We will see more streamlined cars, and there’s no need for a big grille. We’ll also need fewer saloon and estate variants. We’ll still have them, but probably not as many, with more SUV models instead. We need to expand even more there, and we’re planning something smaller even than the 40 Series.’