2019 Volvo XC40
SMALL LUXURY MAKES BIG STATEMENT
Volvo enters the automotive industry’s growing segment with its third utility vehicle, the 2019 XC40. The XC40 is Volvo’s first model built on its new Compact Modular Architecture, and comes with groundbreaking connectivity and infotainment technologies, including safety innovations rarely offered among competitors in the compact crossover sport utility segment.
“The XC40 is our first entry in the small SUV segment, broadening the appeal of the Volvo brand and moving it in a new direction,” said Hkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive. “It represents a fresh, creative, and distinctive new member of the Volvo lineup.”
Outside, the XC40’s bold exterior looks unlike any Volvo that’s come before it, and is available in up to 17 combinations of body colors and color-contrast roof. In the front, Volvo’s signature Thor’s hammer daytime running lights complement a new interpretation of Volvo’s grille.
The XC40 has a strong, structured profile for a youthful expression, and large wheel arches that can accommodate nine different dynamic alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 to 21 inches in diameter. Its 8.3-inch ride height, which is the tallest in its class, provides a true sport ute feeling, and, with a small skid plate under its body, it has the ability to take modest backcountry forays with ease.
Inside, the XC40 introduces a bold rendition of Volvo’s Scandinavian design and functionality thanks to a clever use of space and interior materials. An available panoramic sunroof allows natural light into the cabin and, at night, integrated LED lighting can be color-adjusted to match the mood or temperature of the driver and passenger. Volvo’s designers created this distinctive lighting to combine with unique metal and textile trims to bring a feeling of creativity, energy, and youthfulness.
The all-wheel-drive XC40 is initially available with Volvo’s T5 248-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Additional powertrain options, including hybridized and pure electric propulsion systems, will also be added later.
We concentrated our 200-mile-long drive motoring in the T5 AWD R-Design on city streets and along the highways and byways of nearby countryside. We love the design cues both outside and within; the slightly aggressive nose and scalloped shapes at the lower edge of the sides and rear stretch its visual appearance. The premium interior has strong horizontal planes with stunning lighting features and Scandinavian simplicity; the cabin also looks and feels larger than its footprint, with ample elbow room and a collection of creative storage solutions, like the smart iPad stowage compartment, a tissue box holder, and removable trash bin, among other unique cubbies for holding everyday items.
The XC40s handling is superb and is absent the run-about feeling of some small SUVs. It has plenty of power to motivate it and torque that comes at the ready for passing and quick bursts of speed, when needed.
The Swedish automaker conducted extensive global research into how compact SUVs are used by their owners and discovered that proper storage was highlighted as an essential need. With that research behind it, the diminutive XC40 offers ample interior space for up to five passengers and 20.7 cubic feet of cargo, or as much as 47.2 cubic feet of storage, when including under-floor stowage. Smart daily-use features such as large door pockets, integrated bag hooks, and a customizable cargo area help with organizing life while in the car. A dedicated cellphone cubby frees up cupholders and other areas commonly used by customers to store their phone.
Connectivity is core to the XC40, which features four years of Volvo On Call as standard and the ability to share the car with trusted friends and family via a mobile phone app. Wireless QI mobile phone charging and Bluetooth connectivity with the standard 9-inch Sensus Connect touchscreen help reduce the clutter of charging cables and connectors. Applications such as Spotify, Pandora, and Yelp are available via the center touch screen, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The newest Volvo offers standard City Safety, which brings pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle, and large animal detection with emergency auto brake. Additional safety and driver assistance features include Pilot Assist, runoff road protection and mitigation, cross-traffic alert with brake support, and a 360-degree camera that helps the driver maneuver the car into tight parking spaces.
The T5 trim starts at $35,200; a T4 front-wheeldrive configuration will be introduced later, starting at $33,200. Alongside traditional purchase and lease options, the 2019 Volvo XC40 also debuts the Swedish carmaker’s Care by Volvo subscription service, which the company said will make having a car as transparent, easy, and hassle-free as having a phone, thanks to a national, flat-rate monthly fee that also allows subscribers to choose a new car as early as 12 months into the program without having to worry about downpayments, maintenance, or insurance.
XC40’s Outside, bold the exterior looks unlike any Volvo that’s come before it, and is available in up to 17 combinations of body colors and color-contrast roof.