XC40 [Official] 2018 Volvo XC40


The Volvo XC40 is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV (C-segment) manufactured by Volvo Cars. It was unveiled on 21 September 2017 as the smallest SUV model from Volvo, below the XC60. Orders started in September 2017, and manufacturing began in November 2017. Along with conventional petrol and diesel engines, a plug-in hybrid model was introduced in 2019, and a fully electric model was released in 2020. Both the plug-in hybrid and the electric versions were marketed as the XC40 Recharge. In 2024, Volvo renamed the battery electric XC40 to the Volvo EX40, aligning it with newer battery electric models such as the EX30 and the EX90.
Now we only need a new S40. I know, I know. There's probably no market for it, but an A3 sized reinterpretation of the first gen would be awesome. I'm biased, obviously.
 
Hate it.

XC40 <<<<<< XC60 << XC90



If this is X1 segment, which I am sure it is, then HELL NO!!!

lol sorry man, but f#ck the F48 X1. My brother has an E84 tho, and it does look awesome in grey.

For the record: I'm still butthurt about BMW going FWD with the X1 :(
 
lol sorry man, but f$%k the F48 X1. My brother has an E84 tho, and it does look awesome in grey.

For the record: I'm still butthurt about BMW going FWD with the X1 :(

The current X1 is horrendous. Proportions are all wrong. The first gen may not have been as practical, but it was a taut design exercise and had a bit of athleticism to it.
 
It won't be everyone's cup of tea but is interesting how Volvo are trying to differentiate it in a segment bursting with competitors

I can tell that Volvo are targeting millennials with it. Clever internal storage is very welcome and so is the ability to grant others a digital key to drive the car. Rental companies will love this feature. However I don't think hipsters will be quick to lend their car to their cohabiting friends as ultimately the car and damage to it is the responsibility of the lease holder.

The use of felt and "synthetic" materials won't hit home with Baby boomers with an appreciation for full leather and wood inlays. They will prefer the Evoque or E Pace. It's clearly a good time to be in the market for a compact SUVs as the XC40, X1, Evoque and Q3 offering something for everyone.
Excellent analysis Centurion.
The use of unconventional materials like felt is interesting. As long as durability and practicality is not sacrificed, I think it's great.
 
The latest issue of Autocar tests the XC40 in D4 First Edition guise. They loved it. They ranked it as the second best car in the class behind the Tiguan, well ahead of the X1 in fifth place. 4.5 out of 5 starts. I think this car is going to do really well for Volvo.

I wonder what Geely's plans are in buying a sizable stake in Daimler. Might we see Volvos on Mercedes platforms one day in the future? If they ever decided to move beyond their 4-cylinder only rule, the new MB 6-cylinder would be a great engine to use.
 
Lynk & Co 01 will be built alongside Volvo XC40

Its factory isn't the only tie Lynk & Co has with Volvo. In addition to shared parentage, the 01 was also designed by an international team in Gothenberg, Sweden.

Engines include a new Volvo 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and the existing Volvo 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol. Unlike Volvo SUVs, there is no diesel likely, although there will be a Volvo-sourced plug-in hybrid. There’s also a choice of two- or four-wheel drive.

‘We will manufacture in Europe, for Europe, focusing initially on hybrid-only electrified derivatives of our new range of cars,’ Lynk & Co senior vice president Alain Visser said. ‘Our vehicles share the innovative Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) with Volvo, therefore it makes absolute sense that we commence European production for Lynk & Co alongside a brand with the absolute trustmark and global recognition in safety, quality, design and international appeal.’

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Link: Lynk & Co 02: Geely’s other marque reveals new SUV
 
When is this one due?

It's been on sale in China (branded as the 01) for the last 3 months and has become the fastest selling car in Chinese history. Part of the reason is because of Chinese subsidies which price it at $24k-$32K for the locals.

From my understanding, the 01 is being branded the 02 for the European market and the 02 will only be sold as a monthly subscription basis (e.g. Care by Volvo). As an example, ~$600/month for the car including insurance, maintenance & roadside assistance. Subscriptions will be for 24 month term with $0 down payment. No dealerships - will use online sales model and retail stores similar to Tesla. European sales slated for late 2019/ with Amsterdam & Barcelona as the pilot cities.
 
It's been on sale in China (branded as the 01) for the last 3 months and has become the fastest selling car in Chinese history. Part of the reason is because of Chinese subsidies which price it at $24k-$32K for the locals.

From my understanding, the 01 is being branded the 02 for the European market and the 02 will only be sold as a monthly subscription basis (e.g. Care by Volvo). ~$600/month for the car including insurance, maintenance & roadside assistance. Subscriptions will be for 24 month term with $0 down payment. No dealerships - will use online sales model and retail stores similar to Tesla. European sales slated for late 2019/ with Amsterdam & Barcelona as the pilot cities.

Care by Volvo is more expensive than that. Currently the monthly fee for an entry level XC40 is closer to $1,125 in the U.K. It’s expensive and only makes economic sense if you can hit the annual 15,000 mileage allowance.
 
The T3 appear to be manure for an engine that shouldn't power an SUV on its own without an electric motor. To those who haven't seen the XC40 in the metal, it's lovely to look at - fun design without goofiness. However it's physically not as small as you'd expect, and certainly not an expensive car that should be powered by a 3 cylinder with a narrow torque window.

Waiting lists are long and if you order now, you'll get delivery in March. The hype will cool down once the new Q3 has made a debut.

New Volvo XC40 T3 2018 review

But from here, the engine begins to fall apart. Performance is fine if you’re willing to rev it out, but off-boost there’s almost no power at all. If you accelerate on a motorway from around 65mph in fifth or sixth, nothing really happens. Blame such long gearing - 2,000rpm at 70mph is good for refinement, but you’ll need to shift down at least two gears to make any sort of progress at all.

The problem is that, long gearing or not, fuel economy is poor. In a mix of urban, motorway and A-road driving, we calculated an average of just 29.3mpg. Sit at a constant 70mph, and you’ll be lucky to top 37mpg.

New Volvo XC40 T3 2018 review
 

Volvo

Volvo Cars is a Swedish multinational manufacturer of luxury vehicles. Founded in 1927, Volvo is headquartered in Torslanda, Gothenburg, Sweden. The company has been owned by the Chinese multinational automotive company Geely since 2010. Volvo also produces electric vehicles under the Polestar brand.
Official websites: Volvo, Polestar

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