2021 Volvo XC40 EV, Specs, and Reviews. The Volvo XC40 is the brand’s recent addition to the compact luxury segment where this model goes against the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Infiniti QX30 and Mercedes GLA. The model debuted for the 2019 model year and the 2020 XC40 comes with more standard features in some trims. The 2021 Volvo XC40 brings a new round of upgrades.
As part of the brand’s broad electrification plan, the XC40 will get the all-electric version which should debut soon. Volvo wants to electrify the entire models’ range by 2025 and half of the models should be powered by pure electric powertrains while the rest of the range should use the hybrid units. The XC40 EV will be the first Volvo-badged all-electric model.
Volvo revealed also recently the plug-in hybrid XC40 variant which should go on sale as the 2021 model. With the XC40 PHEV, the brand is the first in the industry to offer every model with the plug-in hybrid setup.
Volvo will reveal more details about the all-electric XC40 soon and more details should also appear about the conventionally powered 2021 XC40
2021 Volvo XC40 Performance
With the recent introduction of the plug-in hybrid version of the 2021 Volvo XC40, the Swedish brand is the first in the industry to offer the PHEV variant of every vehicle. The PHEV XC40 debuted for the European market while Volvo hasn’t confirmed its arrival to the US.
The plug-in hybrid XC40 combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the electric motor and battery pack for the total output of 262 hp. The electric motor gets the power from the 10.7-kWh battery which needs about 2.5 hours for the full recharge tough the quick charge. Volvo promises 28.6 miles of the all-electric range with the PHEV XC40. With the depleted battery, the model operates like the hybrid.
There are no many details about the powertrain capability of the upcoming XC40 EV. Volvo will use two electric motors to power the front and rear wheels. It’s not known what power and acceleration level the model will provide. The model is expected to ensure more than 250 miles on the single charge and various battery options should be available.
The conventionally-powered XC40 will return with the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with the 8-speed automatic transmission. The T4 version will produce 187 hp and 221 pound-feet of torque. The T5 will output 248 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque.
2021 Volvo XC40 Design
The all-electric version of the 2021 Volvo XC40 will be the brand’s first series-production pure electric model after the years of development and investment. Volvo revealed some details about the model and its look but more details will emerge in the coming days.
The new all-electric XC40 will be based on the same Compact Modular Architecture which underpins the regular XC40 and was designed with the electrification in the mind.
Volvo said that XC40 EV features a distinctive look compared to the regular XC40. The model will get the body-colored insert instead of the brand’s signature grille while the “thor’s hammer” headlights will be familiar form. The electric model will also adopt the same design theme for the rear fascia but the rear bumper will come without the exhaust pipes. The green-tech XC40 will also offer a new Sage Green metallic color and standard contrasting roof painting. The model will also use distinctive styling 19- and 20-inch wheels.
No details appeared about the regular 2021 XC40 but it should return in the current form. The plug-in hybrid version will also be hardly distinguishable from the combustion engine-only powered XC40.
Interior, Equipment
The cabin of the battery-powered version and regular model should look very similar. Volvo announced, however, that XC40 EV will be first to get an Android-driven infotainment system with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play. The system should provide unprecedented personalization capability and intuitiveness. This system will also be the first to allow wireless software updates. The XC40 EV will also come with the unique information on the display and diver cluster.
Volvo hasn’t clarified yet would this new Android-based incontinent system appears in the regular XC40 version for the 2021 model year.
The XC40 will, of course, come well-equipped from the base version and with the award-wining safety technologies.
2021 Volvo XC40 Release, Price
The 2021 Volvo XC40 will go on sale in 2020. The PHEV model will cost around $50, 500 in Europe. The pure-electric XC40 will debut soon with the on-sale date later in 2020 and price in the $40,000 range. The regular version should start from about $33, 000.
