The automaker has launched a new XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T4, a second plug-in hybrid petrol-electric version of the premium compact SUV.
Volvo’s progressive and wide-ranging electrification program has provided a second plug-in petrol-electric hybrid powertrain for the multi-award-winning XC40 compact SUV. The revealing of the new XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T4 increases consumer choice and opens the highly effective plug-in hybrid technology to a broader market.
At the same time, two new mild-hybrid petrol options have been included in the range, in the form of the new XC40 B4 and B5.
With first UK deliveries of the new XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8 set for early 2021, the XC40 offers consumers an exceptional choice of electrified powertrains: full battery-electric, petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, and mild-hybrid electrified petrol.
XC40 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T4
The new plug-in hybrid system comes with a 129hp 1.5-liter petrol engine, an 82hp electric motor, and 10.7kWh rechargeable lithium-ion battery to deliver an all-electric driving range of up to 27 miles, indicating that the typical commuting journeys can be finished with zero tailpipe emissions and no petrol consumption. Its seven-speed automatic transmission helps make driving the XC40 Recharge T4 easy, smooth, and refined, while official WLTP data records CO2 emissions from just 47g/km and fuel economy of up to 134.5mpg.
This efficiency underpins the XC40 Recharge T4’s low day-to-day running expense, while sub-£40,000 ($52,503) on-the-road prices mean it doesn’t attract the extra £325 Vehicle Excise Duty payable from years two to six. For business motorists, the low CO2 emissions also attract competitive benefit-in-kind rates for company car tax. A rate of only 12% means a 20% taxpayer would pay as low as £78 ($102) a month.
The new powertrain joins the well known Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T5 in the XC40 range and is available in R-Design and Inscription equipment grades, with front-wheel drive. Respective on-the-road prices are £39,130 ($51,362) and £39,475 ($51,814). The new versions are on sale now and first deliveries to consumers are expected in October this year.
New B4 and B5 mild-hybrid petrol powertrains
The XC40 is also newly available in two mild-hybrid versions, which feature a 48-volt battery to support a 2.0-litre petrol engine. A kinetic energy recovery system and an integrated starter generator add to the overall efficiency.
The new B4 churns out 197 hp and is available with front- or all-wheel drive, while the 250 hp B5 comes exclusively with all-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on both models.
The new powertrains replace the earlier T4 and T5 petrol engines in the XC40 line-up. On-the-road prices are from £32,760 ($43,000) for the B4 (Momentum FWD) and £37,865 ($49,701) for the B5 (R-Design).
“The addition of a second plug-in hybrid powertrain and the introduction of our first mild-hybrid petrols to the XC40 range is the newest step in Volvo Cars’ ambitious electrification strategy. Combined with the XC40’s existing strengths of striking design, ingenious packaging, and advanced safety technology, these new powertrains make an already desirable car even more desirable,” said Kristian Elvefors, the Managing Director of Volvo Car UK.
