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By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 77

Volvo's XC40 is much more than just a smaller version of the brand's larger SUVs. It gets its own 'CMA' platform, a very distinct design to set itself apart and lots of potential for electrification. The result is a slightly unusual alternative to premium-branded compact SUVs like Audi's Q3 and the BMW X1. Here's the most recent further updated version, based as before around mild hybrid power, which now offers a smarter look and better media connectivity.

Background word count: 247

Quite a lot's happened to the XC40 since Volvo first introduced it back in 2017 complete with the bespoke 'Compact Modular Architecture' platform that Volvo created with its Chinese owner Geely. The first big update arrived in the Autumn of 2019, with the introduction of a T5 Plug-in Hybrid powertrain and an entry-level T2 version of the base three cylinder model. More significantly, at the same time Volvo announced a full-EV version, initially only available in powerful Twin Motor AWD form and sold with 'P8' badging. But hardly anyone was interested at the prices being asked, so 2020 saw the Swedish brand completely rejuvenating the combustion side of the range. The conventional T4 and T5 petrol units were updated to mild hybrid 48-volt B4 and B5 status and a more affordable T4 version of the Plug-in Hybrid powertrain arrived, all of which emboldened the brand to drop diesel power for XC40 folk. Volvo announced a mild facelift in Spring 2022, which included the introduction of an advanced Android-powered infotainment system. By this time, diesel and PHEV petrol powerplants were long gone and just two mild hybrid non-plug-in petrol B3 and B4 models remained. Alongside the full-EV version, which in 2024 was separated from the combustion line-up and given a new name - the EX40. But combustion XC40 models continued on and in Autumn 2026, Volvo gave them a further visual update and introduced more new cabin screen tech, creating the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience word count: 469

The XC40's 'CMA' platform has been based around provision for a whole range of future cutting-edge Volvo powerplants. Both the combustion units fuel from the green pump, you can only have front wheel drive and auto transmission is mandatory. The combustion line-up's starting point is the 163hp B3, which makes 62mph in 8.6s, but you could also choose the 197hp version, the B4, which takes a second off that time on the way to the 112mph top speed figure that these days all Volvos share. A torque rise from 265 to 300Nm on the B4 boosts the braked towing weight from 1,600 to 2,000kgs. The mild hybrid system on B3 and B4 models works as this kind of tech usually does. So, there's a 48-volt battery, a 'KERS' kinetic energy recovery system and an 'ISG' integrated starter-generator. Every time you brake or take your foot from the throttle, the 'KERS' set-up captures surplus energy and stores it as electricity in an extra battery provided in the boot. That additional electricity can be used to boost the engine if needed while accelerating. And that power boost might also be used to restart the engine when the stop/start system kicks in at low speeds; or this surplus energy might be directed to help power ancillary functions. Volvo's overall objective here wasn't to provide Prius-like periods of electric-only driving but instead make the engine more efficient via smoother transitions between driving, cruising and resting. That's all been aided by revisions to the automatic gearbox and the implementation of a brake-by-wire system. But it's not really necessary to know any of this if you're an XC40 B3 or B4 driver. The technology is so seamlessly built into the powertrain that you simply don't notice it. There are certainly no fancy graphics, nor do you have to press any buttons - or plug anything in. Whatever kind of XC40 you choose, you get the kind of properly raised SUV-like driving position that not all rivals provide. That's obviously a boon for urban manoeuvring. And for highway driving, there's an optional 'Intellisafe Pro' pack that includes Volvo's effective 'Pilot Assist' system, a set-up that at cruising speeds of up to 80mph can effectively drive for you. It's able to take care of the steering, throttle and braking on major roads, reading the white lines on the road and keeping you firmly between them. As with the Mercedes version of this system, you have to keep your hands on the steering wheel for the system to be operable. A piercing beep admonishes you if you let go of it. It's all very sensible, assured and predictable, words that sum up most aspects of this XC40's confidently measured approach to drive dynamics. Which is one of the main reasons why potential buyers will like it so much.