Image: Volvo
Image: Volvo
Image: Volvo
You can have any Volvo you like, but every new Swedish model sold on local soil will now feature some form of electrification with the introduction of the latest XC40 range. 2030 is far closer than it seems!
Image: Volvo
News dominating the automotive world is that of electrification. It is no longer a murmur or potential future since many automakers have adjusted their roadmaps to produce solely EVs by the close of the decade. Volvo has taken one step closer to this goal with a raft of Model Year 2023 updates for its range of premium vehicles. The most notable of which is the introduction of a new trim-level structure and gravitation towards hybrid powertrains for the compact XC40 SUV.
“With local demand for electrified vehicles growing steadily, this move – along with the earlier introduction of the P6 and P8 Recharge derivatives at the top of the XC40 range – brings us neatly in line with Volvo’s global ambition of transforming into a fully electric car company by 2030,” says Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car SA.
In detail, this means that the facelifted compact SUV’s shift to these new B-badged models – which combine a turbocharged 2,0-litre petrol engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission with a 48-volt hybrid system, bringing benefits such as reduced tailpipe emissions, fuel savings and stronger on-road performance – means every single Volvo sold new in South Africa will now feature some form of electrification.
Image: Volvo
The modest SUV range now comprises the front-wheel-drive B3 with 110 kW and 265 N.m, B4 with 145 kW and 300 N.m, and all-wheel-drive B5 equipped with a healthy 183 kW and 350 N.m. On the zero-emissions side of the spectrum, Volvo will be offering the fully electric single-motor P6 and the twin-motor P8 Recharge variants too.
All XC40s have undergone the exterior facelift which includes new licks of paint, updated bumpers and fresh alloy wheel designs. The dual-tone models with black roofs will be exclusive to the fully electric derivatives which should make spotting them easy if the silent operation wasn’t a dead giveaway.
All variants in the new compact SUV range – along with those in the flagship XC90 line-up – also upgrade to Volvo’s now range-wide Android-powered infotainment system, complete with built-in Google apps and services.
The Swedish firm furthermore switches to a new trim-level structure, shifting away from Momentum, Inscription and R-Design to fresh specification grades in the form of Essential, Plus and Ultimate (PHEV and BEV powertrains are available only in conjunction with the latter two). In order to further reduce complexity and make the buying experience even easier for customers, Volvo is also introducing Bright (featuring chrome detailing) and Dark (with gloss-black detailing) exterior design themes for its vehicles.
Pricing
XC40 Essential B3 Mild Hybrid – R678 093
XC40 Plus B3 Mild Hybrid – R728 808
XC40 Ultimate B3 Mild Hybrid – R751 808
XC40 Essential B4 Mild Hybrid – R718 847
XC40 Plus B4 Mild Hybrid – R769 677
XC40 Ultimate B4 Mild Hybrid – R792 562
XC40 Plus B5 AWD Mild Hybrid – R840 418
XC40 Ultimate B5 AWD Mild Hybrid – R862 498
XC40 Recharge Plus – R1 075 000
XC40 Recharge Ultimate – R1 260 000
Keyword: Electrification all around! Volvo revamps the XC40 for SA market – pricing