The Volvo XC40 is the Swedish automaker's most compact SUV offering. It is available in three different trim levels and we compare them side by side to find out which is best.
The Volvo XC40 made its local debut in 2018 and quickly became a popular model within Volvo’s SUV range. The entry-level SUV is offered with a variety of powertrain options including fully electric solutions. The B3, B4 and B5 derivatives come fitted with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine, however, with different performance ratings.
Most recently, Volvo has added two fully electric variants to the XC40 range namely the P6 Recharge and P8 Recharge Twin, the latter fitted with two electric motors for more performance. In total, there are no less than 8 derivatives to choose between and there are three trim levels namely Essential, Plus and Ultimate. But before we delve into the details, remember that you can sell your car easily and quickly with our Instant Offer tool here before you start your search for new or used Volvo XC40 models on AutoTrader here.
Exterior
Upfront customers will quickly notice the differences in the grills. Different grille designs feature in some variants. While the Essential trim gets a more traditional vertical slat design, the Plus and Ultimate trims get a gloss black 3D mesh. Both the P6 and P8 variants get a body-colour blanked-off grille. When choosing the Plus or Ultimate trims, customers can either get the Dark theme which sees glossy black roof rails, window surrounds, mirrors and skid plates at the front and rear fitted. A Bright option is also available that utilises lighter finishes in those areas.
The Plus and Ultimate trims come with fog lamps in the lower front bumper, an option not found on the Essential as standard. These also have cornering functions which illuminate either side depending on steering input. Also quickly noticeable are the different wheels that come fitted as standard. While the Essential variant offers 18-inch alloy wheels, the Plus features diamond-cut alloy wheels in a 19-inch guise. The Ultimate model sees even larger 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels fitted. The P6 derivative is available in the Plus trim described above while the P8 variant is finished in the Ultimate trim.
Interior
The Essential derivative offers customers comfortable seats, however, finished in cloth whereas the Plus and Ultimate model receives leather. Both the P6 and P8 electric models come with leather upholstery as standard specifications. Only the Ultimate trim allows you to adjust the passenger seat electronically and drop the rear seat headrests with a push of a button. In the other variants, you will need to do all that manually.
Where you would get aluminium grid trim, mid-level illumination and textile upholstery in the Essential variant, the Plus steps it up with Connect Suede textile and Microtech upholstery, aluminium decor, glossy black tunnel console and high-level illumination inside the cabin.
Comfort and driver-assist systems
The Essential derivative will provide rear park distance control, however, the Plus and Ultimate make available rear park distance control with camera functionality and front park distance control as standard specification. The Plus variant also bolsters the standard infotainment system with wireless charging for your smartphone, the same features in the Ultimate.
The Ultimate derivative steps the high-performance audio system up to a 600W digital amplified, the 13 hi-fi speaker with an air-ventilated subwoofer, Harman Kardon premium sound system.
Conclusion
Overall when considering the Volvo XC40, it comes very well specified across all three trim levels. The items listed above are merely the differences between the three models and do not nearly reflect all the standard features. But looking at all three it is clear that the Plus and Ultimate models retain extra features not found on the Essential trim level.
However, upon closer inspection, the Plus seems to offer more practical features. The Ultimate does offer more premium finishes and a more potent sound system. Thus if you are looking for the aesthetics and premium audio of the Ultimate, it is an excellent choice, for us, however, the ever-so-slightly cheaper Plus model is the winner of the mild-hybrid models. Considering that the P8 model comes with a full house of premium finishes and standard equipment and an electric powertrain, it has to be the winner overall.
Keyword: Top 3 Volvo XC40 trims head to head: here’s our winner.