See the 2023 XC40 before you're supposed to.
The Volvo XC40 was a big deal when it launched back in 2018. Not only did it help debut a new design language for the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker but also led the charge, no pun intended, for the all-electric version, the XC40 Recharge. The XC40 was also the first Volvo to utilize the CMA platform, the same setup underpinning the new C40 Recharge and other upcoming compact Volvos. Very soon Volvo will officially unveil the refreshed XC40 but you can already check it out right here, right now.
Our spy photographers have caught this nearly completely undisguised XC40 prototype performing some last-minute winter weather testing in – you guessed it! – Sweden.
It turns out Volvo made a mistake with its online configurator in several countries as it briefly showed the updated XC40. Volvo realized its mistake and has since taken down those images. But no matter. What you’re looking at is the 2023 model, featuring an updated front bumper and restyled headlights with new daytime running light signatures. The taillights are also receiving some attention though nothing substantial.
What the advanced test mule is lacking are the expected new wheel designs, something that typically comes with every vehicle refresh. It’s fair to assume that all of these design updates will appear on the XC40 Recharge, hopefully for 2023 as well.
The fully electric version didn’t go on sale until the end of 2020, so it’s possible these updates won’t come until 2024. The XC40 Recharge’s launch was mostly smooth though at least one embarrassing mistake happened: Volvo forgot to activate US-bound examples’ “Volvo on Call” software before they departed the Swedish factory.
The automaker realized this mistake quickly and the new vehicles were stuck at a few US ports on the East and West Coast until the updates were completed. Customers were therefore forced to wait a few additional weeks for delivery. But that’s all in the past now and it seems Volvo has gotten its groove together for an all-electric lineup, which will happen beginning in 2030.
Keyword: Volvo's Updated Best-Seller Caught With Barely Any Camouflage