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Photo of a Volvo XC40

Volvo XC40

Volvo's first EV wore an XC40 body: 402 hp and a tested 0-60 mph sprint of 4.3 seconds.1

Researched October 26, 2026 from 29 sources

Also called

  • Tough little robotIan Kettle described his design this way after drawing inspiration from science fiction.2

At a glance

0250500
127–436 hpPower
07.515
4.6–10.9 s0–100 km/h
0125250
160–230 km/hTop speed
0400800
245–670 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,497–2,188 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.3410

Engine
Gas: 1.5 L I3/2.0 L I4 turbos; 2.0 L I4 diesel; hybrids; 1/2-motor EVs3
Layout
Front-engine FWD/AWD; EV: FWD/RWD/AWD3
Gearbox
6-speed manual; 7-speed DCT; 8-speed auto; EV: single-speed3
Built at
Ghent, Belgium; Luqiao, China; Shah Alam, Malaysia; Hoskote, India3

The story

2017: XC40 debuts; production starts in November · Care by Volvo bundles the running costs20172018: 97% adult protection at Euro NCAP20182019: Volvo's first battery EV brings Google20192020: T4 plug-in joins B4/B5 mild hybrids20202023: Rear-wheel drive returns after 25 years20232024: Electric XC40 becomes EX4020242026: Matrix LEDs and an 11.2-inch screen2026 Volvo Concept 40.1: 2016Volvo Concept 40.1Volvo XC40 (first generation) (536 / 539): 2017–present536 / 539 2015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones341920
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2016Volvo Concept 40.1
2017–presentVolvo XC40 (first generation) (536 / 539)
2017XC40 debuts; production starts in November
2017Care by Volvo bundles the running costs
201897% adult protection at Euro NCAP
2019Volvo's first battery EV brings Google
2020T4 plug-in joins B4/B5 mild hybrids
2023Rear-wheel drive returns after 25 years
2024Electric XC40 becomes EX40
2026Matrix LEDs and an 11.2-inch screen
  1. 2017

    XC40 debuts; production starts in November

    Revealed on September 21, the XC40 enters production in November; launch D4 AWD pairs a 187-hp 2.0 L diesel with an eight-speed automatic.34

  2. 2017

    Care by Volvo bundles the running costs

    Care by Volvo launches with a monthly bundle of the XC40, maintenance, insurance and roadside assistance.5

  3. 2018

    97% adult protection at Euro NCAP

    The D4 AWD Momentum scores 97% for adult protection. Standard City Safety avoids every urban-test collision; XC40 also wins European Car of the Year.36

  4. 2019

    Volvo's first battery EV brings Google

    October 16 brings Volvo's first battery EV: XC40 Recharge, with a 78 kWh pack and Google-based infotainment; production follows in October 2020.347

  5. 2020

    T4 plug-in joins B4/B5 mild hybrids

    The T4 plug-in pairs a 1.5 L gas engine with a 10.7 kWh battery for up to 27 electric miles; B4 and B5 add 48-volt mild-hybrid power.8

  6. 2023

    Rear-wheel drive returns after 25 years

    Single Motor swaps FWD for RWD, Volvo's first rear-drive variant in 25 years; the 2024 version pairs 248 hp with 293 EPA-rated miles.37

  7. 2024

    Electric XC40 becomes EX40

    The electric XC40 becomes EX40; for U.S. 2025 models, Twin Motor gains an 82 kWh pack from 78 kWh, and both drivetrains reach 205 kW DC.39

  8. 2026

    Matrix LEDs and an 11.2-inch screen

    September brings Matrix LEDs, new hoods, fenders and tailgates, plus an 11.2-inch screen for XC40/EX40; XC40 also gets new wheels.10

Power over the years

From 148 hp to 436 hp in 6 years.

0200400600 2018202020222024 hp 2018 · 148 hp · D3 diesel, FWD/AWD2019 · 261 hp · T5 Twin Engine PHEV, FWD, 7DCT2020 · 127 hp · T2 1.5 L turbo I32020 · 211 hp · T4 PHEV, 10.7 kWh, up to 27 EV miles2021 · 402 hp · Recharge P8 AWD, 0-60 mph: 4.3 s2023 · 194 hp · B4 FWD mild hybrid2023 · 247 hp · B5 AWD, 48-volt mild hybrid2024 · 248 hp · Recharge Single Motor RWD2024 · 436 hp · EX40 Twin Motor Performance 436 hp EX40 Twin Motor Performance 148 hp D3 diesel, FWD/AWD
134578111213
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2018148D3 diesel, FWD/AWD
2019261T5 Twin Engine PHEV, FWD, 7DCT
2020127T2 1.5 L turbo I3
2020211T4 PHEV, 10.7 kWh, up to 27 EV miles
2021402Recharge P8 AWD, 0-60 mph: 4.3 s
2023194B4 FWD mild hybrid
2023247B5 AWD, 48-volt mild hybrid
2024248Recharge Single Motor RWD
2024436EX40 Twin Motor Performance

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Momentum / Momentum Pro

    Standard

    Momentum / Momentum Pro

  • R-Design / R-Design Pro

    Standard

    R-Design / R-Design Pro

  • Inscription / Inscription Pro

    Standard

    Inscription / Inscription Pro

  • Core / Plus / Ultimate / Ultra

    Standard

    Core / Plus / Ultimate / Ultra

  • T5 Twin Engine / T5 Recharge

    Standard

    T5 Twin Engine / T5 Recharge

    2019–2023

    261 hp
  • XC40 Recharge Single Motor

    Standard

    XC40 Recharge Single Motor

    2024

    248 hp
  • XC40 Recharge P8 AWD

    Performance

    XC40 Recharge P8 AWD

    2020–2023

    402 hp

  • Performance

    T5 AWD Polestar Performance

    2019–2020

    247 hp

  • Performance

    D3 / D4 Polestar Performance

    2019–2020

  • First Edition

    Special

    First Edition

    2018

How to spot one

Look for

  • Original cars combine a concave grille with Thor's hammer headlights.17
  • The C-pillar climbs steeply out of the rear-door window line.17
  • A broad-shouldered rear carries Volvo's tall taillights.15
  • The original electric XC40 wears a body-colored closed grille.16
  • On the T5 Twin Engine, the charging port sits on the front fender.11

Year by year

  1. 2022 / 2023 model year

    The first facelift brings reshaped C40 headlights, a straighter front-bumper crease and new fog-light surrounds.318

  2. 2022 / 2023 model year

    Updated LED elements in the taillights and new wheel designs mark the first refresh.318

  3. September 2026

    The second refresh adds matrix LED Thor's hammer lights and reshapes the grille, hood, front fenders and front bumper.410

  4. September 2026

    XC40 and EX40 gain new LED taillights, a revised tailgate and rear bumper; XC40 adds diamond-cut 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels.410

  5. September 2026

    Inside, the center screen grows to 11.2 inches.410

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Volvo XC40
    XC40
    Photo of a Volvo C40 / EC40
    Volvo C40 / EC40

    Volvo C40 / EC40

    Its sloping coupe roof contrasts with the XC40's tall, boxy SUV shape.312

Against its rivals

Prices

Value today $16.7K–$20.0K17

Price when newValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 201820202022202420262028 Value today: $16,650–$20,000 2019 · $35,395 · US T4 Momentum, original MSRP2020 · $46,995 · US T5 AWD R-Design, as tested2021 · $55,085 · US Recharge P8 AWD, base2023 · $37,445 · US base, B4 FWD2024 · $53,745 · US Recharge Single Motor, base2025 · $40,650 · US XC40 B5 AWD Core, excl. dest.2025 · $52,500 · US EX40 RWD Core, excl. destination
179121721
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2019Price when new$35,395US T4 Momentum, original MSRP
2020Price when new$46,995US T5 AWD R-Design, as tested
2021Price when new$55,085US Recharge P8 AWD, base
2023Price when new$37,445US base, B4 FWD
2024Price when new$53,745US Recharge Single Motor, base
2025Price when new$40,650US XC40 B5 AWD Core, excl. dest.
2025Price when new$52,500US EX40 RWD Core, excl. destination
2026Value today$16,650–$20,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 10 stories from its legend
    • “Lara Croft's white R-Design”
    • “Ian Kettle's 'tough little robot'”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 2 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 29 sources
  1. Tested: 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 Is a Stealth EV caranddriver.com
  2. Volvo XC40: How a sketch made it to production autoweek.com
  3. Volvo XC40 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Volvo XC40 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  5. Volvo Car UK announces full pricing and specification details of new XC40 - Volvo Car UK news.cision.com
  6. Euro NCAP | Volvo XC40 euroncap.com
  7. Tested: 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Single Motor Doesn't Add Up caranddriver.com
  8. Volvo extends electrification of XC40 range with second plug-in hybrid powertrain option - Volvo Car UK news.cision.com
  9. Volvo Car USA 2025 model year pricing and changes - Volvo Car USA news.cision.com
  10. Sicherer, entspannter und intuitiver: Volvo XC40 und Volvo EX40 rollen ins neue Modelljahr - Volvo Car Germany Presse news.cision.com
  11. Volvo becomes first car manufacturer to offer plug-in hybrid versions of its entire model range with launch of new XC40 T5 Twin Engine - Volvo Car UK news.cision.com
  12. Tested: 2023 Volvo XC40 B5 Combines Cuteness and Competence caranddriver.com
  13. Volvo Car UK introduces new Black Edition models and welcomes back V60 and V90 estates - Volvo Car UK news.cision.com
  14. New T3 three-cylinder petrol engine leads upgrades to Volvo's XC40 compact premium SUV range - Volvo Car UK news.cision.com
  15. 2019 Volvo XC40 T5 AWD Test: Funky and Satisfying caranddriver.com
  16. Fully electric Volvo XC40 SUV heralds new electric future and does more with less - Volvo Car UK news.cision.com
  17. 2019 Volvo XC40 Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  18. Volvo XC40 gets minor facelift for 2022 | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  19. New Volvo V40, S40 and XC40 previewed by 40.1 and 40.2 concept cars | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  20. Volvo XC40: Modelle, Technische Daten, Preise | ADAC adac.de
  21. 2019 Audi Q3 vs. 2020 Volvo XC40 Comparison: Which Is the Better Gen Y SUV? motortrend.com
  22. The New Volvo XC40 makes its Cinematic Debut in Warner Bros. Pictures and MGM’s Upcoming Motion Picture Event Tomb Raider - Volvo Car USA news.cision.com
  23. ”Svenska” actionhjältinnan Lara Croft kör Volvo automotorsport.se
  24. Volvo XC40 Resale Value and Depreciation - iSeeCars.com iseecars.com
  25. 2024 Volvo XC40 Depreciation Value | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  26. Volvo XC40: common problems, MOT failures and buying checks | C4R c4r.co.uk
  27. Used Volvo XC40 (Mk1, 2018-date) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  28. 2023 Volvo XC40 Price, Cost-to-Own, Reviews & More | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  29. 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge Price, Cost-to-Own, Reviews & More | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • autoweek.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • news.cision.com
  • euroncap.com
  • kbb.com
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • adac.de
  • motortrend.com
  • automotorsport.se
  • iseecars.com
  • c4r.co.uk

Photo credits

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