Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid is soon to be released

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid brings a combination of pure electric motoring and ultra-low fuel efficiency to the company’s popular, award-winning luxury compact SUV.

The new variant enters Australian showrooms to join the T4 Momentum, T4 Inscription and T5 R-Design models that together made the XC40 the biggest-selling luxury compact SUV in June.

Where other XC40s use four-cylinder petrol engines and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the XC40 Recharge PHEV teams a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The petrol engine produces 132kW and 265Nm; the electric motor – powered by a 10.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack – produces 60kW and 160Nm.

With a full battery, the XC40 Recharge PHEV can be driven on electric power alone for up to 46km of zero-emissions motoring.

The turbocharged petrol engine engages as the battery reaches depletion or if the driver requires more urgent acceleration. And the XC40 Recharge PHEV can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds, making it one of the quickest models in the range.

Official combined fuel consumption is a remarkably low 2.2 litres per 100km*, with emissions rated at just 50 grams per kilometre*.

Multiple driving modes give the driver the freedom to tailor the drivetrain to their preferred motoring scenario.

For commuting or general city driving, a Pure mode focuses exclusively on using the electric motor for up to 46km.

A Power mode combines the petrol and electric motors for maximum performance.

The default Hybrid mode uses the two motors either individually or in parallel to provide the optimum balance of performance, fuel consumption and comfort.

Drivers can also select a Hold function if they want to prioritise the petrol engine for longer trips while preserving battery power for use at and around their destination.

Above: The XC40 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid is available in Volvo’s highest trim level: R-Design.

A Charge function allows the petrol engine to restore some battery power.

Regenerative braking also helps replenish battery power while driving. This is where the kinetic energy created by the braking process, or lifting off the throttle pedal, is converted into electricity for recharging the battery pack.

The advanced battery pack is compact, with a low and central position in the vehicle, contributing to well-balanced handling. This positioning also minimises the impact of the battery on both cabin space and boot capacity.

The XC40 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid is available in Volvo’s highest trim level: R-Design. This includes R-Design exterior styling elements, 20-inch Matt Black Diamond Cut alloy wheels, electric front seats with lumbar support and mechanical cushion extensions, leather-accented/Nubuck R-Design upholstery, R-Design steering wheel, Charcoal headlining, and Aluminium décor inlays.

Technology highlights include a 12.3-inch digital driver display, 9.0-inch central touchscreen display, high-performance audio, digital radio, satellite navigation, speed-limit monitoring with Road Sign Assist, adaptive cruise control, Active Bending LED headlights, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitoring, and front/rear parking sensors.

With the arrival of the XC40 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid, Volvo Cars will be able to offer an electrified variant throughout its highly acclaimed SUV range. The XC60 and XC90 SUVs are each available with a T8 Plug-in Hybrid AWD drivetrain.

The S60 sports sedan and V60 luxury wagon are also available with the T8 drivetrain.

For more information on the Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid, contact your nearest Volvo Cars dealer.

**Results achieved in test conditions. Actual results may vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle condition and options/accessories fitted. Fuel consumption data provided for comparison purposes only. Source: ADR81/02 combined.*