The all-new Volvo XC40 luxury compact crossover made its global debut today in Milan, Italy. Production at the company’s Belgian plant will begin in November, with arrival at Canadian dealerships scheduled for spring 2018.
The new small SUV will initially be available in two versions: the Momentum and the sportier R-Design, priced starting at $39,500 and $43,700 respectively. A number of packages and options will be also be offered, including a contrasting-coloured roof. A higher-end Inscription version will follow next summer.
A major addition to the Volvo lineup
A direct rival of models like the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Lexus NX, the Volvo XC40 will join the new XC60 and XC90 models in providing the Swedish automaker with a solid presence on the luxury utility market. The newest Volvo is the first model based on the company’s new CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform, which will underpin all future models in the 40 range, including the all-electric models. This platform was actually developed by Volvo’s Chinese parent company Geely, which is also using it in its new Lynk & CO 01 crossover.
“The XC40 is our first entry in the small SUV segment, broadening the appeal of the Volvo brand and moving it in a new direction,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive at Volvo. “It represents a fresh, creative and distinctive new member of the Volvo lineup. So it only feels natural to reveal the XC40 here in Milan, a buzzing European hotspot for fashion, art, design and lifestyle.”
Keyword: technology
The XC40 inherits the safety, connectivity and multimedia systems present in its larger XC brethren. In fact, in the view of Volvo it is one of the best-equipped compact SUVs in terms of its technologies. The XC40’s safety and drive assist systems range from Volvo’s semi-automated Pilot Assist and the City Safety system to lane departure prevention, backup traffic alert with automatic braking and the 360-degree panoramic camera, particularly helpful to the driver when manoeuvering into and out of tight parking spots.
Under the hood of the Volvo XC40, the only engine available to Canadian buyers will be a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo called T5 Drive-E. The 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque it delivers make the XC40 the most powerful in its segment priced under $40,000. It will be wedded to all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The company also plans to introduce a hybrid powertrain at some point later on.
The interior will incorporate a large number of new storage spaces as well as a dedicated space for wireless phone charging.
New monthly subscription service
In conjunction with the launch of the XC40, Volvo is also reinventing the traditional way owners access and manage their car, with the ‘Care by Volvo’ subscription service. Offered exclusively for now (and right from its launch) in the XC40, the innovative new service will, according to Volvo, make ownership and management of a car as transparent and straightforward as that of a smartphone.
In short, owners can sign up for the service for a period of 24 months and not have to deal with other usual costs, for example insurance and maintenance. Vehicles can be shared with friends or family members remotely thanks to new digital-key technology. In certain areas in Canada, valets can take care of refueling or cleaning the car, bringing it in for service or even delivering e-commerce purchases to it.
