Unlike the pre-facelift model that came in a sportier R-design trim, the new XC40 is available only in a B4 Ultimate trim.
Volvo has launched the XC40 facelift in India for an introductory price of Rs 43.20 lakh (ex-showroom, India). This is, however, only applicable for a limited period, after which the prices will be hiked up to Rs 45.90 lakh (ex-showroom).
Available in a single, fully-loaded B4 Ultimate trim, this mid-life facelift brings an updated exterior, more equipment on the inside, and most importantly, a new mild-hybrid petrol powertrain. Along with the XC40, the infotainment system on the XC90 also sees a minor update.
- XC40 facelift gets a new 197hp, mild-hybrid petrol engine
- Infotainment is updated with new Android operating system
- Rivals the likes of the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3
Volvo XC40 facelift: new engine
The updated XC40 is now powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that’s coupled with a 48V integrated starter-generator motor. The powertrain produces 197hp and 300Nm of peak torque – up 7hp from the previous petrol-only 2.0-litre motor, although peak torque remains unchanged. The engine is paired to an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, sending drive to the front wheels only. With this, Volvo’s entire line-up in India now gets mild-hybrid powertrains.
Volvo XC40 facelift: exterior and interior updates
The cosmetic updates on the XC40 facelift are mostly concentrated on the front fascia. The headlamps are now a lot more angular and the Thor’s hammer inspired LED Daytime Running Lamps have also been redesigned. And while the grille remains unchanged, the front bumper now features more angular creases, and the fog lamp surrounds have been updated as well.
However, unlike the pre-facelift model, which was solely offered in R-design trim, the new XC40 does not get the sportier treatment. It, therefore, misses out on the dual-tone paint scheme and more stylish 18-inch alloys seen on the pre-facelift model. Instead, the new XC40 rides on rather plain looking 5-spoke silver alloy wheels. The rear end, however, remains completely unchanged.
Volvo XC40 facelift: interior and features
The interior is barely changed as well, with the only update being a new wooden trim on the dashboard and doors. Like all new Volvos, the infotainment system has been updated with Google’s Android operating system to offer a smartphone-like experience. This brings in a bunch of Google apps as standard such as voice-controlled Google Assistant, Google Play Store, Google Maps and other Google services. The system is also compatible for over-the-air updates.
Other features on the updated XC40 include a new advanced air-cleaner with PM 2.5 filter, wired Apple CarPlay, 14-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring.
Volvo XC90 infotainment update
Along with the XC40, the infotainment system on the XC90 flagship SUV has also been upgraded with the new Google-powered software. The new XC90 has been priced at Rs 94.90 lakh (ex-showroom), which means the prices have gone up by Rs 1 lakh over the previous model. The new XC90, along with the XC40, were the last models in Volvo’s line-up to be updated with the new system.
Volvo has, however, silently discontinued the 407hp, 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid petrol variant of the XC90, and now is only available with a 300hp, 2.0-litre mild-hybrid variant.
Volvo XC40 facelift: rivals
The updated Volvo XC40 continues to rival the entry-level luxury SUV segment with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA (Rs 44.90 lakh)*, the Mini Countryman (Rs 42 – 46 lakh)* and the newly launched Audi Q3 (Rs 44.89 – 50.39 lakh)*. It also takes on the BMW X1 (Rs 41.50 – 43.50 lakh)* that is on sale in India, but a new-generation model is expected to launch next year.
*all prices ex-showroom, India
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