Volvo News: 2018 Volvo XC40 Shows How Sweden Does Small

[William Maley]

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Over a year later after Volvo teased us with the 40.1 and 40.2 concepts, they have introduced the first model in the 40-Series family, the 2018 XC40.

While the overall design of the XC40 bears a strong resemblance to the XC60 and XC90, Volvo's designer staff wanted to make the XC40 have some design traits of its own. They include an upswept rear side window. a racier take on the 'Thor's Hammer' headlights, plastic cladding running along the bottom of the vehicle, and the choice of a black or white contrasting roof.

The 'similar but different' theme continues inside as the XC40 will come with a 12.3-inch display for the instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen for the Sensus infotainment system. What you will not see are speakers in the doors. Volvo has removed them to make room for additional storage space. 

There will be two engines on offer, both 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinders. The T5 pumps out 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A lowered-power T4 will also be available, but Volvo hasn't released power figures on it. Both engines will come with an eight-speed automatic. T4 models will come with FWD, while T5 variants make do with AWD. A hybrid version is expected sometime later.

Since we are talking about a Volvo, we would be remiss if we didn't talk about the XC40's safety equipment. All models will get City Safety that can detect vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, and large animals, and will bring the XC40 to a complete stop. Other safety equipment includes Pilot Assist, Run-off road protection and mitigation, cross traffic alert, and a 360-degree view camera system.

Possibly the big news about the XC40 isn't about the vehicle itself. Volvo announced a new program called 'Care by Volvo'. This subscription program allows you to get an XC40 a national, flat-rate monthly fee that includes things such as insurance and maintenance. You also have the ability to upgrade your vehicle after 12 months - much like what you can do smartphones. Volvo will have more details on Care by Volvo for the U.S. at November's L.A. Auto Show.

Volvo will launch the XC40 in the U.S. early next year with the T5 model with a base price of $35,200. The T4 will follow in the summer with a base price of $33,200.

Source: Volvo
Press Release is on Page 2

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The New Volvo XC40 Makes a Bold Statement in the Compact SUV Market

(ROCKLEIGH, N.J.) Volvo Cars introduces the XC40 SUV, setting a new benchmark for design, technology and safety in the compact SUV market. Award winning technology from the 90 and 60 series cars are standard in the XC40, including safety innovations rarely offered among competitors. The Volvo XC40 will be among the safest, well-equipped compact SUVs available. At launch, the T5 all-wheel drive Momentum trim will start at $35,200. In summer 2018, a T4 front wheel drive will be introduced starting at $33,200.
 
The new XC40 represents Volvo’s third SUV and is focused on a new expression of Scandinavian design. The XC40 is the smallest SUV offered by Volvo, preceded by Volvo’s largest SUV, the XC90, which is the most awarded luxury SUV of the century. The mid-sized XC60 is arriving at US retailers now and has been positively received. With the introduction of the XC40, Volvo completes its SUV range and offers three of the newest vehicles in their respective segments.
 
“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. “It represents a fresh, creative and distinctive new member of the Volvo line-up.”
 
The XC40’s bold exterior is available with a range of body colors and color-contrast roof, providing up to 17 combinations. In the front, Volvo’s signature Thor’s hammer daytime running lights compliment a new interpretation of Volvo’s grill. The XC40 has a strong, structured profile for a youthful expression. Large wheels, wheel arches and an 8.3” ride height provide a true SUV feeling. 

With a clever use of space and interior materials, the XC40 introduces a bold rendition of Scandinavian design and functionality. An available panoramic sunroof allows natural light into the cabin and at night, integrated LED mood lighting can be color adjusted to match the mood or temperature the driver desires. This lighting, combined with unique metal and textile materials, creates a feeling of creativity, energy and youthfulness.
 
Volvo conducted extensive global research into how compact SUVs are used and discovered proper storage is essential. With ample interior space for both passengers and storage, smart daily-use features such as large door pockets, integrated bag hooks and a customizable cargo area help organize the driver’s life while in the car. Wireless QI mobile phone charging and Bluetooth connectivity with the standard 9” Sensus Connect touchscreen helps reduce the clutter of charging cables and connectors. A dedicated cell phone storage space frees up cup holders and other areas commonly used by customers to store their phone. The development of a unique air-ventilated woofer located behind the dashboard allows for more storage in the door panels without sacrificing stereo sound in the cabin.
 
Connectivity is core to the XC40, featuring 4 years of Volvo On Call as standard and the ability to share the car with trusted friends and family via a mobile phone app. Applications such as Spotify, Pandora and Yelp are available via the center touch screen, as well as Volvo’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
 
With standard City Safety, which includes pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle and large animal detection with emergency autobrake, the XC40 is one of the best-equipped small premium SUVs on the market. Safety and driver assistance features on the XC40 include Pilot Assist, Run-off Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic alert with brake support and the 360° Camera that helps drivers maneuver their car into tight parking spaces.
 
Volvo Cars is inventing a new model of car access with the launch of the new Volvo XC40 called “Care by Volvo.” Care by Volvo is an all-inclusive, negotiation-free option that will be offered alongside traditional purchase and lease choices. This will make having a car as transparent, easy and hassle free as having a phone: a national, flat-rate monthly fee, combined with the opportunity to upgrade to a new car as early as 12 months. Care by Volvo in the United States includes almost everything needed to own and operate a car such as maintenance, insurance, wear and tear items and protection services.
 
The new XC40 is the first model on Volvo Cars’ new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which will underpin all other upcoming cars in the 40 Series including fully electrified vehicles.
 
From start of production, the XC40 will be available with a T5 four-cylinder Drive-E powertrain with all-wheel drive. Further powertrain options, including a hybridized as well as a pure electric version, will be added later.
 
Production of the new XC40 starts in Volvo Cars’ plant in Ghent, Belgium in November, while order books will open today. Details regarding Care by Volvo will be released at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

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[daves87rs]

Damn....it's a sexy little beast.....

[David]

Great write up Bill,

WOW, I like the "Care by Volvo" as this will keep the value in these auto's up as they should be well maintained then. Just hope the users respect the interiors.

On the flip side, this use it like a smartphone for a year and trade in means you will always have monthly payments.

I just updated from my Samsung Note 3 to a Note 8 and love the new phone but also know I will have it for 4-5 years.

I Look at this Volvo program as a way for people like me who want a luxury auto at a lower price and is fine waiting a year to get some decent values on these auto's just the same way you can get a sweet deal on a Note 6 or Galaxy 7 smartphone.

Nice looking auto, I really like the option of a black or white roof. Interior is outstanding, love the contrast brown / black and the clean dash layout.

I really hope that the XT3 for Cadillac incorporates this style as it just rocks!  

[frogger]

I REALLY like every vehicle Volvo has redesigned the last 3 years.  Looking forward to the next s60 design now.

 

[smk4565]

Looks pretty good inside and out, and has a fairly potent motor in T5 trim for a little SUV.  I think it should sell pretty well.  It has a unique look that is rugged, but modern, almost art deco too with that color.  The XC40 should stand out against some of the homogenous looking crossovers out there.

[David]

Have decided only 1 problem with this, I HATE their tagging of the engine with a T4 or T5. In the past, T5 meant 5 cylinders. Now it is supposed to just mean more horsepower.

Stupid They should have just done a T4 and T4 HO. 

[Drew Dowdell]

They'd have a new problem I'd they did it your way @dfelt. It would be T4, T4 HO, T4 HO HO, and T4 HO HO Hybrid.

 

Gets a bit awkward.

[David]

12 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

They'd have a new problem I'd they did it your way @dfelt. It would be T4, T4 HO, T4 HO HO, and T4 HO HO Hybrid.

 

Gets a bit awkward.

HO HO ???? So what does the second HO stand for, sorry, not aware they already had an HO.

At least I would think they could still come up with a better option than T4 / T5 for the same 4 banger with two different outputs.

Much appreciate you responding.

[Drew Dowdell]

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

HO HO ???? So what does the second HO stand for, sorry, not aware they already had an HO.

At least I would think they could still come up with a better option than T4 / T5 for the same 4 banger with two different outputs.

Much appreciate you responding.

All of these are 4-cylinders:

T5 AWD - 240hp/258tq

T5 AWD - 248hp/258tq

T5 FWD/AWD - 250hp/258tq

T6 AWD - 302hp/295tq

T6 AWD - 316hp/295tq

T6 FWD - 362hp/347tq

T8 eAWD - 400hp/472tq

 

 

[Robert Hall]

Volvo no longer has 5 or 6 cyl engines, everything is 4 cyl now, I believe? 

[Drew Dowdell]

That said,  I REALLY like the exterior design here.  I wish this was how they did the XC60 because the 40 will just be too small for us. 

[David]

11 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

All of these are 4-cylinders:

T5 AWD - 240hp/258tq

T5 AWD - 248hp/258tq

T5 FWD/AWD - 250hp/258tq

T6 AWD - 302hp/295tq

T6 AWD - 316hp/295tq

T6 FWD - 362hp/347tq

T8 eAWD - 400hp/472tq

WOW, Talk about a confusing mess as I actually thought the T8 was an 8 cylinder, T6 was 6 cylinder, T5 was 5 cylinder, etc.

That is just a mess of HP figures. Truly they need a better system to identify the differences between the engine outputs IMHO.

6 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

That said,  I REALLY like the exterior design here.  I wish this was how they did the XC60 because the 40 will just be too small for us. 

Totally agree that this body design on the other autos would rock. Agree that this 40 is too small but would love it on the 90 or 80

[William Maley]

46 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Volvo no longer has 5 or 6 cyl engines, everything is 4 cyl now, I believe? 

Yep. Everything is a four-cylinder with some sort of forced induction or hybrid system.

[William Maley]

2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

They'd have a new problem I'd they did it your way @dfelt. It would be T4, T4 HO, T4 HO HO, and T4 HO HO Hybrid.

 

Gets a bit awkward.

Or it could be the perfect way to sell the XC40 during the holidays. 

[smk4565]

This looks like a better buy than the GLA or X1 unless they price the T5 really high.  I'd imagine the T4 should still be 220 hp at least since it is still a turbo 4.

[Drew Dowdell]

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

WOW, Talk about a confusing mess as I actually thought the T8 was an 8 cylinder, T6 was 6 cylinder, T5 was 5 cylinder, etc.

That is just a mess of HP figures. Truly they need a better system to identify the differences between the engine outputs IMHO.

I will give them this, the T8 PHEV is the most V8 feeling "not-a-V8" I have ever driven.  But it's supercharged, turbo-charged, and electrically boosted... so it better feel like that.

[David]

27 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I will give them this, the T8 PHEV is the most V8 feeling "not-a-V8" I have ever driven.  But it's supercharged, turbo-charged, and electrically boosted... so it better feel like that.

Very cool to hear as so many things have been said about Turbo motors being just like a V8 and really do not live up to it.

[Drew Dowdell]

1 minute ago, dfelt said:

Very cool to hear as so many things have been said about Turbo motors being just like a V8 and really do not live up to it.

This isn't just a turbo though... it's got turbo, super, and electric all working together to boost.

[David]

1 minute ago, Drew Dowdell said:

This isn't just a turbo though... it's got turbo, super, and electric all working together to boost.

I have to wonder how long the life of the engine will last with all that stress on the Engine. ill it truly last 100K, 250K or 500K miles?

[smk4565]

On 9/22/2017 at 10:42 AM, Drew Dowdell said:

That said,  I REALLY like the exterior design here.  I wish this was how they did the XC60 because the 40 will just be too small for us. 

It is bigger than an Encore.  The XC60 is pretty similar, though I like the straighter lines and squared off look on the XC40.

here is a side by side comparison  https://www.motor1.com/news/181177/xc40-versus-xc60/

 

[Robert Hall]

I like the look of the XC60 much more than the XC40...the rear quarters and rear doors of the 40 are too odd, IMO.    But the current Volvos I like the look of more are the wagons...V60 and V90.

[Drew Dowdell]

On 9/23/2017 at 8:59 PM, smk4565 said:

It is bigger than an Encore.  The XC60 is pretty similar, though I like the straighter lines and squared off look on the XC40.

here is a side by side comparison  https://www.motor1.com/news/181177/xc40-versus-xc60/

 

Our needs have changed since we bought the Encore, and we're heading in the total opposite direction as far as size. At the moment the Durango or Explorer are at the top of the list.  The XC90 3-row if my raise comes through.  More and more we're having to haul elderly parents and nieces and nephews (Quantity 7) along with us on trips.  I'd like a Tahoe, but he said that's too big for him to drive as a daily. 

I'm leaning heavily towards the Durango because it has a tongue rating of 650lbs, which means I could put a motorcycle carrier on the back without having to get a trailer.  The Explorer is only 500lbs. 

[Drew Dowdell]

Edit:  That said, the Encore has been a find vehicle for its purpose.  It is a great car to zip around the city with and yet is still quite comfortable on the open road when it's just the two of us, four of us on a trip is where it becomes a problem.  My only complaint is power, it could use a bit more.  

[smk4565]

2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Our needs have changed since we bought the Encore, and we're heading in the total opposite direction as far as size. At the moment the Durango or Explorer are at the top of the list.  The XC90 3-row if my raise comes through.  More and more we're having to haul elderly parents and nieces and nephews (Quantity 7) along with us on trips.  I'd like a Tahoe, but he said that's too big for him to drive as a daily. 

I'm leaning heavily towards the Durango because it has a tongue rating of 650lbs, which means I could put a motorcycle carrier on the back without having to get a trailer.  The Explorer is only 500lbs. 

There is always a diesel Mercedes GL.  The GL has a 600 lb tongue weight and tows 7500 lbs.  CPO with warranty.  

[Drew Dowdell]

4 hours ago, smk4565 said:

There is always a diesel Mercedes GL.  The GL has a 600 lb tongue weight and tows 7500 lbs.  CPO with warranty.  

Hmm... 

[ccap41]

On 9/21/2017 at 11:12 AM, dfelt said:

Great write up Bill,

WOW, I like the "Care by Volvo" as this will keep the value in these auto's up as they should be well maintained then. Just hope the users respect the interiors.

On the flip side, this use it like a smartphone for a year and trade in means you will always have monthly payments.

I just updated from my Samsung Note 3 to a Note 8 and love the new phone but also know I will have it for 4-5 years.

I Look at this Volvo program as a way for people like me who want a luxury auto at a lower price and is fine waiting a year to get some decent values on these auto's just the same way you can get a sweet deal on a Note 6 or Galaxy 7 smartphone.

Nice looking auto, I really like the option of a black or white roof. Interior is outstanding, love the contrast brown / black and the clean dash layout.

I really hope that the XT3 for Cadillac incorporates this style as it just rocks!  

What? You've already said you hate this style of "raked" SUVs and it's on the smaller side... What's different about this one? 

[smk4565]

Compare Side-by-Side.pdf

[David]

2 hours ago, ccap41 said:

What? You've already said you hate this style of "raked" SUVs and it's on the smaller side... What's different about this one? 

Your right in most of the Jelly Bean Raked CUV's the curved upper portion cuts into the head and that is not to say this one might not also do that, but the placement of the creases and the overhead shot of the CUV shows it to be a bit more brick like. 

I like the dash design, one of the better I have seen and the exterior design is just leaps ahead of so many of the CUV's out there especially all the Jellybean curved ones compared to a more creased look. At least these pictures give this a more defined look. 

Who knows, I might still end up hating it once it is on the dealership lots so I can check it out and possibly test drive it.

[Robert Hall]

7 hours ago, smk4565 said:

There is always a diesel Mercedes GL.  The GL has a 600 lb tongue weight and tows 7500 lbs.  CPO with warranty.  

There is/was a diesel Grand Cherokee, but it sounds like Drew needs a 3 row? 

[David]

18 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

Compare Side-by-Side.pdf

Do not know what this is showing as all I get is this ugly message when I click on your link.

[Robert Hall]

Just now, dfelt said:

Do not know what this is showing as all I get is this ugly message when I click on your link.

Got that also...bad link or on a private page...

[David]

3 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Got that also...bad link or on a private page...

Maybe he is only sharing it to Drew so he does not hear from the rest who could blow holes in the MB is better than the Durango push.

I take the Durango over the model he suggests any day.

[smk4565]

Sorry the attachment didn't post the right way.  I will retry that.

And the GL has 455 lb-ft of torque, the Explorer and Durango have 255 lb-ft and 260 lb-ft respectively.  Hmmmm.

 

57 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Do not know what this is showing as all I get is this ugly message when I click on your link.

sorry, reposted

Edited September 26, 2017 by smk4565

[David]

47 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

Sorry the attachment didn't post the right way.  I will retry that.

And the GL has 455 lb-ft of torque, the Explorer and Durango have 255 lb-ft and 260 lb-ft respectively.  Hmmmm.

 

sorry, reposted

How about an Honest Comparison of all gas vehicles rather then slipping in the diesel against gas options.

MB does not hold up against the others when you look at Apple to Apple comparison.

Now Comparing the best from the newest available 2018 or 2017 models we get:

Seems MB fails to equal or best the Dodge or Ford. and is questionable against the Volvo.

[smk4565]

The GLE is a mid-size SUV, not a 3 row and that 3.5 is an old engine they need to drop.  They do make a hybrid GLE that is 43 mpg-e and 21 combined after that, and it has 436 hp and 479 lb-ft (that is 9 more than a 6.4 liter SRT Durango).   The GLS has a 9-speed and 3.0 turbo, although it gets 17/22 mpg, but it has as much horsepower and torque as a V8 Durango or Ecoboost Explorer.  

 

It is also fair game to compare the diesel to the gas.  As a consumer, someone has the choice of what they want to buy.  If Drew wants a 3 row SUV that can parents can fit in easily, tow and do highway driving, then a diesel engine makes a lot of sense.  I don't think Drew's criteria was based on 0-60 time, so Hemi power with bad mileage probably isn't at the top of the list.

A Pacifica Hybrid might make sense for his needs too, although those probably can't tow much at all.

 

 

[Drew Dowdell]

The GL(S) isn't a bad idea, but they cost more used than a loaded Durango Citadel does new.  I'm not going to be towing with it, I just want a motorcycle platform to put on the back... kinda like a bike rack but for a motorcycle.   For that, the vehicle needs to have a high tongue weight rating even though the weight being "towed" is only around 500lbs. So, while the torque of the GL Bluetech would be nice, it really isn't necessary.  Plus, when I had one for a week courtesy of Benz, I felt the turbo lag on them bordered on dangerous. It was probably the worst I've ever experienced.  You absolutely can't dart out in traffic... I had more than one aborted maneuver because the engine didn't react in the expected time after putting my foot to the floor. 

 

@Cubical-aka-Moltar - Yes, I would actually prefer the Grand Cherokee over the Durango by a large margin... we are looking for a 3-row though. 

Edit: Updated with a picture to show what I'm trying to do.  The bike I'm looking at is very close to the limit of these racks, so I need the highest tongue weight rating possible... but overall engine torque doesn't really matter, even my CR-V could tow this fine if the hitch was rated that high. 

[smk4565]

6 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

The GL(S) isn't a bad idea, but they cost more used than a loaded Durango Citadel does new.  I'm not going to be towing with it, I just want a motorcycle platform to put on the back... kinda like a bike rack but for a motorcycle.   For that, the vehicle needs to have a high tongue weight rating even though the weight being "towed" is only around 500lbs. So, while the torque of the GL Bluetech would be nice, it really isn't necessary.  Plus, when I had one for a week courtesy of Benz, I felt the turbo lag on them bordered on dangerous. It was probably the worst I've ever experienced.  You absolutely can't dart out in traffic... I had more than one aborted maneuver because the engine didn't react in the expected time after putting my foot to the floor. 

 

@Cubical-aka-Moltar - Yes, I would actually prefer the Grand Cherokee over the Durango by a large margin... we are looking for a 3-row though. 

Edit: Updated with a picture to show what I'm trying to do.  The bike I'm looking at is very close to the limit of these racks, so I need the highest tongue weight rating possible... but overall engine torque doesn't really matter, even my CR-V could tow this fine if the hitch was rated that high. 

That is surprising that with so much torque the GL felt sluggish, I only drove a GL with the old 4.7 V8 and it felt quick for the size of it.  The GL diesel and V6 Durango have the same 0-60 time.  The turbo V6 or V8 would solve the power issue but cost at the fuel pump.

What about Enclave/Traverse or Lincoln MKT or a used Tesla Model X?   Although I would take an XC90 over all of those.  And sort of surprising that no one really makes a hybrid 7 seat suv, the GLE, Cayenne, X5, RX hybrids all seat 5 and GM and Ford don't have one.

Edited September 26, 2017 by smk4565

[Drew Dowdell]

It's not sluggish once you get it rolling. It's the turbo lag from a dead stop that's the issue.

30 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

 

What about Enclave/Traverse or Lincoln MKT or a used Tesla Model X?   Although I would take an XC90 over all of those.  And sort of surprising that no one really makes a hybrid 7 seat suv, the GLE, Cayenne, X5, RX hybrids all seat 5 and GM and Ford don't have one.

Highlander Hybrid.

 

[smk4565]

7 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

It's not sluggish once you get it rolling. It's the turbo lag from a dead stop that's the issue.

Highlander Hybrid.

 

I forgot they made a 3 row hybrid Highlander.  That has to be an exciting car.  

I did find this...

2013 GL550