A slight refresh for the 2023 Volvo XC40
For the 2023 model year, Volvo would like all of its vehicles to incorporate some form of electrification. This is why the manufacturer intends to integrate mild hybridization into all its internal combustion models, including the subcompact SUV XC40. Volvo is taking advantage of the moment to give the whole range a slight update.
Unlike its heat engines which bear the nomenclatures T4, T5 and T6 light hybridization engines at Volvo rather go there with B4, B5 and B6. The idea is to integrate a mini electric motor into the heat engine to assist it during the times when it is most in demand. This motor operates through a 48-volt electrical system.
But they are not hybrids
However, it is important to specify that the B4, B5 and B6 engines are not hybrids, that is to say that the vehicle cannot, under any circumstances, run on electric power. It’s quite simply a heat engine that consumes less fuel, as we saw during our winter test of the XC60 B6.
In the case of the XC40, it will be the B4 and B5, mainly composed of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, but with different power and torque data.
In the case of the B4, maximum power increases from 187 to 197 horsepower and activates a little higher in the range, from 4,700 to 4,750 rpm. Torque remains unchanged at 221 lb-ft.
On the B5 side, we go from 248 to 250 horsepower, but the maximum power is activated a little lower in the range, at 5,400 rpm instead of 5,500. Like the T4, the torque does not move. and remains at 258 lb-ft. These engines are still mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Subtle aesthetic revisions
The rest of the changes mainly affect the appearance of the XC40 and XC40 Electric Recharge via a new grille, a slightly redesigned bumper and sleek “Thor’s hammer” headlights. There are also new rims and body colors. In addition, the XC40 with combustion engine receives the same multimedia system as the Recharge. This one is powered by Google Android and comes with the option of remote updates.
Technically, nothing changes for the XC40 Recharge. This model is therefore always driven by a battery whose capacity is calculated at 78 kilowatt hours. It powers two electric motors – one installed on each train – for a total combined power of 408 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque. The range is estimated at 358 kilometers according to the most recent evaluations of the EPA.
Volvo says production of the 2023 XC40 has already begun and the first units will arrive at dealerships nationwide by the end of the summer. A revised price range will be announced a few weeks before they go on sale.
