Volvo has launched a new plug-in hybrid version of its smallest SUV, called the XC40 T5 Twin Engine. It’s on sale now, with prices starting from £40,905 for the entry-level R-Design model, climbing to £42,305 for the range-topping Inscription Pro variant. First deliveries are expected in February 2020.
The Volvo XC40 T5 Twin Engine is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, a 10.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and an electric motor. The system produces a combined output of 258bhp, which makes it the most powerful engine in the XC40 range. Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Volvo says the XC40 T5 has a 0–62mph time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 127mph. WLTP-rated economy stands at 141.1mpg, and Volvo claims the XC40 T5 will emit 38g/km of CO2. The T5’s battery pack offers an all-electric range of 28.6 miles.
All XC40 T5s come with a 4.5-metre three-pin domestic charging cable, which Volvo says will provide a full charge in between three and a half and six hours. The Swedish brand also offers a Type 2 fast-charging cable (for an extra £50), for use with commercial fast-charging stations, which will provide a full charge in around 2.5 hours.
Four trim-levels are available. The “sporty” R-Design model features 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, black exterior trim, a mesh grille and privacy glass. Inside, buyers get leather and Nubuck seat upholstery, black headlining, a sports steering wheel, aluminium pedals, an R-Design gear knob, R-Design treadplates and aluminium dashboard inlays.
The XC40 T5 Twin Engine R-Design Pro starts from £42,305. Additions include 20-inch alloy wheels, active LED headlights, a heated windscreen, heated washer nozzles and headlight washer jets. Inside, buyers get a pair of electrically adjustable and heated front seats with a memory function for the seat position and exterior mirrors.
Volvo’s “luxurious” XC40 T5 Twin Engine Inscription is priced from £41,255. Unlike the R-Design model, it comes with chrome exterior trim, a power operated tailgate, full-leather upholstery, cream headlining, a standard three-spoke steering wheel, thicker floor mats and wooden dashboard inlays.
The XC40 Inscription Pro model costs the same as the R-Design Pro variant and features the same range of additional equipment. All four models also come as standard with Volvo’s 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle and trademark nine-inch portrait infotainment screen.
As with all Volvos, the new XC40 T5 Twin Engines comes with a comprehensive range of standard safety equipment, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, hill start assist, dual-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger and Volvo’s oncoming lane mitigation system, which the Swedish brand claims can help avoid head-on collisions.
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