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The 2021 Volvo XC40 will get the electric version. That is the first major update on the crossover launched in 2019 and the response to the critics for lacking the T8 configuration. The carmaker will make the EV available by the end of 2020. The rest of the lineup remains unchanged, with the same T4 and T5 configurations available and three trims for each of them.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider the 2021 Volvo XC40 a good buy: its cool look, powerful engine, and interior materials. The company paid a lot of attention to details, especially for cargo and storage. Interior materials stand out with its quality, while the list of standard features is pretty long. The XC40 is offering a Harman-Kardon audio system at higher trim levels. The visibility from the driver’s bucket is great. Plus, you will feel the smooth acceleration and excellent ride quality. The crossover is also capable to do some off-roading.
On the other hand, the infotainment system is not so easy to break. Touchscreen display could be confusing and climate control could be easier. What’s more, rear seats are not too generous with space. When installing a safety bucket for children, extra effort is needed to fit it back there.
2021 Volvo XC40 EV First Details
The all-electric crossover is going to be called 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge and its drivetrain configuration will be P8. We don’t have final numbers yet, but the model is going to be very competitive, offering enough power and autonomous drive as part of the package.
The Recharge is getting power from a 78-kWh electric battery good for 408 horsepower. The motor is installed under the body, approximately between two axles. The battery also produces 486 lb-ft of torque, making P8 more powerful than the T8 setup. The XC40 recharge can sprint to 60 mph in five seconds.
Sources claim the new crossover is going to run 220-240 miles between recharges. The carmaker will install stations and the charge will be free in the first year. When paying in other places, Volvo will issue a refund. According to announcements, it takes 40 minutes to restore 80 percent of the battery.
2021 Volvo XC40 T4 and T5 Setups
Conventional sources of power remain unchanged. The carmaker will deliver the crossover with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The T4 is going to produce 187 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to front wheels. The T5 uses the same source of power, but it forwards energy to all four corners of the XC40. Also, the new setup allows a 2.0 displacement to burst 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy drops to 26 mpg, while the T4 returns 28 miles per gallon.
Trim Levels
Either T4 or T5, the 2021 Volvo XC40 will offer three trim levels. Packages for the P8 Recharge will be unveiled soon. The entry-level version is going to use 18-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate, and most popular phone integration services. LED headlights are standard. Lane keep assist is just a first step in a higher level of autonomous drive.
The R-Design bundle comes with larger wheels outside and leather seats inside. Volvo added panoramic moonroof and wireless charging. Blind-spot monitoring improves safety. The top of the class version is Inscription. A lot of advanced features are available with this package. Crystal shift knob draws the most attention. The cabin is also full of unique wooden details. Outside, there are 18-inch wheels and the grille gets a unique Inscription design.
Autonomous Drive
The carmaker is working on Level 4 of autonomous drive, that is not a secret. But, this is an advanced system, just a step behind fully self-driving vehicles. Many other companies announced that they are not trying just to catch up with Tesla and its Level 2, but also to skip Level 3 since there are no big differences between these two systems.
The self-driving XC40 is going to be safe in the first place. The crossover must provide peace of mind to its passengers before they can relax and enjoy the ride. The Swedish manufacturer partners some of the leaders in this segment to meet the safety requirements. Zenuity and Veoneer are just a couple of them. However, there are no first tests that will show us in which stage of development this technology is.
2021 Volvo XC40 Prices
The pricing of the standard T4 and T5 models will remain the same. The carmaker will offer a few more options to trim levels, but it is not going to affect the MSRP. On the other hand, we would like to know more about the 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge, especially its release date and cost. So far, we have only speculations and expectations, which say the new vehicle should be ready early in 2021. The price will start above the most luxurious Inscription model, and Level 4 is going to increase it even more.
