New Delhi: Volvo has launched the XC40 facelift in India at an introductory price of Rs 43.20 lakh (ex-showroom, India). However, this is only valid for a limited time, after which the prices will go up to Rs 45.90 lakh.
Available in the only fully loaded B4 Ultimate trim, this mid-life facelift brings an updated exterior, more interior equipment and, most importantly, a new mild-hybrid petrol powertrain. Along with the XC40, the XC90’s infotainment system has received a minor update.
Facelift Volvo XC40: New engine
The updated XC40 is now powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine which is mated to a 48V integrated starter-generator. The powertrain produces 197bhp and 300Nm of peak torque – 7bhp more than the previous petrol-only 2.0-litre engine, although peak torque remains unchanged.
The engine is paired with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels only. As a result, the entire Volvo range in India now gets mild-hybrid powertrains.
Volvo XC40 facelift: Exterior and exterior updates
The XC40 facelift’s cosmetic updates mostly focus on the front fascia. The headlights are now much more angular, and the LED daytime running lights inspired by Thor’s hammer have also been redesigned. And while the radiator grille remains unchanged, the front bumper now has more angular creases and the fog light bezels have also been updated.
However, unlike the pre-facelift model, which was offered exclusively in R-design equipment, the new XC40 does not receive a sportier treatment. It therefore lacks the two-tone paint scheme and more stylish 18-inch alloys seen on the pre-facelift model. Instead, the new XC40 rides on fairly plain five-spoke silver alloy wheels. However, the rear part remains completely unchanged.
Volvo XC40 facelift: Interior and features
The interior is also almost unchanged, the only novelty is the new wooden paneling of 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 a lot of standard Google apps like the voice-activated Google Assistant, Google Play Store, Google Maps and other Google services. The system is also compatible for wireless updates.
Other features of the updated XC40 include a new advanced air cleaner with a PM 2.5 filter, wired Apple CarPlay, a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring.
Volvo XC90 infotainment update
Along with the XC40, the flagship SUV XC90’s infotainment system has also been upgraded with new software powered by Google. The new XC90 has been priced at Rs 94.90 lakh (ex-showroom), marking a price hike of Rs 1 lakh over the previous model. The new XC90 was, along with the XC40, the last models in the Volvo range to be updated with the new system.
However, Volvo has quietly discontinued the XC90’s 407bhp 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid petrol variant and it’s now only available with a 300bhp 2.0-litre mild-hybrid variant.
Facelift Volvo XC40: Rivals
The updated Volvo XC40 continues to compete in the entry-level luxury SUV segment with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA (Rs 44.90 lakh)*, Mini Countryman (Rs 42-46 lakh)* and the newly launched Audi Q3 (Rs 44.89) – 50 .39 lakh)*. It also takes over the BMW X1 (Rs 41.50-Rs 43.50 lakh)*, which is sold in India but is expected to launch a new generation model next year.
