Volvo has revealed pricing and specification details for its upgraded 2023 Volvo XC40 range.
On the back of Volvo Cars Australia’s biggest ever sales month in June, when the existing XC40 contributed to almost half of the brand’s 1121 overall sales tally, Volvo has announced price rises of up to $5500 for the upgraded small SUV range, which will be available from August.
The pricing increases coincide with the introduction of fresh mild-hybrid and electric drivetrain options, new styling and upgraded infotainment across the range.
The 2023 Volvo XC40 does away with existing T4 and T5 engine nomenclature, moving to new B4 and B5 designations to mark the adoption of 48-volt mild-hybrid systems across the marque’s entire Australian portfolio.
Also gone are the old Momentum, Inscription and R-Design grades; new ‘Bright’ and ‘Dark’ packages replace them and coincide with changing the colour of the grille, window surrounds, roof rails and rear bumper inserts to silver or black, depending on the pack.
The five-variant XC40 range now starts at $52,990 plus on-road costs for the XC40 Plus B4, a $4500 increase on the T4 Momentum it replaces. There are three petrol variants and two EV models, while the plug-in hybrid has been axed.
With it new mild-hybrid components, the front-drive Plus B4 develops 145kW and 300Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 48-volt mild-hybrid system is able to augment outputs by 10kW/40Nm in short bursts in order to save fuel, which is claimed to be improved by at least seven per cent to 6.9L/100km.
Standard equipment on the new base model includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, power tailgate, wireless phone charging and a new ‘Touring’ chassis tune.
Infotainment in the base model is now facilitated by an Android Automotive-driven 9.0-inch infotainment touch-screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, sat-nav and digital radio, together with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster.
Next in the range is the Ultimate B4 Bright, priced at $59,990 plus ORCs. It sends drive to all four wheels, resulting in a 7.1L/100km fuel average and 8.5sec 0-100km/h claim (up 0.1sec).
Over and above the entry model, the Ultimate B4 Bright adds larger 19-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera, air purifier and minor interior tweaks.
The all-wheel drive XC40 Ultimate B5 Dark ($63,990 plus ORCs) gets a nippier 183kW/350Nm tune from the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, which again employs the same mild-hybrid set-up for a hastier 6.4sec 0-100km/h time and average fuel consumption of 7.2L/100km.
In equipment terms, the Ultimate B5 Dark adds 20-inch alloy wheels, black exterior highlights and suede-accented seat upholstery.
New to the electric XC40 range is a 170kW/330Nm single-motor XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Plus variant priced from $72,990 plus ORCs. It employs a 69kWh battery for a 7.4sec 0-100km/h time plus an anticipated range of about 380km.
Standard equipment (over the Plus B4) includes 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, black mirror caps and tinted rear windows.
Finally, the flagship dual-motor XC40 Recharge Ultimate is priced at $79,490 and offers 300kW and 660Nm combined together with a 4.9sec 0-100km/h time. A larger 75kWh battery ensures range of about 420km.
The flagship gets a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, 360-degree camera and ‘sustainable seat upholstery.
Visually, the 2023 Volvo XC40 adds a revised front bumper with newly designed air intakes. Electric versions feature a frameless grille design said to be inspired by the upcoming C40, while the flagship gets ‘Pixel’ LED headlights.
Every Volvo XC40 will also carryover the brand’s full suite of safety and driver assistance features, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane assist, park assist and traffic sign recognition.
The XC40 comes as Volvo Cars Australia gears up for record annual sales.
“In June the overall Australian car market declined by nearly 10 per cent, and the luxury segment declined by four per cent. By comparison we increased our sales by 8.4 per cent,” said Volvo Cars Australia managing director Stephen Connor.
“June was another strong performance but what is even more pleasing for me is that our Volvo Cars national dealer network continues to write new orders in record numbers.
“Whilst I foresee a slight dip in delivery numbers for July and August due to the ongoing global supply challenges, we have been guaranteed a record number of cars arriving from September which will see us close out the year with yet another double-digit growth.”
How much does the 2023 Volvo XC40 cost?
Plus B4 FWD – $52,990 (+$4500)
Ultimate B4 Bright AWD – $59,990 (+$5500)
Ultimate B5 Dark AWD – $63,990 (+$5500)
Recharge Pure Electric Plus single-motor – $72,990 (new)
Recharge Pure Electric Ultimate dual-motor – $79,490 (+$2500)
* Prices exclude on-road costs