√2023 Volvo XC40 to gain mild-hybrid tech in Australia

The XC40 will be the final car in Volvo Australia’s range to go hybrid and electric-only, when mild-hybrid B4 and B5 petrol engines arrive later this year.

The facelifted 2023 Volvo XC40 small SUV will become the final vehicle in the Swedish car maker’s range to go hybrid and electric only, once first deliveries commence this July.

The rest of Volvo Australia’s range ditched diesel and added mild-hybrid systems to its petrol engines last July for Model Year 2022, however the company has now confirmed the smaller XC40 will follow suit for Model Year 2023 this July, with a selection of ‘B’ series turbocharged petrol four-cylinders.

This will give the XC40 the broadest spread of powertrain options of any Volvo model, offering three of the four main types of electrification: mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric.

Details of the 2023 range are yet to be confirmed, however it’s understood B4 and B5 options will be introduced as direct replacements for the current T4 and T5 variants, offering similar power and torque outputs, but improved fuel efficiency thanks to 48-volt mild-hybrid systems.

Powering both variants is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, developing 145kW and 300Nm in B4 trim, or 184kW and 350Nm in B5 guise. Drive is sent to the front or all wheels in the B4, with all-wheel drive a standard inclusion with the B5 engine.

That compares to 140kW/300Nm and 185kW/350Nm for the outgoing T4 and T5 respectively, from the same 2.0-litre turbo engine (without the mild-hybrid system) and choice of front or all-wheel drive.

Whereas all outgoing T-series engines – and the all-wheel-drive B5 – use a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, both variants of the B4 employ a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The B-series engines incorporate a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, with a 10kW/40Nm electric motor capable of (subtly) improving performance at low speeds, or reducing load on the engine to improve fuel economy.

Volvo claims combined fuel economy claims of 6.6 to 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres for the B4 front-wheel drive, 7.0-7.6L/100km for the B4 AWD, or 7.7-8.2L/100km for the B5 AWD, according to European testing – claimed decreases of 10 to 15 per cent compared to the previous T4 and T5 grades.

Australia is all but confirmed to adopt the new model range structure seen in Europe, which replaces the current Momentum, Inscription and R-Design model grades – each with its own unique appearance – with Core, Plus and Ultimate grades, differentiated only by the grille pattern, and black or chrome trim.

This has already been confirmed for the facelifted 2023 XC40 Recharge Pure Electric range, available in single-motor Plus guise from $72,990 before on-road costs, or dual-motor Ultimate trim from $79,990.

Prices for the mild-hybrid XC40 range are yet to be confirmed, however the facelifted XC60 mid-size SUV – which ushered in mild-hybrid engines, a new look and revised interior tech, like the XC40 update – increased in price by $2000 across all petrol variants.

The aforementioned $79,990 ‘MY23’ XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Ultimate dual motor represents a price increase of $3000 over the equivalent variant in Model Year 2022 – though this is offset by new features, including ‘sustainable’ fabric upholstery and matrix LED headlights.

Alongside the new (for Australia) engines, highlights of the updated XC40 include a refreshed look inspired by the related C40 coupe SUV – with reprofiled headlights and grille, new wheel designs, and restyled lower air intakes – plus new wool and suede upholstery options, and a redesigned gear selector.

Also new to mild-hybrid models (but not available on the plug-in hybrid) is Volvo’s latest Android Automotive-based infotainment system – with various Google functions, including Maps and Google Assistant – running on a carry-over 9.0-inch touchscreen. This system was previously exclusive to the electric variant.

The 2023 Volvo XC40 range is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms in the third quarter of 2022 (July to September inclusive).

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