Volvo Cars has given its 40 series a broad update, touching exterior and interior design, infotainment and driver assistance. The XC40, EX40 and EC40 gain a larger 11.2-inch screen with Google Gemini on board, plus a new sensor and software platform that unlocks features such as Door Opening Alert and an expanded Pilot Assist. The electric EX40 and EC40 are quoted at up to 575 km and 584 km of range respectively on preliminary WLTP figures. Order books open today in selected markets.

Volvo’s compact family remains one of the brand’s biggest sellers, and rather than replace it, the company has reworked it. The updated XC40, EX40 and EC40 share a refreshed look, a new infotainment generation and a substantially expanded set of sensors for driver assistance and active safety.

A sharper face for the compact Volvos

The most visible change sits up front. The Thor’s Hammer Matrix LED headlights have been redrawn, joined by a new grille and reshaped front bumper, bonnet and front wings. Volvo describes the result as a more contemporary reading of its Scandinavian design language.

At the back, the XC40 and EX40 get new LED rear lights, a revised tailgate and a redesigned rear bumper. The EC40, with its distinctive sloping tail, keeps its existing rear treatment. The combustion-engined XC40 also gains new 18-, 19- and 20-inch diamond-cut wheels.

“By enhancing the design, technology and safety features of our 40 series cars’, we’ve created the best versions of our 40 series yet,” says Akhil Krishnan, Interim lead for the 30 and 40 series at Volvo Cars. “These already popular models are now set to continue being among our best-selling cars for years to come.”

A bigger screen and Google Gemini

Inside, the central display grows to 11.2 inches and runs Volvo’s latest user interface, which the company says cuts the number of taps needed to reach key functions. The headline software addition is Google Gemini, Google’s next-generation AI assistant, which Volvo says allows natural-language interaction for tasks such as route planning, finding stops along the way and handling messages while driving.

Material choices expand too. XC40 buyers can specify Arianne Cardamom leather upholstery with Brown Ash wood trim for the first time, with Black Ash or aluminium decor as alternatives. There is also revised cabin lighting and an updated wireless phone charger.

New sensors underpin the safety upgrades

The more significant change is harder to see. A new software and sensor platform brings front and corner radars, a new front camera, rear corner radars, 12 new ultrasonic sensors and new parking cameras. According to Volvo, this wider field of view lets the car warn the driver or intervene with automatic emergency braking or automatic emergency steering when a collision looks likely.

The hardware also enables several new functions. Door Opening Alert warns occupants before they open a door into passing cyclists or traffic — a feature that has become increasingly common as European cities push cycling infrastructure. The optional Pilot Assist adds lane change assist and has been retuned to follow the road more smoothly, while the optional 360-degree camera moves to a 3D view.

Range and availability

For buyers going fully electric, Volvo quotes up to 575 km (357 miles) for the EX40 and up to 584 km (363 miles) for the EC40 on a single charge. The company notes these figures are preliminary and based on WLTP testing, and that real-world range varies with temperature, specification, topography and driving style. All three cars continue to receive over-the-air software updates.

Order books for the new 40 series, including the Black Edition, open today in selected markets. Production starts later this autumn.

Facts: Volvo XC40, EX40 and EC40

  • Electric range (EX40): up to 575 km (357 miles), preliminary WLTP
  • Electric range (EC40): up to 584 km (363 miles), preliminary WLTP
  • Infotainment: 11.2-inch centre screen with Google Gemini
  • Sensors: front and corner radars, front camera, rear corner radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, new parking cameras
  • Driver assistance: Door Opening Alert, Pilot Assist with lane change assist (optional), 3D 360-degree camera (optional)
  • Wheels (XC40): 18-, 19- and 20-inch diamond-cut
  • Availability: orders open now in selected markets; production from later this autumn

Volvo has not published pricing for the updated models, and feature availability varies by market.

Source: news.cision.com