The new Volvo XC40 is a great hybrid
Volvo has made a hybrid version of their XC40 T5 SUV’s. Apart from already being a great SUV, it now boasts more fuel efficiency while keeping most of the great features the original has. Unfortunately, it stops being an off-roader. 
It’s the same design as last year.
If you have seen the XC40 in 2019, you have seen the hybrid version in 2020. They are identical except for an extra hub cap for your electric charger. This is by no means a bad thing as the XC40 is a very good-looking car. Volvo doesn’t make it scream “sports!” and that’s just fine when you want something practical.
As with the outside, so with the inside.
It’s the same story inside. Volvo made no changes to distinguish the hybrid from the regular XC40 and again, that’s ok. The use of different quality materials makes a stylish interior and the space combined with the seats make it very comfortable to be in.
In the back, there is just as much space which is impressive for a car with a hulking battery. In fact, there is more than enough space for our taller friends. The seats back here also fold down electrically to extend the boot space that has 460-litres with the seats back up. The original Volvo XC40 has a false floor in the boot for more space and so does the hybrid version, however, that space is already used up by charging cables which you can’t go without.
Back in the front, we see a great infotainment system, but it has a downside. The touch screen is large and easy to use but you don’t get Android Auto or Apple CarPlay standard, you have to pay more for them. It does have two cool driving features, one being able to turn on battery charging from the motor and the other stopping the battery from dropping below a certain level, so it won’t go flat.
The car has an app.
Most electric and hybrid cars have apps and the Volvo XC40 hybrid is no exception. From your phone, you can check the batteries charge and monitor its charge rate, find charging points and turn on the air conditioning so it’s perfect when you get to the car. 
How is it different under the hood?
The XC40 hybrid is powered by a smaller engine than the original. Only getting a 15-litre 3-cylinder engine that gives 130 kW. Right next to it is a 60 kW electric motor that when put together with the engine makes 190 kW and 425 Nm.
One big thing to complain about is the fact that there is no 4-wheel drive. This hybrid only gets front-wheel drive which begs the question, why even give it an off-road setting. This also means it won’t accelerate as quickly as the original but it by no means slower.
For a hybrid, this car does not give the best fuel economy, promising 59.9-litres per 100 km. You’re also going to be spending more time charging it because Volvo limited the max charge rate to 3.7 kW. Makes fast chargers a little less impactful but you will probably do most of your charging at home. Before you take a breather, Volvo made this a little annoying too. They don’t give you a better charger as standard, instead, they only give a 3-pin charger which will make you wait for 6 hours to fully charge. You need to pay extra for the better charger to get 4 hours and when you are parked at a fast charger you will get 2.5 hours of waiting time.
The charging situation is not that annoying and driving around on electric power is very good for regular commutes. With the battery, you do add extra weight and you will feel that when driving quickly around bends. However, this car wasn’t made to race around and instead be practical which it does that perfectly. 
Should you buy this hybrid Volvo XC40
If a Volvo XC40 T5 is what you are looking to buy, then do the math and see if the petrol saving will save you money. If it does, then this is the car for you, otherwise, consider a regular XC40. Either way, you will enjoy this car.
Source & images: Carwow | Volvo
