Volvo XC40 Recharge: T4 engine joins T5 in plug-in hybrid SUV range

Volvo has announced an addition to its XC40 Recharge plug-in hybrid SUV range. The new T4 powertrain slots in below the existing T5 choice, offering a cheaper and less powerful option for buyers, starting from £39,130 on the road. Orders are now being taken for deliveries starting in October 2020.

While Volvo's other plug-ins use a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder drivetrain badged either T6 or T8 depending on power output, the XC40 plug-ins have a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine married to an electric motor. Unlike the T6 and T8, which are four-wheel drive, the T4 and T5 send power to the front wheels only, through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The T4 pairs a 127bhp engine with an 81bhp electric motor, while the T5's engine puts out 178bhp. The former will do 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds, while the latter takes 7.3 seconds. The pure-electric range for both version is 26-27 miles and CO2 emissions stand at 47-55g/km, for 12% company-car tax. Official fuel economy is also the same for both versions, ranging from 118 to 135mg.

8

Prices for the XC40 T4 start at £39,130 for the R-Design trim level and £39,475 for Inscription, so buyers choosing this engine avoid the £325 annual road-tax supplement payable on cars costing more than £40,000 new. The XC40 T5, meanwhile, is offered in R-Design (£41,030), R-Design Pro (£42,430), Inscription (£41,380) and Inscription Pro (£42,430) trim levels.

The XC40 Recharge sits below the larger XC60 and XC90 in the Volvo plug-in hybrid SUV range, while Volvo's S60 and S90 saloons, and their corresponding V60 and V90 estate versions, are also offered in plug-in hybrid form. A fully electric Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 is also open for orders now, with first cars arriving in early 2021.

Rivals for the plug-in hybrid XC40s include the BMW X1 xDrive 25e, DS 7 Crossback E-TENSE and higher-spec versions of the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 and Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid4.