The Volvo 40 Series has been facelifted, with the EC40,EX40andXC40 receiving design changes inside and out as well as an upgraded technology suite.
For model year 2027.5 (MY27.5), the Swedish brand’s compact SUV range gets new Matrix LED headlights with ‘Thor’s Hammer’ light signature, while the grille, bonnet and front wings have all been revised to bring a cleaner and more “confident” look.
The EX40 and XC40 small SUV twins also receive new LED tail-lights, an updated tailgate and new rear bumper, while the XC40 debuts new diamond-cut alloy wheel designs ranging from 18- to 20-inch in diameter.
Inside, there’s a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen running Volvo’s latest user interface, featuring Google Gemini integration which provides an AI assistant to help plan journeys and manage messages, among other functions.
Volvo says the new infotainment software is easier to use than before, with a thinner menu structure requiring “fewer taps to access key functions”.
An updated wireless phone charger lives in the centre console, while new upholstery and decor options are available, including Arianne Cardamom leather upholstery paired with Brown Ash wood decor elements in the XC40.
The updated 40 Series range gets “a new advanced software and sensor platform” for the driver assistance suite, including new front and corner radars, a new front camera, new rear corner radars, 12 new ultrasonic sensors, and new parking cameras.
As such, Volvo says drivers of the latest EX40, XC40 and EC40 will get “a more comprehensive view of [their] surroundings”, as well as upgraded features.
Door Opening Alert is self-explanatory, alerting occupants if they’re about to open the door into the path of an oncoming cyclist or passing traffic.
Pilot Assist, Volvo’s semi-autonomous highway assistant combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centring functions, has been enhanced to include a lane change assist function and is claimed to “follow the road more smoothly”.
Finally, the available 360-degree camera system features an upgraded 3D view that claims to make parking and low-speed manoeuvres easier.
All models are compatible with over-the-air software updates, which the Swedish brand claims help improve its vehicle over time by bringing new software and features to cars already on the road.
Australia
Speaking with CarExpert, a spokesperson for Volvo Cars Australia confirmed the updated MY27.5 EX40 and XC40 range will lob sometime next year. Formerly known as the C40 Recharge, the EC40 was discontinued here late last year, and won’t be making a return Down Under.
Pricing and full specifications will be detailed closer to launch, though the XC40 lineup will be bolstered by a new entry-level B3 powertrain variant to slot below the existing B4 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol grade.
No changes have been announced for any of the EX40/XC40 powertrain variants globally, so based on the existing range the B3 is a detuned version of the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol MHEV engine in the B4, making 120kW/265Nm (down from the B4’s 145kW/300Nm).
Volvo says the entry-level powertrain makes the XC40 a second slower from 0-100km/h (8.6 vs 7.6 seconds), but according to European specifications it consumes the same 6.6L/100km of fuel while emitting the same 150g/km of CO2, and has the same 180km/h top speed.
Still, the addition of the B3 variant could bring the entry price of the XC40 down closer to the $50,000 mark. Currently, the entry-level XC40 Plus B4 starts from $55,490 plus on-road costs for MY27.
As for the all-electric EX40, expect the existing Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance variants to carryover.
The EX40 Single Motor Extended Range pairs a 185kW/420Nm rear electric motor with an 82kWh battery pack, good for up to 520km of range, and quotes a 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds.
Opting for the Twin Motor Performance adds an electric motor on the front axle, bumping system outputs to 300kW/670Nm, dropping the 0-100km/h claim to 4.8 seconds, and reducing the claimed range to 485km.
The pre-facelift MY27 EX40 range kicks off from $69,990 for the Single Motor, and $74,990 for the Twin Motor.
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MORE:Explore the Volvo EX40 showroom
MORE:Explore the Volvo XC40 showroom
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James Wong
Marketplace Editor
James Wong
Marketplace Editor
James Wong is an automotive journalist and former PR consultant, recognised among Australia’s most prolific motoring writers.
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