In 2017, Volvo successfully launched its smallest SUV: the XC40.
The Swedish car-manufacturer decided to launch its small SUV in Milan, Italy, considered to be the world’s fashion capital.

The new model was jointly developed with Geely, the Chinese brand that owns Volvo Car Company. The new Volvo XC40 was the first model on Volvo Cars’ new modular vehicle architecture (CMA), which was also used for other new, electrified, vehicles.

On the outside, there are some lines that might remember of those found in older Volvo models, with straight lines and flat surfaces. The compact size was important in the battle against its main rivals such as the Audi Q3 or the BMW X3. It was Volvo’s intelligent Swedish design that made it look different.

Inside, due to an unusually long wheelbase for its compact size, it could accommodate up to five passengers. The dashboard was covered with expensive materials, with a soft touch. The driver got a standard digital display for the instrument cluster and a big, portrait-type, touch-screen for the infotainment system.

For the engine compartment, the XC 40 was available from the beginning with three gasoline choices and two diesel. A plug-in hybrid came later, in 2019 and it was followed by a full-electric model afterward. The base trim models featured a 6-speed manual transmission, although on the upper trim levels an automatic was available. Some versions were available with an all-wheel-drive system.