Volvo Revives XC40 Plug-In Hybrid With Gemini AI and New Safety Tech

The Verge reported that Volvo discontinued the plug-in hybrid XC40 about three years ago. The mild hybrid XC40 and the electric EX40 have remained on sale in the US and elsewhere. Volvo said it is bringing the PHEV back as a bridge for customers who want better fuel economy but are not ready for a fully electric vehicle. The automaker has backed away from a pledge to sell only EVs by 2030. Volvo did not disclose the XC40’s powertrain, engine options, electric motor, range or battery capacity.

On the exterior, The Verge reported a new interpretation of Volvo’s “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights, plus an updated front grille, bumper, hood and front wings. The rear gets new lighting, a new bumper and an upgraded tailgate. Volvo is offering three diamond-cut wheel designs in 18-, 19- and 20-inch sizes. Engadget reported the front is simpler than before, with many lighting elements hidden, while the hood and fenders have been resculpted. The EX40 and XC40 look nearly identical from the outside, Engadget said; the EX40 has a flat, body-colored grille panel, while the XC40 grille has diagonal slashes around the Volvo logo.

Inside, The Verge reported the screen grows to 11.2 inches with higher resolution and runs Volvo’s latest user interface, designed for faster navigation with fewer taps. Google’s Gemini serves as the voice assistant, capable of planning routes, finding specific locations and detours, and managing messages. The XC40 also gets an improved wireless phone charger and smart storage solutions. Engadget reported the larger display is mounted above the center of the dashboard rather than recessed, up from 9 inches. It runs the latest Android Automotive software with Gemini, which can handle vehicle settings, control infotainment, find nearby restaurants and summarize menu options such as gluten-free or vegetarian fare, and suggest scenic routes. Engadget said the interior was already among the better-looking and feeling spaces in the segment and now adds updated ambient lighting.

Safety updates are a central part of the refresh. The Verge reported a new software and sensor platform designed to provide real-time collision avoidance, automated emergency steering and automatic emergency braking. The sensor upgrade includes new front and corner radars, a new front camera, new rear corner radars, 12 new ultrasonic sensors and new parking cameras. The XC40 gains door-opening alerts that warn occupants before they door passing cyclists, lane-change assist, smoother lane-following support on long drives, and an optional 3D/360-degree camera for low-speed maneuvering and parking. Engadget reported high-resolution cameras looking in every direction, ultrasonic sensors in the bumpers and updated radar. It said the hardware enables a detailed 3D view of the car that was previously limited to Volvo’s larger, more expensive models, and an automated lane-change feature in the Pilot Assist system, which still includes hands-on lane-keep and adaptive cruise. An updated central safety controller has more processing power and is over-the-air updatable, Engadget reported, meaning more advanced driver-assistance features could be added later. Volvo did not detail which features might arrive or when.

Akhil Krishnan, interim lead for the 30 and 40 Series at Volvo Cars, said in a statement cited by The Verge: “By enhancing the XC40’s design, technology and safety features, we’ve created the best version of the XC40 yet.” He added: “This already popular model is now set to continue being one of our best-selling cars for years to come.” Engadget reported that the current-generation XC40 dates to 2017 and was joined by the all-electric XC40 Recharge in 2019, which was renamed the EX40 in 2024. The compact XC40 is Volvo’s third-best-selling model in the United States and second-highest internationally, while the midsize XC60 is the brand’s US sales leader, according to Engadget.