Volvo XC40 gets new 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo, 1.5L PHEV & pure EV coming soon



Volvo Cars, for the first time in its 91-year history, launches an all-new three-cylinder Drive-E petrol engine. The new motor will first make its way in the XC40 SUV and other “Volvo Cars in general”.

Measuring at 1.5-litre (1,477cc) in capacity, the three-cylinder Drive-E engine was developed in-house using the same modular design as the other four-cylinder Drive-E engines in Volvo’s stable. Thanks to turbocharging, the in-line three transversely mounted engine pushes out a healthy 154 hp and 265 Nm of torque, the latter peaks from 1,850 to 3,850 rpm.

Badged as T3, will be employed on front-wheel drive vehicles only. A sole six-speed manual transmission is tasked with power transfer, but Volvo said an eight-speed automatic will be available starting next year. The new engine with the stick shift will propel the XC40 from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds onwards to a top speed of 200 km/h.

Senior Director Cluster 40 at Volvo Cars, Alexander Petrofski said, “Our new three-cylinder engine is an exciting development for the XC40 and for Volvo Cars in general. This compact engine design provides the flexibility we need as we introduce more powertrain options for XC40 customers.”

Furthermore, the T3 engine was also designed for integration into Twin Engine plug-in hybrid setup from the start, affirming the company’s plan to electrify all Volvo cars from 2019 onwards. Volvo expressed that a hybrid and pure electric variant of the XC40 will be offered in due course and more information will be released at a later date.


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Volvo 1.5L 3-cylinder Drive-E Petrol Engine

Volvo XC40 Inscription T5 AWD