Video: Volvo XC40 T5 Recharge PHEV, 5 Things



Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) recently unveiled the XC40 Recharge T5, the plug-in hybrid variant of the compact SUV, here in Malaysia. Locally-assembled at Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia’s plant in Shah Alam, the new PHEV XC40 is priced at RM241,997 on the road, without insurance, and inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.

The new Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 also gets the same R-Design trim as the regular petrol-powered variant, which includes the blacked-out mesh-type front grille, bumper trims, roof, and the 19-inch R-Design five dual-spoke alloys.

Otherwise, the car is essentially identical to the regular T5, aside from the extra charging port on the left front bumper, a “Recharge” script on the C-pillar, as well as a bumper without tailpipe exits.

The highlight of the plug-in hybrid is obviously its powertrain. The Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, paired to a single electric motor sandwiched between the engine and seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.

Total system output is rated at 262 hp and 425 Nm of torque, which translates to a 0-100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds. Top speed, however, is electronically-limited to 180 km/h, standard across all Volvo models worldwide.

The 10.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack gives the Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 a 44 km pure electric driving range. Charging it takes approximately three hours with the onboard 3.7 kW AC charger, or roughly five hours using a regular 2.3 kW wall socket.

Safety wise, the Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV also doesn’t differ from the regular petrol-powered variant. The full IntelliSafe advanced driver assistance suite is also available here, with standard features including autonomous emergency braking with intersection support, Lane Keeping Aid, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert with Autobrake, Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist, and Blind Spot Information System with Steer Assist.

Included in the price of the Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 is a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, alongside an eight-year/160,000 km PHEV battery.

For the full rundown of the Volvo XC40 Recharge T5’s facts and figures, do check out our launch coverage of the new PHEV compact SUV here.