Launched with Powertrains Including Pure Electric Vehicles and Mild Hybrids
[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Volvo Cars Korea announced on the 17th that it has officially launched the new XC40 model equipped with a digital connectivity package service in Korea and has begun full-scale sales.
The new XC40, introduced in Korea after four years, is a facelift (partial change) model and is the first in the brand lineup to be released with two powertrains: a 100% pure electric powertrain (BEV) and a gasoline-based mild hybrid (MHEV).
In particular, for the Korean market, Volvo Cars Korea invested 30 billion KRW over two years to jointly develop the TMAP infotainment service with TMAP Mobility, and provides a digital package including the ‘Volvo Cars App’ that allows the use of a digital key function via smartphone, and ‘Volvo On Call’ which can resolve issues occurring during driving in real time, evolving into smart personal mobility.
The TMAP infotainment service, which offers personalized services, integrates Korea’s highest quality navigation TMAP, user voice recognition AI platform NUGU, music platform FLO, allowing drivers to use various functions such as navigation, FLO music search, phone calls, and text messaging through the wake word ‘Aria’. Especially, the XC40 Recharge Twin model applies an electric vehicle-specific algorithm in TMAP to provide real-time features such as estimated remaining battery upon destination search, driving range based on battery level, automatic recommendation and route addition of nearby charging stations, and battery status monitoring.
The exterior design of the pure electric XC40 Recharge Twin features a frameless front grille design and headlamps equipped with 84-pixel LEDs, completing a new family look for pure electric vehicles. Additionally, the new front and rear bumper designs and newly added 20-inch Recharge-exclusive wheel design express the unique presence of the XC40 Recharge Twin on the road. Along with this, the interior is finished with a topography design decor panel and ‘Fjord Blue’ inspired by the west coast of Sweden, providing a new spatial experience.
Meanwhile, the mild hybrid model completes a more sophisticated image by applying new front and rear bumper designs, refined front LED headlamps, and a new 5-Y spoke matte graphite diamond-cut wheel design. Furthermore, the crystal gear knob and driftwood, previously applied only to the top-tier Inscription trim, have been expanded to all trims. This model is available in two trims: ‘Plus Bright’ and ‘Ultimate Bright’.
The new XC40 comes standard with the latest advanced driver assistance system (ADAS)-based premium safety package and driver assistance, consisting of radar, camera, and ultrasonic sensor arrays. This supports advanced safety technologies such as ▲steering support blind spot information system, ▲intersection traffic alert and emergency braking support, ▲rear collision warning and mitigation, and ‘Pilot Assist’ which maintains safe distance and lane between vehicles.
Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a neck protection system that protects the driver and passengers from external impacts during collisions, a side collision avoidance system, a speed cap limiting the vehicle’s top speed to 180 km/h, a Care Key that allows owners to limit the vehicle’s top speed themselves, and Volvo On Call which supports emergency dispatch and ambulance calls as standard features.
The powertrain consists of a 48V gasoline-based mild hybrid (maximum output 197 horsepower, maximum torque 30.6 kg·m) and a 100% pure electrified powertrain (maximum output 408 horsepower, maximum torque 67.3 kg·m) combined with an all-wheel-drive system.
The mild hybrid system comprises a 48-volt supplementary battery, integrated starter generator (ISG), and DC/DC converter, with the electric motor providing approximately 14 horsepower of additional output and 4.1 kg·m of additional torque to support smooth driving. It also improves fuel efficiency by about 10% compared to conventional internal combustion engines and reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 7g per kilometer.
The two electric motors installed in the XC40 Recharge Twin model deliver maximum torque instantly the moment the pedal is pressed, boasting driving performance that accelerates from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Along with this, the one-pedal drive, which controls both acceleration and deceleration with the accelerator pedal, supports a smooth and intuitive driving experience.
The newly launched XC40 is sold in three models according to interior design, seat type, convenience features, wheel design, and powertrain configuration: B4 AWD Plus Bright (48.4 million KRW), B4 AWD Ultimate Bright (52.8 million KRW), and Recharge Twin (63.88 million KRW, price reflecting eco-friendly tax benefits and 3.5% individual consumption tax).
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