Volvo XC40 2022: mid-cycle facelift revealed ahead of launch

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The facelifted version of the Volvo XC40 has been shared on the manufacturer’s German website showcasing a number of small modifications.

While the model is referred to as the 2022 model in Europe, Volvo Australia says it will be branded as the model year 2023 for Australia when it arrives early in H2 of 2022.

Sitting at the bigger end of the small SUV segment, the XC40 competes directly with the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lexus UX and Audi Q3.

The front end has received very minor improvements over the previous model, including new DRL signatures, redesigned front fascia and new fog lights borrowed from the C40 Recharge – an all-electric model set to launch in the second half of 2022, also. 

There are now new wheel designs for the XC40 which will be available on the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric model. The 19-inch, five-spoke wheels are borrowed from the C40 Recharge. 

Photos of the interior show that things are largely unchanged for the updated XC40, however there is a chance that a leather-free interior will feature as Volvo phases out animal-based products to improve sustainability. 

Powertrains are likely to remain the same as before. Currently, the XC40 is offered with petrol, plug-in hybrid and all-electric powertrains in Australia. 

Turbocharged petrol four-cylinders start off the range with 140kW of power, boosting up to 185kW in the T5 variant. These are followed by a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated with an electric motor that produces a combined output of 192kW and 265Nm.

Volvo has promised to only sell electric vehicles from 2030 so if an internal combustion engine is still your preference, it would be wise to grab one now while you can. 

Forgetting internal combustion, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric offers plenty of punch with 300kW of power and 660Nm of torque. In Australia, the dual motor, all-wheel drive version is the only available option. 

The XC40 Recharge Pure Electric shares its platform with the Polestar 2 sedan, which is available with both single and dual motor configurations. 

Although many would think the XC40 is built in Europe, it is in fact built in China alongside the Polestar 2.