Volvo has just announced they will be using the T5 Twin Engine hybrid system in the XC40, making Volvo the only manufacturer with a hybrid available on every model they offer. The XC40 will also be the only car in its segment (Compact SUV) to have a plug-in hybrid variant.
The T5 Twin Engine matches a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 180hp to an electric motor with 82hp giving a total output of 262hp, meaning this will be the most powerful powertrain available in the XC40. It's not all about power though, this new twin-engine set up is better for the environment too, with preliminary WLTP CO2 figures of just 38g/km (when running the 19” wheels), and a combined cycle fuel consumption of up to 141.1mpg.
The XC40 will use a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 10.7kWh, allowing an electric-only range of up to 28.6 miles, dependant on driving style and battery charge. The new Twin-Engine T5 will be added to the current line-up of two diesel and three petrol engines, next year a full-electric model will be added too.
The T5 Twin Engine will also be the first to be used with Volvo's new CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform, unlike the already in use SPA (Scalable Product Architecture), which uses all-wheel drive, the CMA platform uses front-wheel drive. The T5 Twin Engine will be paired to a new seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission aiding its efficiency.
The XC40 T5 Twin Engine comes, as standard, with a 4.5m cable with a three-pin plug which plugs into an outlet on the nearside front wing and charges the battery fully between 3.5 and 6 hours. A fast charging cable will be an optional extra at £50, this will charge the battery in only 2.5 hours.
The XC40 T5 Twin Engine will be available in the R-Design, R-Design Pro, Inscription and Inscription Pro trim levels, with the R-Design prices starting at £40,905. Orders are being taken now and first deliveries are expected in February 2020.
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