The Volvo XC40 was the entry-level compact luxury SUV from Volvo in India before it was replaced by the electric EX40. The ICE version, especially the mild-hybrid petrol (MHEV) model, became popular among Indian buyers looking for safety, premium quality, and Scandinavian style in a practical size. Even though it has been discontinued, the XC40 ICE version remains a strong choice in the pre-owned luxury SUV market.
Let’s dive into the detailed Volvo XC40 petrol mild-hybrid review for Indian buyers.
Quick Specs – Volvo XC40 Petrol Mild Hybrid (India)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbo-petrol + 48V mild-hybrid |
| Power / Torque | 197 PS / 300 Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Variant | B4 Ultimate (Fully Loaded) |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹43.2 lakh (launch) – ₹45.9 lakh |
| Mileage (Real World) | 12–14 kmpl city / ~15 kmpl highway |
| Key Features | 9” touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon audio |
| Safety | 7 airbags, ADAS features, lane assist |
Overview: What is the Volvo XC40 MHEV?
- Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
- Power output: 197 PS and torque: 300 Nm.
- Mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
- Offered in India as a single fully-loaded B4 Ultimate variant.
- Price started at ₹43.2 lakh ex-showroom and later reached around ₹45.9 lakh.
This compact SUV offered a strong balance of luxury, safety, and everyday practicality for Indian families.
Price & Variants in India
- Variant offered: B4 Ultimate (fully loaded).
- Introductory price: ₹43.2 lakh.
- Later price: around ₹45.9 lakh.
- Competitors included the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and BMW X1.
In terms of pricing, the Volvo XC40 stood close to its German rivals but differentiated itself with a focus on safety and Scandinavian elegance.
Exterior Design and Road Presence
The Volvo XC40 has a sharp, upright stance that makes it look premium yet compact for city roads.
- Thor’s Hammer LED headlights add a signature Volvo touch.
- Slimmer bumpers and an updated grille in the facelift version gave it a fresh look.
- Strong shoulder lines and squared-off proportions make it appear more SUV-like than coupe-styled rivals.
- It balances urban practicality with luxury SUV presence.
For Indian roads, the XC40 felt premium without being too flashy.
Interior and Comfort
Inside the XC40, the cabin feels clean, modern, and Scandinavian.
- High-quality materials used across the dashboard and seats.
- 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system at the centre.
- Features like dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents, and PM2.5 air purifier make it family-friendly.
- Premium Harman Kardon 13-speaker sound system delivers crisp music quality.
- Panoramic sunroof adds openness to the cabin.
Rear seat space is comfortable for two adults, but taller passengers may find the legroom slightly tight compared to rivals.
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Engine and Performance – Mild Hybrid Power
The Volvo XC40 petrol mild-hybrid was powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
- Power: 197 PS
- Torque: 300 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive feel: refined and smooth, not too sporty.
The mild-hybrid system helped with:
- Idle start-stop function for better fuel savings.
- Smoother city driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency (Real-World in India):
- 12–14 kmpl in city driving.
- Around 15 kmpl on highways.
For a luxury petrol SUV, this efficiency was quite acceptable.
Ride and Handling
The Volvo XC40 offered a comfortable and planted ride quality.
- Suspension handled potholes and bumps well.
- Steering was light in the city but stable at highway speeds.
- Compact size made parking and city driving easy.
- Some road and tyre noise was noticeable on rough surfaces.
It was tuned more for comfort and family use rather than sporty handling.
Features and Technology
The XC40 was loaded with premium features. Key highlights:
- 9-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Wireless charging and multiple USB-C ports.
- Digital driver display.
- Panoramic sunroof.
- Harman Kardon audio system.
- Dual-zone climate control with PM2.5 purifier.
- Electric tailgate for convenience.
This made the XC40 feel like a true modern luxury SUV.
Safety – Volvo’s Core Strength
Safety is Volvo’s strongest area, and the XC40 did not compromise.
- 7 airbags.
- Strong crash-tested safety shell.
- Advanced driver assistance features like:
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Collision avoidance system
For Indian families, this was one of the safest SUVs in its segment.
Pros and Cons of Volvo XC40 ICE
Pros
- Stylish Scandinavian design.
- Compact size perfect for Indian roads.
- High safety levels with advanced tech.
- Premium features like panoramic sunroof and Harman Kardon audio.
- Good ride comfort and fuel efficiency for its class.
Cons
- Rear seat space slightly tight.
- Service network smaller compared to German rivals.
- Not as sporty in performance as BMW X1 or Audi Q3.
- Premium pricing after initial launch offer.
FAQs About Volvo XC40 Petrol (India)
Q1: Is the Volvo XC40 still available in India?
No, the petrol mild-hybrid XC40 has been discontinued in 2023. The electric EX40 is now offered.
Q2: What was the mileage of Volvo XC40 petrol in India?
Owners reported 12–14 kmpl in the city and around 15 kmpl on highways.
Q3: Which variant was offered in India?
Only the B4 Ultimate fully-loaded variant was available.
Q4: How safe is the Volvo XC40?
It came with 7 airbags, ADAS, and Volvo’s strong safety structure, making it one of the safest SUVs in its class.
Q5: Who were its main rivals in India?
The XC40 competed with the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Lexus UX (imported models).
Conclusion – Should You Consider Volvo XC40?
The Volvo XC40 petrol mild-hybrid was a smart choice for Indian buyers who valued safety, luxury, and refinement over sporty performance. It offered a premium feel, top-notch features, and the reassurance of Volvo’s strong safety record.
Even though it has been discontinued, the XC40 remains an excellent pick in the pre-owned luxury SUV market in India. If you find a well-maintained model, it can be a great value luxury SUV that balances practicality with Scandinavian elegance.
For new buyers, Volvo now offers the XC40 Recharge electric and the upcoming EX40, but the ICE XC40 will always remain a popular choice among Indian luxury SUV fans.
Author- Ayush
