Volvo XC40 T5 Twin Engine – Volvo adds a plug-in hybrid to the XC40 range

The Volvo XC40 T5 Twin Engine arrives as the first ‘Premium’ compact plug-in hybrid with 258bhp and official economy of 141mpg.

The Volvo XC40 T5 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid seems to have been a long time coming, but Volvo finally delivers its compact SUV with a proper plug-in hybrid powertrain, claimed to be a first in the Premium Compact SUV sector. 

The arrival of the XC40 plug-in now means Volvo has covered electrification of its whole range, with the XC40 Twin Engine joining similar plug-in hybrids already available in Volvo’s 60 and 90 Series models.

In the XC40, the Twin Engine bit means a 1.5 litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 177bhp plus an electric motor good for 81bhp for system that delivers 258bhp, making it the most powerful XC40 currently available.

Power for the electric motor comes from a 10.7kWh battery promising an electric range of 28.6 miles, but unlike the T8 Twin Engine models the XC40 T5 Twin Engine only delivers its power to the front wheels, but it does come with a new seven-speed twin-clutch auto ‘box.

Charging the battery at home on a regular 3-pin outlet will take 3.5-6 hours, but Volvo will flog you a type 2/mode 3 fast-charge cable for £50 which will cut charging time to 2.5 hours.

It would have been nice to see the XC40 plug-in hybrid come with a bigger battery and four-wheel drive, but it’s an appealing option and probably has enough electric range to make it possible for most owners to do their commute on EV power only.

The new Volvo XC40 T5 Twin Engine is now on sale at Volvo’s UK dealers, with prices starting at £40,905 for the R-Design trim, rising to £42,305 for the R-Design Pro and Inscription Pro.