Volvo’s debut plug-in hybrid XC40 is now available to order, offering CO2 emissions from 38g/km with pricing starting from £40,905.

The launch of the XC40 T5 plug-in hybrid means Volvo now offers plug-in hybrids across its line-up

Standing out in the premium compact SUV sector as the UK’s first plug-in hybrid, the new XC40 T5 Twin Engine joins the established T8 Twin Engine powertrain deployed in Volvo’s larger models and means the carmaker now offers plug-in hybrid versions across its entire model range – said to be a world-first achievement.

Arriving ahead of next year’s arrival of a fully electric XC40, the front-wheel drive hybrid system combines Volvo’s new 180hp three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine with an 82hp electric motor to achieve a combined output of 262hp – making it the highest-powered model in the XC40 line-up. It comes with a new seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission as standard and provides a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds along with WLTP-rated CO2 emissions from 38g/km-43g/km (depending on wheel size) and combined fuel economy of up to 141.1mpg (preliminary data).

The 10.7kWh capacity lithium-ion battery gives an electric-only driving range of up to 28.6 miles and can be fully charged via the standard-three pin plug cable in between 3.5 and six hours while charging via the optional (£50 extra) fast-charge cable brings a complete recharge in as little as 2.5 hours.

The new powertrain is offered in R-Design, R-Design Pro, Inscription and Inscription Pro trim levels and is aimed at mid-manager user-choosers (see interview with Volvo head of business sales Steve Beattie here).

Prices for the T5 Twin Engine start at £40,905 OTR for the R-Design, rising to £42,305 for both the XC40 T5 Twin Engine R-Design Pro and XC40 T5 Twin Engine Inscription Pro.

First deliveries to UK customers start from February 2020.