Volvo has updated its 40 series cars via the traditional method of updatification: new lights, bigger screens, more technology. Welcome to the new Volvo XC40, EX40, and EC40.
Those latter ‘E’ badged cars are the electric ones, don’t forget, offering up to 575km on a single charge, while the XC40 is the 2.0-liter gasoline hybrid.
The ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights have been tweaked, and there’s a new front grille and new treatments for the hood and the arches, too. The XC40 and the EX40 get new taillights as well as a redesigned tailgate and rear bumper, while the EC40 gets…nada. Aww.
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All three get a bigger 11.2-inch touchscreen—yay?—which has been updated to make it “faster and easier with fewer taps needed to access key functions.” This sounds promising.
Naturally, all three get artificial intelligence shoved in there, too, so you can have a “natural conversation” with a computer (have we learned nothing from Terminator 2?) via Google Gemini. More everyday human upgrades also arrive in the form of ‘smart’ storage, a better wireless phone charger, better upholstery, and the option of—gasp—leather!
Other gasps arrive in the shape of a door-opening alert warning about oncoming cyclists, an upgraded ‘pilot assist’ system, and a 3D view for the (optional) 360-degree camera. These are all possible thanks to new frickin’ radars all round, a new front camera, new ultrasonic sensors, and even a new parking camera.
Think these new-look 40 cars have been have been substantially upgraded?
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
